Endoscope Balloon Anchoring via Dynamic Volume Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope systems face challenges in anchoring within the large intestine due to the limited diameter of instrument channels, which restricts the ability to effectively navigate and anchor balloons for procedures like colonoscopy, especially at bends such as the splenic flexure.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with an inflatable/deflatable balloon assembly that can be deflated to pass through a narrow instrument channel and inflated to a significantly larger diameter for anchoring, utilizing a catheter and operator-controllable balloon assembly manipulator to achieve a folded-over or asymmetric orientation for secure anchoring without substantial stretching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the balloon assembly is inflated to a large diameter for anchoring in the large intestine, then anchoring capability is improved, but it cannot pass through the narrow instrument channel
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon assembly transitions from a deflated state with small cross-sectional area to an inflated state with large cross-sectional area. The system dynamically changes the balloon's volume and shape based on operational requirements: deflated for passage through the instrument channel, inflated for anchoring in the large intestine.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflated balloon assembly is inserted through the instrument channel of the endoscope. Once positioned at the target location in the large intestine, the balloon is inflated to expand outward from the catheter, effectively nesting the large balloon within the small instrument channel during insertion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the balloon is inflated to a large diameter for anchoring, then anchoring stability is improved, but the balloon requires substantial stretching which complicates the device
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is designed with specific material properties and structural parameters that allow it to expand to a large diameter without requiring substantial stretching. The balloon wall thickness, material elasticity, and initial configuration are optimized to achieve the desired expansion ratio while maintaining structural integrity and avoiding excessive stretching.
3Length of moving object
If the instrument channel diameter is reduced for better endoscope flexibility, then endoscope maneuverability is improved, but the balloon assembly cannot be inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon assembly dynamically changes its cross-sectional dimensions to match the constraints of the instrument channel during insertion, then expands to its functional size for anchoring. This dynamic size adaptation allows the system to work with narrow instrument channels while maintaining the ability to provide effective anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon is prepared in a deflated or pre-compressed state before insertion, allowing it to fit through the narrow instrument channel. Once inserted and positioned, the balloon is then inflated to its functional size, performing the anchoring action after successful passage through the constraint.
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 the endoscope system to anchor securely in the large intestine, allowing for effective navigation past challenging anatomical features like the splenic flexure, while being retractable through the instrument channel for easy removal.
Implementation Method 1
the inflatable/deflatable balloon assembly being deflatable to a cross-sectional size sufficiently small to enable it to pass through the instrument channel and being positionable and inflatable without substantial stretching
Data Source
AI summary
an endoscope system including an endoscope having an instrument channel and an anchoring assembly including an inflatable/deflatable balloon assembly, the inflatable/deflatable balloon assembly being deflatable to a cross-sectional size sufficiently small to enable it to pass through the instrument channel and being positionable and inflatable without substantial stretching to have a dimension sufficiently large to enable it to anchor in the large intestine.