Endoluminal Access Guide Track with Motorized Modular Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoluminal procedures often face challenges in accurately positioning devices within the body lumen due to the need for manual steering of endoscopes, which can be time-consuming and traumatic to tissues, especially when removing tumors or polyps.
Innovation Solution
An endoluminal access system comprising a guide track and a modular device with a drive mechanism that allows for precise movement along the guide track, reducing tissue trauma and enabling accurate positioning without the need for manual insertion, using a guidewire instead of an endoscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual steering of endoscopes is used for positioning, then the device can be inserted through body orifices, but the positioning accuracy is reduced and tissue trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering of endoscopes with an automated robotic system that uses a guide track and motorized modular devices. The robotic system positions the device along the guide track using motorized actuation, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and reducing tissue trauma while improving positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a guide track as an intermediary structure that facilitates precise device positioning. The guide track serves as a mechanical guide that constrains and directs the modular device to the target location, improving positioning accuracy while minimizing tissue disruption compared to direct manual endoscope insertion.
2Productivity
If manual endoscope insertion is used, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the medical device into modular components including a guide track, modular device, and drive mechanism. This segmentation allows for specialized optimization of each component for speed and efficiency while maintaining overall system manageability, reducing procedural time despite increased equipment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from manual control to automated motorized control, enabling faster and more precise device delivery. The motorized drive mechanism along the guide track allows for controlled, rapid positioning compared to manual endoscope insertion, improving productivity.
3Measurement precision
If rigid or flexible tubes are used for endoluminal access, then the treatment site can be accessed, but the positioning precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide track acts as an intermediary structure that provides a defined pathway and mechanical constraints for the modular device. This guide track system improves positioning precision by physically guiding the device to the target location, while the modular design maintains ease of operation through standardized coupling and motorized actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual steering of flexible tubes with motorized actuation of modular devices along a guide track. This substitution provides more precise and controlled positioning while reducing the difficulty of operation, as the motorized system handles the complex maneuvers that would otherwise require skilled manual manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoluminal access system for accessing a body lumen, comprises a guide track which, when in an operative position, extends through a body lumen to a desired location therewithin and a modular device selectively coupleable to the guide track, the modular device including a drive mechanism for engaging the guide track to move the modular device along the guide track within the body lumen. A method of resecting tissue from a site within a body comprises the steps of inserting a guide track to a desired location within the body lumen, coupling a modular device to a proximal end of the guide track and actuating a motor mounted within the modular device to drive the modular device distally along the guide track to the site, drawing tissue at the site into the modular device in combination with the steps of coupling together a portion of tissue adjacent to the site, resecting the tissue from the site and actuating the motor to drive the modular device proximally to withdraw the modular device from the body lumen.