Embedded Laser Fiber Layout for Unobstructed Stone Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of laser fibers within the confined working channel of medical scopes, such as endoscopes, leads to overcrowding and time-consuming instrument swapping, hindering efficient procedures due to the need to insert and remove multiple pieces of equipment, and the laser fiber's precise placement requires sedation and time.
Innovation Solution
The laser fiber is configured to extend partially outside the working channel through a separate sheath, maintaining a consistent position adjacent to the channel, allowing additional space for other equipment and reducing the need for swapping, with attachable or embedded designs for reusable or disposable endoscopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the laser fiber is inserted into the working channel of the endoscope, then the laser fiber can be positioned near the target for lithotripsy, but the working channel becomes overcrowded and requires instrument swapping that increases procedure time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser fiber with the endoscope by providing it an external pathway alongside the working channel, allowing both the endoscope and laser fiber to function simultaneously without requiring sequential insertion and removal, thereby eliminating instrument swapping time while maintaining precise laser positioning at the target site
2Use of energy by moving object
If the laser fiber is inserted into the working channel of the endoscope, then the laser fiber can deliver energy to the target, but the working channel space is reduced for other instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the delivery pathways by providing the laser fiber with a separate external pathway alongside the working channel, allowing the working channel to remain dedicated for other instruments while the laser fiber occupies its own dedicated space, thus preserving both laser energy delivery capability and working channel accessibility
3Productivity
If the laser fiber is inserted into the working channel of the endoscope, then the laser fiber can be used for stone ablation, but the insertion requires patient sedation and precise placement that increases procedure complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-attaching the laser fiber to the endoscope outside the patient's body, with the laser fiber extending along the length of the endoscope and being ready for immediate use upon insertion, thereby eliminating the need for complex intra-procedural insertion maneuvers and reducing the need for patient sedation
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 configuration enhances procedural efficiency by maintaining laser fiber consistency, saving time and space in the working channel, enabling easier access for ancillary instruments and reducing patient sedation time.
Implementation Method 1
laser lithotripsy can include breaking up of calculi using a green light or holmium laser
Implementation Method 2
a suction conduit can be inserted through the working channel to apply suction to remove pieces of the calculus
Data Source
AI summary
A single-use or reusable cap or an objective head to a scope can be used for integrating a laser fiber within the objective head but outside a working channel of the scope. The endoscope maintains an attached or embedded permanent laser fiber to ablate particulates that are suctioned into the endoscope assembly via a suction conduit. With such integration, there is no need to manipulate the laser fiber into a working channel; rather, a practitioner, e.g., physician, can move the medical device, including the laser fiber, as an entire unit into the patient toward the target stone and allow for suction of the stone through a working channel without blocking of the working channel by the laser fiber.