Locking Endoscope Coupler for Sealed Instrument Exit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes, particularly duodenoscopes, face challenges in cleaning due to their small size and complex design, leading to risks of bacterial contamination and decreased performance from trapped fluids and debris, especially in areas like the elevator mechanism, which can lead to infection and reduced scope lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A coupler device with a flexible, tubular working channel extension that seals and extends the endoscope, allowing instruments to exit at adjustable angles, reducing contamination risks by covering and sealing the working end, and optionally incorporating anti-infective materials and articulation mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the endoscope is reused multiple times, then productivity increases, but the risk of bacterial contamination and infection increases due to difficulty in cleaning complex internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the elevator mechanism from the endoscope body and places it in a separate, removable module. This allows the elevator to be easily removed and replaced between uses, eliminating the risk of bacterial contamination in the elevator hinges while maintaining the endoscope's functionality for multiple uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope is divided into separate modular components including the main body, elevator mechanism, and working channel. This segmentation allows individual components to be cleaned, disinfected, or replaced independently, addressing contamination risks in specific areas without requiring complete system replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the elevator mechanism is added to change instrument direction, then adaptability increases, but device complexity and cleaning difficulty increase due to hinges and cables
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator mechanism is extracted as a separate removable module rather than being integrated into the endoscope body. This simplifies the main endoscope structure while maintaining the ability to change instrument direction through the removable elevator component.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator mechanism is designed to be dynamically removable and replaceable rather than fixed. This allows the system to adapt between different elevator configurations while keeping the main endoscope structure simple and easy to clean.
3Reliability
If the working channel is sealed to prevent contamination, then reliability improves, but ease of operation decreases due to restricted instrument passage
Solution Approach 1:
A sterile adapter or interface component serves as an intermediary between the sealed endoscope working channel and the external environment. This intermediary maintains the seal to prevent contamination while providing a pathway for instruments to pass through during procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The working channel seal is designed to be dynamically adjustable or removable during procedures. This allows the channel to remain sealed for contamination prevention during non-use periods while being easily opened or accessed when instrument passage is required.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope accessory, such as a coupler device, is provided that includes a main body with a visualization section for allowing viewing of tissue by the endoscope and a proximal end configured for attachment to a distal end portion of the endoscope. The device includes a passage within the main body having an open distal end and a proximal end aligned with the working channel of the endoscope. A locking element on the coupler device secures an angle of exit of an instrument passing through the passage.