Integrated Endoscope-Irrigation Shaft for Single-Operator Dilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dilation instruments for anatomical passageways lack ease of controlled placement, particularly in single-operator procedures, and require switching between different instruments for various anatomical passageways.
Innovation Solution
A dilation instrument with a handle assembly, guide shaft assembly, and dilation catheter actuation, allowing for adjustable positioning and inflation of a dilator, while accommodating an endoscope and dilation catheter simultaneously through a clearance opening in the guide shaft, enabling single-operator control and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate instruments are used for dilation and visualization, then each function can be performed with specialized tools, but the procedural complexity increases and single-operator control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate instruments (dilation catheter, endoscope, guidewire) into a single integrated instrument assembly. The dilation catheter and endoscope are positioned within a common guide shaft, allowing both dilation and visualization functions to be controlled by a single operator through one handle assembly, thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining specialized functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated instrument serves multiple functions simultaneously: the guide shaft provides both guidance for the dilation catheter and housing for the endoscope, the handle assembly controls both dilation inflation and endoscope positioning, and the system enables both anatomical passageway dilation and real-time visualization through a single device, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces the need for multiple specialized instruments.
2Measurement precision
If an endoscope is positioned within the guide lumen, then visualization is achieved, but the available space for the dilation catheter is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the endoscope is positioned within the guide lumen of the guide shaft, and the dilation catheter is also positioned within the guide lumen alongside the endoscope. The distal head of the endoscope can deflect to accommodate the dilation catheter, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization while maintaining both visualization capability and dilation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal head of the endoscope is configured to deflect from a first position to a second position, dynamically adjusting the available space within the guide lumen. This dynamic deflection allows the endoscope to accommodate the dilation catheter when needed, optimizing space arrangement while preserving both visualization accuracy and dilation catheter functionality throughout the procedure.
3Ease of operation
If the distal head of the endoscope is deflected to accommodate the dilation catheter, then space is created for the catheter, but the visualization angle changes
Solution Approach 1:
The distal head of the endoscope is designed with dynamic deflection capability, allowing it to change position from a first position to a second position. This dynamic adjustment creates necessary space for the dilation catheter while enabling the operator to control the deflection angle, thereby balancing catheter placement ease with acceptable visualization angles throughout the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument and related method includes an instrument body, a guide shaft distally projecting from the instrument body, and a first surgical tool. The guide shaft has a guide sidewall, a guide lumen, and a clearance opening radially extending through the guide sidewall in communication with the guide lumen. The first surgical tool has an elongate body and a distal head configured to deflect relative to the elongate body from a first position to a second position. The distal head in the first position is positioned within the guide lumen along the central axis. The distal head in the second position is deflected from the central axis and extends at least partially through the clearance opening thereby vacating at least a portion of the guide lumen for introducing a second surgical tool through the guide lumen.