Disposable Endoscope Cannula with Multi-Camera Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes require stringent decontamination and disinfection due to reusable lens or fiber optic systems, which can be costly and prone to cross-contamination, necessitating the development of a cost-effective, single-use solution that minimizes the risk of hospital-acquired diseases.
Innovation Solution
A multi-camera, multi-spectral endoscope with a single-use cannula and reusable handle, featuring two cameras and light sources emitting different wavelengths, capable of capturing and processing composite images to highlight specific tissue properties, enhancing anatomical features and reducing the need for extensive decontamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reusable lens or fiber optic system is used in conventional endoscopes, then the endoscope can be used multiple times, but stringent decontamination and disinfection procedures are required which increase cost and risk of cross-contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into two distinct segments: a reusable handle portion containing the light source and control electronics, and a disposable cannula portion containing the camera. This segmentation allows the camera-equipped cannula to be discarded after single use, eliminating the need for decontamination procedures on the imaging components while maintaining the ability to perform multiple procedures with the reusable handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula portion of the endoscope is designed as a disposable, single-use component that contains the camera system. This disposable design eliminates the need for expensive and complex decontamination procedures required for reusable lens or fiber optic systems, while also reducing the risk of cross-contamination between patients. The cannula is discarded after a single procedure and cannot be reused.
2Productivity
If a reusable lens or fiber optic system is used in conventional endoscopes, then the endoscope can be used multiple times, but the risk of cross-contamination and hospital-acquired diseases increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula portion containing the camera system is designed as a disposable, single-use component. This eliminates the risk of cross-contamination and hospital-acquired diseases associated with reusable optical systems, as the cannula is discarded after a single procedure cannot be reused. The reusable handle portion can be used for multiple procedures with different patients.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the endoscope into reusable and disposable portions, the design allows the imaging components (camera) to be discarded after single use, eliminating cross-contamination risks while maintaining high procedure throughput through the reusable handle that can serve multiple patients sequentially.
3Measurement precision
If conventional endoscopes with reusable optical systems are used, then imaging quality can be maintained, but decontamination procedures are costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula portion containing the camera system is designed as a disposable, single-use component. This eliminates time-consuming and costly decontamination procedures required for reusable optical systems. The disposable cannula is discarded after a single procedure, immediately available for the next use without requiring cleaning, sterilization, or inspection processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope is segmented into reusable and disposable portions, allowing the imaging components to be discarded after single use. This eliminates the time required for decontamination procedures while maintaining imaging quality through the use of fresh, sterile disposable cannulas for each procedure.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable endoscopes are used, then the risk of cross-contamination is reduced, but the cost per procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into expensive reusable components (handle with light source and control electronics) and inexpensive disposable components (cannula with camera). This segmentation reduces the cost per procedure compared to disposable entire endoscopes, as only the lightweight cannula is discarded while the expensive handle is reused across multiple procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula portion is designed as a disposable component that is inexpensive to manufacture. This reduces the overall cost per procedure compared to disposable entire endoscopes, while still eliminating cross-contamination risks associated with reusable optical systems. The reusable handle amortizes its cost across multiple procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The endoscope provides enhanced imaging capabilities with reduced risk of cross-contamination and lower costs by using disposable components, improving patient safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the first light source is configured to emit primarily light in a first wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
the second light source is configured to emit light primarily in a second wavelength range that differs from the first wavelength range
Implementation Method 3
the first camera includes a first two-dimensional (2D) image sensor and a first color filter
Implementation Method 4
the second camera includes a second 2D sensor and a second color filter that differs from the first color filter in the wavelength allowed to pass through
Implementation Method 5
a processing system receiving images taken with the first camera and with the second camera and processing the images into composite images that overlay images from the first camera of selected portions of the target
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic system includes a single-use portion and a multiple-use portion. The two portions can be mated and un-mated. The single-use portion includes an elongated cannula that has a bendable section near its distal end providing a “steerable” distal tip. The imaging system includes at least two separate cameras and two separate light sources. The camera and light sources are configured to simultaneously image a target object. By employing different illuminations, different filters and manipulating the spectral responses, different characteristics of the target object can be captured. According to some embodiments, a system processor can coordinate the cameras, the light sources and combine the resulting images to display to an operator an enhanced combined image the object.