Disposable Medical Introducer with Reference Markers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical devices for minimally invasive procedures face challenges such as limited optical capabilities, difficulty in managing multiple devices, potential for disease transmission due to reuse, and high costs associated with sterilization and replacement.

Innovation Solution

A medical device introduction system comprising a medical introducer with independent control of imaging and working channel devices, featuring a modular design with translucent components for visualization and a marker system for detecting biological contamination, allowing for precise control and single-use disposable options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional endoscopes and delivery devices are made reusable to reduce costs, then purchasing costs are reduced, but sterilization costs and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reusabilityVSAvoidsterilization time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes a single-use introducer device that is discarded after one procedure, eliminating the need for sterilization between uses. This disposable approach resolves the contradiction by accepting reduced device lifespan in exchange for eliminating time-consuming sterilization processes and reducing infection risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple medical devices are used in minimally invasive procedures, then procedural capabilities are enhanced, but device management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedural capabilitiesVSAvoiddevice management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the imaging device and delivery device into a single combined introducer assembly. This merging allows multiple functions (imaging, delivery, visualization) to be performed simultaneously through one integrated device, enhancing procedural capabilities while simplifying device management by reducing the number of separate components the physician must handle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The introducer device is designed with multiple lumens and channels that can accommodate various medical instruments, catheters, and imaging devices. This universal design allows a single introducer to perform multiple procedural functions, enhancing versatility while maintaining simple overall device management through standardized access points and control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If conventional endoscopes are maneuvered through anatomical structures, then access to target sites is achieved, but optical capabilities are limited and orientation is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to target siteVSAvoidorientation information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a reference marker system that acts as an intermediary between the introducer device and the imaging system. These markers provide constant visual reference points that maintain spatial orientation information even as the device is maneuvered through anatomical structures, preventing loss of orientation while enabling access to target sites.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If reusable devices are sterilized repeatedly, then infection risk is reduced, but small and narrow working channels become difficult to clean

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection preventionVSAvoidcleanability of narrow channels

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a single-use introducer device that is discarded after one procedure, eliminating the need to sterilize narrow working channels. This approach resolves the contradiction by accepting the limitation of narrow channel cleanability in exchange for eliminating sterilization requirements entirely, thereby maintaining infection prevention reliability without the cleaning difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enhances precision and safety in minimally invasive procedures by maintaining a constant reference point for visualization, reducing the risk of infection transmission, and lowering costs through disposable components and simplified sterilization processes.

Implementation Method 1

The marker is configured to indicate the presence or absence of biological contamination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS10448811B2Medical device introduction and imaging system, and associated method

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 UVISION 360 INC

AI summary

A medical device introduction system is adapted to be at least partially insertable into an interior body region of a patient. The system includes a medical imager including a body member having a handle, an elongate member extending from the handle, an imaging device carried at a distal portion of the elongate member, and an introducer enclosing the elongate member. A manipulator is configured for imparting displacement of the introducer to form an angled end portion to define a line of sight extending from the angled end portion. The manipulator is further configured for altering the line of sight to increase a viewing angle of the imaging device.