Endoscope Anatomy Elevation Balloon
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face difficulties in accessing complicated anatomical passages due to large profiles and the need for tissue dissection, and they struggle with visualization when tissue obstructs the lens, especially in areas like the ear, nose, or throat.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile flexible endoscope with an anatomy elevation assembly that includes an inflatable balloon to push away obstructing tissue, allowing for clear visualization and the use of additional instrumentation within the anatomical passageway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional endoscope is used to access complicated anatomical passages, then the endoscope can provide visualization, but the large profile of the endoscope prevents access to narrow passages and requires tissue dissection
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into separable components: a slender main body for navigation and an expandable balloon element for tissue displacement. This segmentation allows the endoscope to navigate narrow passages with a small profile, then expand the balloon to create visualization space without requiring tissue dissection.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope employs a dynamically changeable profile through the inflatable balloon element. The balloon transitions from a compressed state during navigation to an expanded state during visualization, allowing the device to adapt its profile to different operational requirements without permanent structural changes.
2Illumination intensity
If tissue obstructs the lens during endoscopic visualization, then the endoscope can access the anatomical area, but the field of view becomes blocked and visualization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable balloon acts as an intermediary element between the endoscope and the obstructing tissue. When inflated, the balloon gently pushes tissue away from the lens without direct contact or dissection, maintaining a clear field of view while preserving tissue integrity and avoiding the need for complex tissue manipulation instruments.
3Ease of operation
If a low-profile endoscope is used to access narrow passages, then access is improved, but the ability to use additional instrumentation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope creates a new spatial dimension by inflating the balloon to push tissue laterally away from the optical path. This dimensional change opens up the visualization field without requiring additional instruments, allowing the slender endoscope to perform both navigation and tissue displacement functions that would traditionally require separate larger instruments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective access to complex anatomical structures by elevating tissue away from the lens, providing a clear field of view and allowing for the use of working elements like forceps or swabs, improving surgical precision and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
the inflatable member is configured to transition between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope assembly includes a shaft assembly, an endoscopic camera assembly, and an anatomy elevation assembly. The shaft assembly includes a flexible outer shaft defining a lumen, a first electrical communication line, and a first fluid communication line. The endoscopic camera assembly is in communication with the first electrical communication line. The anatomy elevation assembly includes an inflatable member coupled to the flexible outer shaft. The inflatable member includes an interior surface. The first fluid communication line is in fluid communication with the inflatable member. The inflatable member is configured to transition between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. The interior surface is configured to define a viewing path distal to the endoscopic camera assembly while the inflatable member is in the inflated configuration.