Dynamic Endoscope Cap for Tissue Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tunneling processes in third space endoscopy rely on static objects, limiting the displacement or separation of tissue layers, which can hinder access to target sites.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a dynamic endoscope cap featuring moveable arms hinged to a body with central lumen, operably coupled to wires that allow the arms to move between closed and open positions, facilitating tissue separation and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static cap is used for tissue separation, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to separate and displace tissue layers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static cap into a dynamic structure with moveable arms that can actively separate tissue layers. The arms are hingeably coupled to the cap body and can be positioned at different angles (0-180 degrees) to adapt to various tissue separation needs, directly resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is segmented into multiple independent moveable arms rather than a single rigid structure. Each arm can be independently positioned and controlled, allowing for versatile tissue separation while maintaining a relatively simple overall cap structure that attaches to the endoscope.
2Ease of operation
If a static cap is used, then the device is easy to operate, but access to target sites is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable arms provide dynamic control during the procedure, allowing the operator to actively manipulate tissue separation in real-time. This enhances productivity by enabling better access to target sites while maintaining ease of operation through the intuitive wire-controlled mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Wires act as intermediaries connecting the operator's hand movements to the cap's arm positions. This intermediary mechanism translates simple operator inputs into complex tissue separation actions, maintaining ease of operation while achieving improved access to target sites.
3Length of moving object
If moveable arms are added to the cap, then tissue layer displacement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements moveable arms with hinge joints that allow controlled displacement of tissue layers. The arms can extend and position themselves to achieve greater tissue displacement while the hinge mechanism keeps the overall cap structure relatively compact and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable arms are nested within or integrated into the cap body structure when not in use. The hinge mechanisms and wiring are contained within the cap's overall form factor, allowing enhanced tissue displacement capability without proportionally increasing the external dimensions or visual complexity of the device.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device including a handle with a first arm operator and a second arm operator, and a cap. The cap includes a body having a central lumen about a central longitudinal axis, a first arm hingeably coupled to the body and operably coupled to the first arm operator by a first wire, and a second arm hingeably coupled to the body and operably coupled to the second arm operator by a second wire. The first arm operator is moveable in the handle to move the first arm between a closed position with the first arm generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis and an open position with the first arm generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. The second arm operator is moveable in the handle to move the second arm between a closed position and an open position.