Ultrasonic Endoscope Layout for Small-Angle Needle Puncture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic endoscopes face challenges in performing punctures at small angles due to the proximity of the ultrasonic transducer and elevator, which limits the ability to avoid contact and maintain visibility during biopsy procedures.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic endoscope is designed with a specific arrangement of the ultrasonic transducer, elevator, and observation window, where the elevator is rotatable and positioned to allow for a smaller puncture angle by adjusting the relative positions and angles of these components, ensuring the elevator is outside the ultrasonic wave scanning range and maintaining visibility through the observation window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ultrasonic transducer and elevator are disposed close to each other to improve visibility and reduce puncture distance, then the puncture stability and visibility of the biopsy needle are improved, but the inclined angle of the elevator must be increased which prevents puncture at small angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions components along the longitudinal axis (depth dimension) rather than only laterally. The ultrasonic transducer is moved to the distal end while the elevator is positioned more proximally, creating separation in the longitudinal dimension. This allows the biopsy needle to exit at a shallow angle relative to the endoscope axis while maintaining close proximity for visibility, effectively using dimensional repositioning to resolve the angular constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator is designed with rotational capability, allowing dynamic adjustment of the biopsy needle's exit angle. The elevator can rotate to change the leading-out direction of the needle, enabling puncture at various angles including small angles, while maintaining the ability to elevate for better visibility when needed. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between fixed geometric constraints and variable operational requirements.
2Reliability
If the inclined angle of the elevator is increased to prevent contact between the biopsy needle and ultrasonic transducer, then contact prevention is achieved, but puncture at small puncture angles becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the ultrasonic transducer and elevator along the longitudinal axis, with the transducer at the distal end and the elevator positioned more proximally. This longitudinal separation creates sufficient clearance to prevent needle-transducer contact while allowing the needle to exit at shallow angles, eliminating the need for increased lateral inclination that would block small-angle punctures.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable elevator mechanism allows dynamic control of the needle's exit trajectory. By rotating the elevator to appropriate angles, the system can prevent contact with the transducer while maintaining the capability to perform punctures at small angles, adapting the configuration based on the specific procedural needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the elevator is positioned to allow small puncture angles, then puncture flexibility is improved, but the proximity to the ultrasonic transducer increases requiring larger inclined angles to prevent contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the proximity issue by utilizing the longitudinal axis dimension. The ultrasonic transducer is positioned at the distal end while the elevator is placed more proximally along the insertion part. This longitudinal arrangement allows the biopsy needle to pass close to the transducer for flexibility while maintaining sufficient clearance through the depth separation, eliminating the need for complex large-angle elevator configurations.
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 configuration enables precise punctures at small angles while improving visibility and stability, reducing the risk of contact with the transducer and maintaining the endoscope's diameter without increasing its size.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer provided at a distal end portion and emitting an ultrasonic wave toward one side in a first direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis direction
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic endoscope includes: a distal end portion disposed on a distal end side of an insertion part extending along a Y direction; an ultrasonic transducer that emits an ultrasonic wave toward a Z(+) direction side in a Z direction; an elevator disposed on a Y(−) direction side with respect to the ultrasonic transducer and rotatable between an elevating position and a falling position; and an observation window disposed on the Y(−) direction side with respect to the elevator. In the Z direction, end portions of the observation window and the elevator on the Z(+) direction side in the Z direction in a case in which the elevator is located at the falling position, and an end portion of the ultrasonic transducer on the Z(+) direction side in the Z direction are disposed in order from the Z(+) direction side.