Endoscope Clamp Stabilization for Precise Single-Operator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopy procedures require physicians to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, leading to fatigue and discomfort, and existing devices for endoscope control are either cumbersome or uncomfortable for patients, necessitating a need for improved endoscope stabilization and control devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of an endoscope control device comprising a base, column, arm, and clamp system that allows for reversible constraining of endoscopes, enabling axial and rotational translation, with adjustable clamping forces to stabilize the endoscope during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a device tethers or adheres to the patient during endoscopy procedure, then endoscope stabilization is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to translational and rotational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the control device with clamp and articulation mechanism) between the endoscope and the patient's body. This intermediary stabilizes the endoscope during insertion and procedure without requiring the endoscope to tether or adhere to the patient, thereby maintaining patient comfort while achieving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs preliminary stabilization and positioning actions before the endoscope is fully inserted and before the physician needs to manipulate it. The clamp secures the endoscope in advance, and the articulation mechanism pre-positions the distal end, preventing the need for patient-tethering during the procedure.
2Measurement precision
If robotic systems are used for endoscopy procedures, then endoscope control precision is improved, but device complexity increases making them too cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is segmented into distinct functional components: a clamp for securing the endoscope, an articulation mechanism for controlling distal end movement, and a base for support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simple mechanics, avoiding the complexity of full robotic systems while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device provides multiple functions (stabilization, articulation control, positioning) through a single integrated mechanism rather than requiring separate robotic systems for each function. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while achieving precise control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple assistants are used to hold and operate the endoscope, then endoscope control capability is improved, but overhead and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device enables the endoscope to be self-stabilizing and self-positioning through its clamp and articulation mechanisms. This eliminates the need for additional assistants to hold or manually position the endoscope, allowing a single physician to perform all tasks independently.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the endoscope is constrained to prevent movement, then physician fatigue is reduced, but the endoscope becomes difficult to manipulate for procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The control device provides dynamic control through its articulation mechanism, which allows the distal end of the endoscope to move and articulate while the proximal end remains stabilized in the clamp. This dynamic capability enables the endoscope to be both stable during insertion and easily manipulable during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope control is segmented into two independent zones: the proximal end is constrained by the clamp for stability, while the distal end is free to articulate and move for procedural manipulation. This spatial segmentation of constraints allows simultaneous stability and manipulability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein are devices for reversibly constraining an endoscope. Such devices may comprise: a base positionable proximate a patient; a column extending vertically from the base; an arm extending horizontally from the column; and a clamp coupled to the arm. In some embodiments, the clamp comprises a holder comprising an annular ring defining an endoscope receiving area or a first sidewall and a second sidewall together defining an endoscope receiving area. The holder is transitionable between a first configuration in which the annular ring or the first and second sidewall are configured to set apart from an endoscope in the endoscope receiving area and a second configuration in which the annular ring or the first and second sidewall are configured to clamp the endoscope in the endoscope receiving area.