Endoscope Insertion Shape Observation Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
During endoscope insertion, particularly in colonoscopy, it is challenging for surgeons to identify the optimal manual compression points in stretchable parts of the intestinal tract, leading to insertion difficulties due to the lack of clear visualization of the endoscope's insertion state within the body.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope insertion shape observation apparatus equipped with position detection members and a processor that detects the traveling directions of these members, identifies the stretch start timing, and calculates the position coordinates of the manual compression point, displaying this information on a monitor to assist surgeons in manual compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual compression is performed without clear visualization of the endoscope's insertion state, then the surgeon can still perform compression, but the accuracy and reliability of identifying the optimal compression point deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces position detection members (transmitter coils) as intermediaries within the endoscope and corresponding receiving coils outside the body to mediate the transmission of position information. This intermediary system enables the surgeon to visualize the endoscope's insertion state and bending shape without direct visual contact with the internal environment, thereby resolving the contradiction between needing compression accuracy and lacking visualization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical visualization with an electromagnetic field-based position detection system. Instead of relying on mechanical sensors or direct visual contact inside the body, the system uses electromagnetic induction through the body wall to transmit position information, enabling non-contact measurement and visualization of the endoscope's position and shape during insertion.
2Ease of operation
If position detection members are added to the endoscope, then the visualization and compression point identification improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the position detection members serve multiple functions: they not only detect the endoscope's position for visualization but also detect the bending shape and curvature of the endoscope. This multi-functionality allows a single component system to provide comprehensive guidance information for compression operations, improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in device complexity through versatile component usage.
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
This solution enables inexperienced caregivers to reliably perform manual compression by providing a clear visual indication of the compression point, facilitating smoother endoscope insertion by helping to manage the stretching intestinal tract.
Implementation Method 1
detects a travelling direction of a first position detection member and a travelling direction of a second position detection member out of a plurality of position detection members provided in an insertion portion inserted into a lumen of a subject
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope insertion shape observation apparatus includes a processor, and the processor: detects a travelling direction of a first position detection member and a travelling direction of a second position detection member out of plural position detection members provided in an insertion portion inserted into a lumen of a subject, the first position detection member being provided on a distal end side of a bending portion of the insertion portion, the second position detection member being provided on a proximal end side of the bending portion; detects a stretch start timing in which the lumen starts stretching, based on detection results of the travelling directions and finds position coordinates of a predetermined position of the bending portion in the detected stretch start timing as a manual compression point; and causes a compression position display that indicates the position found as the manual compression point to be presented on a monitor.