Endoscope Imaging Catheter with Shape Memory Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes provide only a single forward viewing camera, making it difficult to visualize all areas of a body cavity, particularly in complex geometries, leading to potential missed abnormalities and increased procedure time and discomfort for patients.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a shape memory link with an auxiliary imaging device that can be oriented to provide both forward and rear views, allowing simultaneous imaging from different angles, and using polarizer filters to reduce light interference between the cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single forward viewing camera is used in the endoscope, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to visualize all areas of the body cavity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple independent camera units (first camera and second camera) positioned at different locations and orientations within the endoscope. This allows each camera to capture images from its specific viewpoint, collectively providing comprehensive visualization of the body cavity including areas that would be inaccessible to a single camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second camera positioned at a different spatial dimension and orientation relative to the first camera. This multi-dimensional arrangement enables simultaneous capture of forward-facing and rearward-facing views, expanding the visualization coverage beyond what a single forward-facing camera can achieve.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an auxiliary camera is added to provide rear views, then the visualization capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second camera serves multiple functions: it provides rearward-facing views for polypectomy procedures, enables visualization of areas behind folds and flexures, and works in conjunction with the first camera to provide comprehensive imaging. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering diverse clinical benefits from a single additional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary camera system is nested within the existing endoscope structure, with the second camera integrated into the distal end region alongside the first camera. This nested arrangement minimizes the increase in overall device complexity by incorporating the additional camera within the existing form factor rather than adding external components.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple cameras are positioned close to each other, then the device size is reduced, but light interference between cameras increases
Solution Approach 1:
Polarizer filters are introduced as intermediary optical elements positioned in the light paths of both cameras. These filters selectively block polarized light from the other camera while allowing the desired light to pass through, thereby eliminating light interference between the closely positioned cameras without requiring increased separation distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter of the light by introducing polarizer filters that modify the polarization state of light. This parameter change allows the system to distinguish between light from the first camera and light from the second camera, enabling both cameras to operate simultaneously in close proximity without mutual interference.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope is repositioned to capture images from different angles, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the procedure time and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second camera is pre-positioned at the distal end of the endoscope to face rearward, providing immediate access to rearward-facing views without requiring the endoscope to be repositioned or withdrawn. This preliminary positioning of the imaging capability eliminates the need for time-consuming repositioning maneuvers during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-camera system enables continuous imaging from multiple angles simultaneously, eliminating the intermittent repositioning actions required with a single camera. The first camera continuously captures forward-facing images while the second camera continuously captures rearward-facing images, maintaining uninterrupted visualization throughout the procedure.
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 comprehensive visualization of body cavities, improving the accuracy of procedures like polypectomy by providing both forward and rear views, reducing procedure time and patient discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
The shape memory link preferably returns to its natural configuration after a force that straightens the shape memory link is removed.
Implementation Method 2
using polarizer filters to reduce light interference between the cameras
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes an insertion tube having an end, and an imaging catheter assembly. The imaging catheter assembly includes a tubular body, an imaging device, and a shape memory link that connects the imaging device to the tubular body.