Disposable Endoscope Cannula Segmentation for Sterility
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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 inefficient, and there is a need for a solution that reduces the risk of cross-contamination and hospital-acquired diseases, especially in applications requiring a steerable distal tip for varied field of view.
Innovation Solution
A portable endoscope design featuring a reusable handle with a force-generating cable driver and a single-use cannula with a bendable distal portion, allowing for selective bending controlled by a thumb-operated lever, and featuring a fluid hub and steering cables for omnidirectional imaging, with the option of electric motors or manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
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 are costly and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into two distinct segments: a reusable handle portion containing the lens or fiber optic system, and a disposable cannula portion. This segmentation allows the expensive optical components to be reused while the disposable cannula eliminates complex decontamination procedures, as it can be discarded after a single use.
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for stringent decontamination procedures. This approach trades the cost of replacing a cheap disposable component against the complexity and cost of decontaminating a reusable system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a disposable endoscope is used, then the risk of cross-contamination and hospital acquired diseases is reduced, but the lens or fiber optic system cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the endoscope into reusable handle and disposable cannula, the optical system can be reused across multiple patients while the disposable cannula ensures reduced cross-contamination risk. Each component serves its optimal function based on reusability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cannula eliminates cross-contamination concerns by being discarded after single use, while the reusable handle contains the expensive optical components that can be sterilized and reused safely across multiple procedures and patients.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a steerable distal tip is implemented to provide varied field of view, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering mechanism is extracted and integrated into the disposable cannula portion, which simplifies the reusable handle design. The cannula contains the bendable section and steering controls, allowing the handle to remain simpler while still providing steerable functionality through the disposable component.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal tip is made dynamically steerable by incorporating a bendable section in the cannula that can be controlled by the operator. This allows the field of view to be adjusted in real-time during procedures, providing adaptability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through the disposable design.
4Measurement precision
If a force-generating cable driver with electric motors is used, then steering precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized cable driver is integrated into the disposable cannula, allowing the use of electric motors for precise steering control without increasing the complexity of the reusable handle. The disposable nature of the cannula means the motorized system can be optimized for precision without concern for long-term durability or sterilization requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual thumb-operated lever is replaced with an electric motorized cable driver in the cannula. This substitution provides more precise and controlled steering of the distal tip, while the disposable nature of the cannula allows for simplified motor integration without the need for complex protective enclosures or long-term maintenance systems.
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 design enables efficient, safe, and cost-effective use of endoscopes with reduced risk of contamination, providing a versatile and ergonomic solution for steerable imaging with the ability to bend the cannula in multiple planes, enhancing user control and reducing patient discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
the force-generating cable driver imparts to said cables the force needed to cause said bending
Implementation Method 2
steering cables extending from the fluid hub to said bendable portion of the cannula and releasably coupled operatively to said force-generating cable driver
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 distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to a display screen forming which forms part of the multiple-use portion. Ergonomically designed steering control and significant portions of the steering structure reside in the multiple-use portion. The cannula is configured to rotate, which further expands the field of view when combined with steering deflection along a single axis. Some embodiments, include motorized distal tip deflection and/or omni-directional tip deflection.