Flexible Endoscope Accessory Channels for Low-Friction Side Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Duodenoscopes face issues such as significant friction and force transmission loss due to sharp bends, difficulty in navigation due to side-facing cameras, limited accessory channels, and challenges in cleaning, which affect maneuverability and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with movable accessory channels that can switch between forward-viewing and side-viewing configurations, a pivot arm mechanism for flexible bending, and a rotatable distal portion, along with multiple accessory channels and a disposable design to enhance maneuverability and ease of cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional duodenoscope design with sharp bends at distal end is used, then access to papilla of Vater is achieved, but significant friction and force transmission loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory channels are configured with a curved path that follows a larger radius arc through the distal portion of the endoscope, replacing sharp angular bends with smooth curvature. This reduces friction between tools and the channel walls while maintaining access to the papilla of Vater, thereby reducing force transmission loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory channels are made movable relative to the distal portion of the endoscope, allowing them to dynamically adjust their configuration. This enables the channels to optimize their path through the distal portion, reducing friction and force transmission loss while maintaining access to the target area.
2Device complexity
If side-facing camera system is used in traditional duodenoscope, then compact design is achieved, but navigation through GI tract becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is repositioned from a side-facing configuration to a forward-facing configuration at the distal end of the endoscope. This dimensional change in camera orientation provides the operator with direct forward visualization, significantly improving navigation through the GI tract while maintaining a compact overall design.
3Device complexity
If single accessory channel is used in traditional duodenoscope, then device simplicity is maintained, but use of multiple accessories becomes time intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The single accessory channel is segmented into multiple independent accessory channels within the distal portion of the endoscope. This segmentation allows multiple accessories to be used simultaneously through different channels, eliminating the need to repeatedly insert and remove single accessories, thereby improving procedural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal portion of the endoscope is designed with multiple accessory channels that can accommodate various types of accessories simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows the endoscope to perform multiple functions at once, improving productivity by enabling concurrent use of multiple accessories without increasing overall device complexity.
4Strength
If traditional duodenoscope design is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but cleaning becomes difficult and bacterial contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into modular segments, with the distal portion containing the accessory channels and camera system being separable from the proximal portion. This segmentation allows the distal portion to be easily removed and cleaned independently, improving cleanability while maintaining the structural integrity of each module through robust connection interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A scope system is provided including an elongate tube with a distal portion and a lumen extending therethrough. The scope system also includes at least one accessory channel including a tubular structure with an accessory lumen extending therethrough, the at least one accessory channel movably disposed at least partially within the lumen of the elongate tube. The at least one accessory channel includes a distal section and a forward-viewing configuration and a side-viewing configuration. In the forward-viewing configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel is substantially parallel to the distal portion of the elongate tube and in the side-viewing configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel is arced at a radius greater than a radius of the distal portion of the elongate tube.