Double-balloon endoscope with magnetic shape detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-balloon endoscope systems face difficulties in inserting the insertion section into deep parts of the digestive tract, such as the small intestine, due to complex curvature, making it challenging to transmit force effectively and visualize the endoscope shape during insertion.
Innovation Solution
A double-balloon endoscope system equipped with a magnetic-field generating and detecting element, balloon control unit, and state-image generating unit, which includes balloons on the endoscope and overtube, allows for real-time visualization of the endoscope shape and balloon inflation states using magnetic fields, enabling precise insertion and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the insertion section is pushed into the small intestine, then the endoscope can reach deep parts of the digestive tract, but force transmission becomes ineffective due to complex curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion section is divided into multiple segments by balloons that can be inflated independently. Each balloon segment can be fixed to the intestinal wall separately, allowing the endoscope to navigate complex curves by anchoring at multiple points rather than relying on continuous force transmission through a straight shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
Balloons are inflated in advance at specific positions before advancing the insertion section. This preliminary anchoring creates stable reference points that guide subsequent insertion, allowing the operator to navigate around curves by securing the endoscope at strategic locations ahead of time.
2Loss of information
If X-ray fluoroscopy is used to detect endoscope shape, then real-time visualization is achieved, but radiation exposure and equipment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field detection system replaces the mechanical and radiological complexity of X-ray fluoroscopy with a simpler magnetic sensing approach. Magnetic field generating elements attached to the endoscope interact with magnetic field detecting elements in the body, providing shape information through electromagnetic interaction rather than ionizing radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field serves as an intermediary between the endoscope and the detection system. Rather than directly imaging the endoscope with X-rays, the system uses magnetic fields to transmit positional and shape information from the endoscope's magnetic elements to external detectors, simplifying the overall imaging architecture.
3Stability of the object's composition
If balloons are inflated to fix the endoscope, then insertion stability improves, but the ability to navigate curves decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon inflation system is dynamic and adaptable rather than static. Different balloons can be inflated or deflated in sequence based on the immediate navigation needs, allowing the endoscope to transition between stable anchored states and flexible navigation states as required by the intestinal anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion process uses periodic inflation and deflation of balloons in a rhythmic sequence. As the endoscope encounters curves, specific balloons are inflated to provide stability; when straight sections are reached, balloons are deflated to allow smooth advancement, creating a periodic pattern of anchoring and moving that optimizes both stability and navigability.
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
This system facilitates easier and more reliable insertion of the endoscope into deep body cavities by providing real-time visual feedback of the endoscope shape and balloon positions, reducing operator burden and examination time while minimizing patient discomfort and eliminating the need for X-ray fluoroscopy.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic-field generating element for generating a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic-field detecting element for detecting a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system, serving as a double-balloon endoscope system, includes an endoscope apparatus for examinations using an endoscope, a shape detection apparatus used in combination with the endoscope apparatus, and a balloon controller. The shape detection apparatus detects positions of respective points in an insertion section of the endoscope, estimates the shape of the insertion section on the basis of the detected positions, and displays an image representing the modeled shape of the insertion section corresponding to the estimated shape. The balloon controller controls balloons, serving as insertion support units, attached to the endoscope. The shape detection apparatus detects the states of the balloons controlled through the balloon controller and reflects the controlled states of the balloons on an image representing the shape of the insertion section. With this arrangement, the inflation/deflation states of the balloons and the insertion state can be visually confirmed in real time with ease.