Disposable Resectoscope with Nested Shaft and Digital Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reusable resectoscope systems face challenges with large outside diameters, complex and costly components, ergonomic issues, and safety concerns due to complex reprocessing, which can lead to improperly cleaned or sterilized instruments.
Innovation Solution
A disposable surgical device with a shaft portion and handle portion, featuring an optical assembly, surgical tool, and distinct fluid channels for injection and suction, designed for endoscopic or laparoscopic therapies, incorporating a high-frequency shielded digital imaging and illumination system with integrated instruments, allowing for monopolar and bipolar modes, and compatible with various high-frequency generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a larger outside diameter is used in the insertion shaft, then the attachment of high-frequency instruments and outer sheath is accommodated, but the device becomes bulkier and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the inner shaft within the outer sheath, with the surgical tool positioned within the inner shaft. This nested arrangement allows the high-frequency instrument to be accommodated within a compact configuration, eliminating the need for a larger outside diameter while maintaining all necessary functional components.
2Reliability
If complex reprocessing procedures are used to assure sterility, then patient safety is improved, but the risk of improper cleaning or sterilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable resectoscope system where the entire device is discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for complex reprocessing procedures and completely removes the risk of improper cleaning or sterilization, while maintaining patient safety through single-use sterile packaging.
3Measurement precision
If expensive components including rod lens endoscopes and camera systems are used, then imaging quality is improved, but the device becomes heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the heavy rod lens endoscope and separate camera system components from the resectoscope assembly. Instead, it uses a lightweight digital imaging sensor integrated directly into the shaft, achieving acceptable imaging quality without the bulk and weight of traditional optical systems.
4Reliability
If specialized personnel perform complex assembly procedures in the operating theater, then device functionality is ensured, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-assembling the resectoscope system in a controlled manufacturing environment with quality control measures. The device is ready for immediate use upon removal from sterile packaging, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures in the operating theater and significantly reducing procedural time.
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 solution provides a hygienic, ergonomic, and economical resectoscope system that improves patient safety by offering a preassembled and sterilized system, reducing the risk of improperly processed instruments and enhancing ergonomics over traditional rod lens designs.
Implementation Method 1
The optical assembly includes a light source and an imaging sensor
Implementation Method 2
A first channel that extends along the longitudinal axis is defined by one or both of the outer sheath and the inner shaft, the first channel providing a first flow path between the proximal end of the shaft portion and a first opening provided at a distal end of the shaft portion
Implementation Method 3
A second channel that extends along the longitudinal axis is defined by one or both of the outer sheath and the inner shaft, the second channel providing a second flow path between the proximal end of the shaft portion and a second opening provided at the distal end of the shaft portion
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device for examination and treatment of a target area. The surgical device includes a shaft portion that extends along a longitudinal axis and that is configured to be inserted into a patient's body, a surgical tool provided within the outer sheath and configured to be movable along the longitudinal axis, and an optical assembly provided at a distal end of the inner shaft, the optical assembly including a light source and an imaging sensor.