Endoscope Optical Coupler With Gel Interface for Obstructed Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies, such as fluoroscopy and ultrasound, are limited in providing clear visualization during minimally invasive surgeries when blood, opaque fluids, or particulate matter obstruct the view, leading to increased procedure time and morbidity.
Innovation Solution
An optical coupler comprising a clear, soft, flexible gel attached to the distal end of an endoscope or camera lens, which mechanically displaces opaque fluids and particulate matter to create a clear view by forming an offset, allowing seamless access and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used for imaging during surgery, then diagnostic procedures can be performed, but image quality deteriorates when blood or opaque fluids are present and procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
A clear, viscous gel is introduced as an intermediary substance between the endoscope lens and the tissue surface. This gel displaces opaque fluids (blood, bile, stomach content) from the optical path and maintains direct optical contact with the tissue, enabling clear imaging without requiring lengthy suction or irrigation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The gel changes the physical parameters of the interface between the endoscope and tissue by providing a transparent, adhesive medium with appropriate viscosity. This allows the optical system to maintain contact with the tissue surface while excluding opaque substances, fundamentally changing how the imaging interface operates
2Ease of operation
If conventional endoscopy is used in areas with opaque fluids, then minimally invasive access is achieved, but visibility is obstructed by blood, stomach content, or bowel content
Solution Approach 1:
The clear gel serves as a mediator that allows the endoscope to maintain contact with tissue through opaque fluid environments. The gel adheres to the tissue surface and excludes blood, stomach content, and bowel content from the optical path, preserving visibility while maintaining the minimally invasive approach
Solution Approach 2:
The gel effectively extracts or removes opaque substances (blood, bile, stomach content, bowel content) from the critical optical path between the endoscope lens and the tissue surface, separating the imaging function from the obstructive fluids
3Measurement precision
If ultrasound or MRI is used to overcome opaque fluid obstruction, then imaging capability is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than switching to complex ultrasound or MRI systems, the clear gel intermediary allows the simple optical endoscope to function effectively in previously challenging environments. This maintains the simplicity of the optical system while achieving the imaging capability needed in opaque fluid conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the need for complex mechanical or electromagnetic imaging systems (ultrasound transducers, MRI magnets) with a simple chemical/physical intermediary (the clear gel) that enables existing optical systems to work effectively, dramatically reducing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An optical coupler is provided for use with an optical imaging device, such as an endoscope. The coupler device includes a visualization section at one end of the coupler and an attachment section connected to and extending away from the visualization section. The attachment section is dimensioned to be mounted at the distal end of the optical imaging device. The coupler device includes one or more instrument channels extending through the proximal surface and exiting through the outer surface of the device. The coupler device may further include one or more supporting elements to facilitate passage of the device through a body lumen.