Endoscope Cap Roll Orientation via Reference Marker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures for dilating anatomical passageways and ablating tissues within the ear, nose, or throat lack precise and controlled instrument placement, especially in confined spaces, where traditional endoscopes may obstruct the field of view and require separate navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
A distal endoscope cap with integrated cameras and a navigation sensor, which provides visualization and navigation capabilities while allowing the shaft to maintain steerability and flexibility, and includes a reference marker for determining the roll orientation using image analysis, enabling precise placement and orientation within anatomical passageways without additional navigation tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional endoscope is used for navigation, then the field of view is provided, but the endoscope obstructs the operative field and requires separate navigation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the navigation sensor, cameras, and reference marker into a single integrated distal endoscope cap assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate navigation systems and traditional endoscopes, as the cap simultaneously provides navigation capabilities (through the navigation sensor and marker) and visualization capabilities (through the integrated cameras), while being too small to obstruct the operative field
Solution Approach 2:
The distal endoscope cap serves multiple functions: it acts as a navigation sensor carrier, provides visualization through integrated cameras, and serves as a reference marker for roll orientation determination. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required separate dedicated devices, simplifying the overall system while maintaining all necessary capabilities
2Measurement precision
If a navigation sensor is added to the distal end, then navigation capability is provided, but the shaft steerability and flexibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the navigation functionality into a separate, small distal endoscope cap that attaches to the end of the shaft. This segmentation allows the main shaft to remain thin, flexible, and steerable, while the cap houses the navigation sensor and other components. The cap acts as an independent module that adds navigation capability without compromising the mechanical properties of the shaft
3Measurement precision
If roll orientation determination is implemented, then precise orientation control is achieved, but additional reference markers or sensors may be required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using the existing distal endoscope cap and its integrated cameras to serve dual purposes: both visualization and roll orientation determination. The cap itself, with its inherent physical characteristics and position, serves as the reference marker, eliminating the need for additional external reference markers or separate roll sensors. The system uses its own components to determine its orientation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a working channel, a distal end, an image sensor, a navigation sensor, and a reference marker. The working channel is sized to receive a working element. The distal end includes an opening that is positioned to allow a working element in the working channel to pass through the distal end. The image sensor has a field of view distal to the distal end such that the image sensor is configured to capture at least one image providing a field of view distal to the distal end. The navigation sensor is configured to generate signals indicative of a position of the distal end in three-dimensional space. The reference marker is positioned within the field of view of the image sensor, the reference marker being fixed against movement relative to the image sensor.