Endoscope Auxiliary Cap With Flexible Gripper for ERCP Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ERCP procedures using side-view endoscopic devices are difficult due to the challenge of aligning the forceps exit with the duodenum-bile duct connection, requiring high skill levels and limiting accessibility.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary cap for an endoscope comprising a first housing with openings for the light source, forceps hole, and camera module, a flexible manipulator with a gripper, and a second housing to accommodate the manipulator, allowing the forceps to be easily maneuvered and aligned with the entry hole, and optionally includes an auxiliary light source and camera for forward vision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a side-view endoscopic device is used for ERCP, then the light source and forceps can be provided on the side of the main body, but the forceps hole and the duodenum-bile duct connection hole cannot be aligned, making the procedure difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotatable manipulation member that adds rotational freedom to the forceps insertion path. By allowing the manipulation member to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the endoscope, the forceps can be oriented in different directions to match the angle of the bile duct opening, solving the alignment problem between the side-view forceps hole and the target connection hole.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation member is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, providing dynamic adjustment capability. This rotational freedom allows the operator to realign the forceps with the bile duct connection hole by rotating the manipulation member to the appropriate angle, making the procedure adaptable to different anatomical configurations.
2Ease of operation
If the forceps hole and light source are positioned on the side of the main body, then lateral access is enabled, but the forward field of vision is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the lighting function from the main body by providing a dedicated light source at the tip of the endoscope. This segmentation allows the side-mounted manipulation member to perform lateral access while the tip light source ensures forward illumination, eliminating the conflict between lateral positioning and forward vision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent or translucent cap as an intermediary component that covers the tip of the endoscope. This cap allows light to pass through while providing a platform for the manipulation member, enabling both forward illumination and lateral forceps insertion without mutual interference.
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary cap for an endoscope is coupled to an endoscopic device and includes a first housing including a housing body that can be coupled to the tip of the endoscopic device, and a first opening located at a position corresponding to a light source, forceps hole, and a camera module of the endoscope device when the housing body and the endoscopic device are coupled; an auxiliary procedure member including a flexible manipulator having a portion of the length that can be bent in one direction by force transmitted through a drive cable, and a gripper provided on the end side of the flexible manipulator to assist a procedure performed using the forceps; and a second housing formed on one side of the first housing to form an accommodation space for accommodating a portion, including the gripper, of the entire length of the auxiliary procedure member.