Dual-Actuator Articulation Handle for Single-Hand Endoscopic Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical devices for procedures like endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and gastrointestinal (GI) tract surgeries lack sufficient articulating capabilities, requiring multiple hands or additional devices for maneuvering, limiting maneuverability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A medical device with a handle and dual actuators that allow independent translation along tracks for articulating and actuating a shaft and end effector, enhancing maneuverability through a single-hand operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing medical devices are used for GI tract procedures, then the device structure is simple, but the articulating capability is limited requiring multiple hands or additional devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticulating capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (articulation control and end effector actuation) into a single dual-actuator system integrated within the handle. The first and second actuators are movably coupled to the handle and work together to provide both shaft articulation and end effector actuation, eliminating the need for separate control devices and enabling single-hand operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: the first actuator controls both shaft articulation (when moved relative to the handle) and end effector actuation (when moved relative to the second actuator). The second actuator similarly controls both shaft articulation and end effector actuation. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If additional devices are added to improve articulating capability, then the maneuverability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple control functions into a single device by combining the first and second actuators within one handle assembly. This consolidation provides enhanced articulating capability and maneuverability without requiring multiple separate devices, as both actuators work together to control shaft articulation and end effector actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuators are designed with movable coupling to the handle, allowing dynamic adjustment and translation along tracks. This dynamic design enables flexible control of shaft articulation and end effector actuation, improving maneuverability while maintaining a single integrated device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple hands are used to manipulate the device, then the articulating capability is improved, but the productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticulating capabilityVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control functions into a single device by combining the first and second actuators within one handle assembly. This consolidation provides enhanced articulating capability and end effector actuation control, enabling single-hand operation and improving procedural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-actuator system with independent translation capabilities accelerates the control response for both shaft articulation and end effector actuation. The first track and second track allow simultaneous or sequential control of multiple functions, reducing procedure time and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

Data Source

PatentUS12484922B2Medical articulation devices and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 BOSTON SCI MEDICAL DEVICE LTD

AI summary

A medical device that includes a handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle, an end effector extending distally from the shaft, a first actuator movably coupled to the handle, and a second actuator movably coupled to the handle. The first actuator is configured to (1) articulate the shaft in response to translating the first actuator in a first direction relative to the handle and the second actuator, and (2) actuate the end effector in response to translating the first actuator in a second direction relative to the handle and the second actuator. The second actuator is configured to (1) articulate the shaft in response to translating the second actuator in the first direction relative to the handle and the first actuator, and (2) actuate the end effector in response to translating the second actuator in the second direction relative to the handle and the first actuator.