Endoscope Accessory for Sample Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face challenges in efficiently collecting and handling substances from within a living organism due to interference from body fluids and food residues, which can obscure the view and damage samples during collection.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope accessory system comprising a tubular insertion unit and a tubular connection unit that can be detachably connected to the endoscope's suction conduit, allowing for the insertion of a substance trapping unit to capture and collect samples without disrupting the optical path, using a suction catheter and optionally a high frequency snare or biopsy forceps for sample retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a suction conduit is provided in the endoscope to suck body fluid and food residues, then substances hindering observation are removed, but the optical path may be disrupted and samples may be damaged during collection
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope system is divided into separate functional modules: the endoscope for observation, the suction conduit for fluid removal, and the collection tool for sample retrieval. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently without interfering with others, particularly protecting samples from damage during collection.
Solution Approach 2:
A detachable collection tool with a collection chamber is introduced as an intermediary between the suction conduit and the sample collection process. This intermediary device allows substances to be collected and held separately, preventing direct contact between the suction mechanism and delicate samples, thus maintaining sample integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cutting tool such as high frequency snare is provided near the distal end opening to cut desired regions, then sample collection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable collection tool is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both collection and cutting operations. By integrating a cutting tool within the collection tool, the system achieves versatile functionality without requiring separate independent devices, thus managing complexity while enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting tool is nested within the collection tool structure. This nesting arrangement allows the cutting function to be integrated into the existing collection mechanism, reducing the need for additional separate components and minimizing overall device complexity while maintaining versatile sample collection capabilities.
3Productivity
If a remotely collection tool such as biopsy forceps is provided in the vicinity of the distal end opening, then sample retrieval efficiency is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection tool combines multiple functions including collection, cutting, and suction capabilities into a single integrated device. This merging of functions allows the operator to perform multiple operations with one tool rather than coordinating multiple separate tools, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining high sample retrieval efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection tool is designed to be self-sufficient, with built-in cutting capability and integrated suction function. The tool can perform collection and cutting operations independently without requiring additional external devices or complex coordination, making it easier to operate while maintaining efficient sample retrieval.
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
Enables clear observation during sample collection by isolating the collection process from the optical path, reducing sample damage and improving the ease of operation by allowing for efficient trapping and retrieval of substances within the endoscope system.
Implementation Method 1
substances such as body fluid and food residues, which hinder observation of the desired region, on the desired region and surrounding regions are sucked via a distal end opening of a suction conduit
Implementation Method 2
the portion of the desired region is cut by using a cutting tool such as a high frequency snare
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope accessory, used with an endoscope including a suction conduit communicating with a suction device, an accessory insertion channel, and an operation portion at which entrances of the conduit and channel are formed, includes a tubular insertion unit to be inserted into the channel through the entrance of the channel and to be movable along the channel, and a tubular connection unit provided at a proximal end of the insertion unit and detachably connected to the entrance of the suction conduit. An endoscope system is constituted by combining the accessory with the endoscope. In a method for mounting the accessory onto the endoscope, the insertion unit of the accessory is inserted into the channel through its entrance in the operation portion of the endoscope to be movable along the channel, and the connection unit of the accessory is detachably connected to the entrance of the conduit.