Endoscope Light Guide for Dual-Wavelength Lithotripsy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscopes require a large conduit diameter for lithotripsy, increasing the diameter of the insertion portion and complicating the process of shattering stones using laser light while collecting shattered pieces, which is inefficient and may lead to increased procedural complexity.

Innovation Solution

An insertion apparatus with a light guide that transmits both lithotriptic and illuminating light, allowing for the use of laser light for stone shattering with a reduced insertion portion diameter by utilizing a single light guide capable of transmitting different wavelength bands, eliminating the need for separate channels for lithotriptic and illuminating light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate channels are used for lithotriptic light and illuminating light, then both functions can be performed, but the insertion portion diameter increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual light transmission capabilityVSAvoidchannel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the transmission of lithotriptic light and illuminating light into a single light guide channel. The light guide is designed with optical characteristics that enable it to transmit both types of light simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate channels and reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining dual functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light guide is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: transmitting both lithotriptic light for stone shattering and illuminating light for visualization. This multi-functional design reduces the number of required channels and simplifies the insertion portion structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate channels are used for lithotriptic light and illuminating light, then both functions can be performed, but the insertion portion diameter increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual light transmission capabilityVSAvoidinsertion portion diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transmission paths of lithotriptic light and illuminating light into a single light guide channel. This consolidation reduces the cross-sectional area required for light transmission, thereby decreasing the insertion portion diameter while maintaining the capability to transmit both types of light

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light guide is designed as a universal component that simultaneously transmits both lithotriptic and illuminating light, eliminating the need for multiple separate channels and reducing the overall diameter of the insertion portion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Length of moving object

If a single light guide transmits both lithotriptic and illuminating light, then the insertion portion diameter is reduced, but the optical characteristic requirements become more stringent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion portion diameterVSAvoidoptical characteristic

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide is designed with specific local optical properties tailored for transmitting both lithotriptic and illuminating light. By optimizing the optical characteristics at specific locations and wavelengths, the design achieves reduced insertion portion diameter while meeting the stringent optical requirements through localized material or structural optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 effective lithotripsy with a decreased diameter of the insertion portion, facilitating efficient stone shattering and collection of fragments without increasing the treatment instrument insertion channel diameter, thus simplifying the procedure and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a light guide having an optical characteristic that enables transmitting lithotriptic light and illuminating light having respective wavelength bands that are different from each other, from the proximal end toward the distal end of the insertion portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

transmitting the lithotriptic light to the distal end portion of the insertion portion using the light guide; and shattering a stone via the transmitted lithotriptic light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLithotripsy: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS12193647B2Insertion apparatus and lithotripsy method

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An endoscope includes: an insertion portion formed along a longitudinal axis extending from a proximal end to a distal end; a light guide having an optical characteristic that enables transmitting lithotriptic light and illuminating light having respective wavelength bands that are different from each other, from the proximal end toward the distal end of the insertion portion; and a treatment instrument insertion channel provided in the insertion portion, the treatment instrument insertion channel extending from the proximal end to the distal end.