Dual-Sheath Ureteroscope Attachment for Faster Orifice Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of separate cystoscopes and ureteroscopes during ureteroscopy procedures is costly and time-consuming due to the additional steps required for insertion and removal, increasing the procedure's length and complexity.

Innovation Solution

An attachment for an imaging device, comprising a first sheath and a second sheath with a connector, allows for both cystoscopy and ureteroscopy procedures to be performed using the same camera and lighting equipment, eliminating the need for a separate cystoscope by providing a combined sheath system that can be pulled away without withdrawing the first sheath.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a separate cystoscope is used to examine the bladder and locate the ureteral orifice before inserting the ureteroscope, then the ureteral orifice can be accurately located, but the procedure becomes more expensive and time-consuming due to the additional steps of inserting and removing the cystoscope and the need for separate equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveureteral orifice location accuracyVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cystoscope and ureteroscope into a single integrated device. The ureteroscope includes a cystoscope portion with a camera that can examine the bladder and locate the ureteral orifice, and a ureteroscopy portion that can be advanced into the ureter. This eliminates the need to use separate cystoscope and ureteroscope equipment, reducing procedure time and cost while maintaining the ability to accurately locate the ureteral orifice.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ureteroscope is designed to perform multiple functions: it can examine the bladder (cystoscopy function) and locate the ureteral orifice, and then advance into the ureter for ureteroscopy. The single device replaces the need for separate specialized instruments, making the procedure more efficient without sacrificing diagnostic or locational accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate cystoscope is used before the ureteroscope, then the bladder can be examined and the ureteral orifice located, but the procedure complexity increases due to multiple devices and steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebladder examination capabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cystoscope and ureteroscope into a single integrated device. The ureteroscope includes a cystoscope portion with a camera that can examine the bladder and locate the ureteral orifice, and a ureteroscopy portion that can be advanced into the ureter. This eliminates the need to use separate cystoscope and ureteroscope equipment, reducing procedure time and cost while maintaining the ability to accurately locate the ureteral orifice.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the second sheath is tightly fitted around the first sheath, then the sheaths remain stable during insertion, but the second sheath cannot be easily removed without withdrawing the first sheath

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheath stability during insertionVSAvoidsheath removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sheath system is divided into two separate sheaths: an inner sheath and an outer sheath. The outer sheath can be independently removed from the inner sheath by pulling it towards the distal end, allowing the operator to leave the inner sheath in place while removing the outer sheath. This segmentation enables independent manipulation and removal of each sheath component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner sheath is nested within the outer sheath during insertion, with the outer sheath providing protection and support. However, the design allows the outer sheath to be peeled back and removed while the inner sheath remains in position, enabling staged removal where the inner sheath can stay as an access pathway while the outer sheath is discarded or stored.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3407771B1Attachment for an ureteroscope

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

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AI summary

An attachment (2) for an imaging device (4) including a first sheath (6) including a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a second sheath (8) positioned around an exterior of the first sheath (6); and a connector (10) coupled to the first sheath (6) and configured to be coupled to the imaging device (4).