Endoscope Inversion Fixture for Side Wall Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopic procedures in body lumens and cavities are complicated by anatomic configurations, tissue consistency, and tethering, leading to difficulty in visualization and access, especially in regions with frequent turns and folds, and spasming or contraction of body lumens.

Innovation Solution

A novel apparatus comprising a sleeve with inflatable balloons and push tubes to stabilize and manipulate the side wall of body lumens, allowing for precise visualization and treatment by steadying instrument tips and creating a stable side wall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional endoscopes are used to examine body lumens, then basic visualization is achieved, but visualization of side walls in regions with frequent turns and folds is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization qualityVSAvoidaccess to hidden areas

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The distal end of the endoscope is inverted 180 degrees using an inversion fixture, allowing the side wall of the body lumen to be pulled toward the endoscope and presented in the field of view. This inverted configuration enables visualization of areas that would otherwise be inaccessible due to turns and folds in the anatomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

A pull wire or inversion member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the distal end of the endoscope. This intermediary allows the operator to manipulate and invert the distal end without directly handling it, enabling precise positioning and stabilization of the inverted configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the endoscope is inserted into body lumens, then access to internal structures is achieved, but spasming and contraction of the body lumen complicates visualization and access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to anatomyVSAvoidstability of body lumen configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The distal end of the endoscope is pre-inverted before insertion into the body lumen. This preliminary inversion allows the side wall to be pulled toward the endoscope early in the procedure, creating a more stable configuration that is less susceptible to spasming and contraction during the examination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration of the endoscope is changed from its standard orientation to an inverted orientation. This parameter change (180-degree rotation) fundamentally alters how the endoscope interacts with the body lumen, allowing the side wall to be pulled toward the endoscope and stabilized, thereby reducing the impact of spasms and contractions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the endoscope moves quickly through the colon during insertion and withdrawal, then procedure time is reduced, but accurate examination of the colon becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure speedVSAvoidexamination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the distal end of the endoscope, the side wall of the colon is pulled toward the endoscope and held in place, allowing for more accurate examination even when the endoscope moves through the colon. This inverted configuration provides better stabilization of the examined area, improving measurement precision without completely sacrificing procedure speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20250107690A1Methods and apparatus for inverting a hollow sleeve and thereafter reverting an inverted hollow sleeve

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 LUMENDI AG

AI summary

Apparatus for inverting an elongated flexible tubular sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end and a central lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the apparatus comprising: a hollow tube comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a central lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end; and an elongated rod movably disposed within the central lumen of the hollow tube, the elongated rod having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the elongated rod comprises a sleeve plug for securing a distal end of an elongated flexible tubular sleeve to the distal end of the hollow tube; wherein, when the elongated flexible tubular sleeve is disposed over the hollow tube, (i) the sleeve plug of the elongated rod is configured to be moved proximally to clamp the distal end of the elongated flexible tubular sleeve to the distal end of the hollow tube, and (ii) the sleeve plug of the elongated rod is configured to be moved distally to release the distal end of the elongated flexible tubular sleeve from the distal end of the hollow tube; and further wherein when the distal end of the elongated flexible tubular sleeve is clamped to the distal end of the hollow tube, the proximal end of the elongated flexible tubular sleeve can be pulled toward the distal end of the hollow tube to invert the elongated flexible tubular sleeve.