Endoscope Guide Member for Transverse Instrument Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face limitations in delivering multiple surgical instruments to a work site due to the small number and size of working lumens, which restricts instrument size, force application, and maneuverability, potentially hindering precise surgical tasks.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic instrument system that includes an elongate section with a distal end effector and a proximal actuation device, coupled with a guiding member that attaches to the external surface of the endoscope, allowing the end effector to extend beyond the endoscope's distal end and move independently in transverse directions, enabling three-dimensional movement and triangulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If endoscopic instruments are delivered through the working lumen of the endoscope, then the instruments can be delivered to the work site, but the small size of the working lumen limits the number, size, and maneuverability of the instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from delivering instruments through the internal working lumen to delivering instruments along the external surface of the endoscope. This dimensional change allows instruments to be delivered without being constrained by the limited internal lumen size, enabling larger and more numerous instruments to reach the work site while maintaining the endoscope's minimal diameter.
2Ease of operation
If the endoscope diameter is minimized to maintain flexibility and minimize discomfort, then patient comfort and flexibility are improved, but the number and size of lumens are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the instrument delivery pathway from the internal three-dimensional space of the working lumen to the external two-dimensional surface of the endoscope. This allows multiple instruments to be delivered simultaneously along the external surface without increasing the endoscope's internal lumen count or diameter, thus maintaining flexibility while increasing instrument capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surgical instruments are delivered through the working lumens, then surgical tasks can be performed, but the limited number of working lumens restricts the number of instruments at the work site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables multiple instruments to be delivered along the external surface of the endoscope rather than through the limited internal working lumens. This external delivery mechanism allows a greater number of instruments to reach the work site simultaneously, enhancing surgical versatility without requiring additional internal lumens.
4Ease of operation
If the working ends of the endoscope have limited maneuverability due to physical constraints, then the endoscope structure remains simple, but precise surgical tasks are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the endoscope into distinct functional components: the endoscope itself for visualization and illumination, and independently deliverable instruments for surgical manipulation. This segmentation allows each instrument to be optimized for specific surgical tasks with enhanced maneuverability at the work site, while the endoscope maintains its simple, flexible structure for navigation.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument for use with an endoscope may include an elongate section configured to move exterior to the endoscope. The elongate section may include a distal end and a proximal end. The instrument may also include an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongate section, and an actuation device attached to the proximal end of the elongate section. The actuation device may be configured to operate the end effector. The instrument may also include a guiding member coupled to the elongate section. The guiding member may be configured to be coupled to an external surface of the endoscope to permit the guiding member to move longitudinally relative to the endoscope. The guiding member may be coupled to the elongate section such that the end effector may extend past a distal end of the endoscope and move in a transverse direction independent of the movement of the distal end of the endoscope.