Endoluminal Introducer Projections Offset Lens Contamination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laparoscopes lack the ability to insufflate the rectum and wash/aspirate fluids during endoluminal examinations, leading to debris accumulation that obscures the lens and complicates the assessment of tissue perfusion post-LAR surgery, increasing the risk of anastomotic complications.

Innovation Solution

An endoluminal introducer device with a tubular member and inward projections that offset the laparoscope, creating a space for debris and fluids to flow away from the lens, and includes features for insufflation and aspiration to maintain clear visibility during the examination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional endoscopic imaging device is used for endoluminal examination, then the device can provide imaging capability, but the lens becomes obscured by debris during insertion and examination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidlens contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The introducer device is segmented into multiple functional components: a tubular member for structural support, projections for creating clearance space, and separate ports for insufflation and aspiration. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of the contamination problem independently while working together to protect the lens

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The introducer device acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the endoluminal space, creating a controlled environment around the scope. The tubular member and projections form an intermediary structure that directs fluid flow and prevents debris from reaching the lens directly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If modern fluorescence-capable laparoscopes are used, then tissue perfusion assessment capability is improved, but the ability to insufflate and wash fluids is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue perfusion assessmentVSAvoidinsufflation and washing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The introducer device provides multi-functionality by integrating insufflation ports, aspiration ports, and structural support features into a single device that can accommodate modern fluorescence-capable laparoscopes. This allows the system to perform multiple functions (imaging, insufflation, washing) that a single scope cannot perform alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The introducer serves as an intermediary device that compensates for the limitations of modern laparoscopes. While the scope provides high-definition imaging and fluorescence capability, the introducer mediates the insufflation and washing functions that the scope lacks, creating a complementary system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the endoluminal instrument is removed and cleaned at intervals during the procedure, then lens visibility is maintained, but the examination procedure is complicated and time is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens visibilityVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The projections are positioned in advance within the introducer to create clearance space before debris can accumulate on the lens. The insufflation and aspiration ports are pre-configured to establish fluid flow paths that prevent contamination before it occurs, rather than requiring corrective action after contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The design enables continuous examination without interruption for cleaning by establishing preventive measures that maintain lens visibility throughout the procedure. The fluid flow system operates continuously to wash away debris, and the structural clearance space maintains itself throughout insertion and examination, eliminating the need to stop the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS10293122B2Endoluminal introducer with contamination avoidance

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

Described herein are introducer devices and methods for using an introducer device to facilitate passing an endoluminal instrument to a target region of a body cavity. An introducer device may include a tubular member having an inner wall that defines a channel configured to receive the endoluminal instrument and a plurality of projections disposed in the channel at perimetrically spaced apart locations around the inner wall, where the projections extend inward and are configured to offset the endoluminal instrument from the inner wall, thereby creating a space between the endoluminal instrument and the inner wall. A method for using an introducer device may include passing the endoluminal instrument to a first instrument insertion depth within the introducer device, advancing the introducer device in the body cavity, and advancing the endoluminal instrument to a second instrument insertion depth within the introducer device.