Endoscope Loading Device Stabilization for Accessory Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic accessory delivery methods lack guidance and confirmation, leading to inconsistent and potentially harmful attachment of devices to endoscopes, resulting in adverse patient outcomes due to operator variability and the flexible nature of endoscope distal ends.
Innovation Solution
A loading device with stabilization features, fixation elements, and delivery confirmation mechanisms to ensure consistent and secure attachment of accessories to endoscopes, including a main body with a channel for stabilizing the endoscope, fixation elements for securing the distal end, and guide tracks for precise positioning and delivery of accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accessories are loaded onto endoscope by hand using unguided manual manipulation, then the delivery process is simple and quick, but the attachment consistency and reliability are poor leading to adverse patient outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
A loading device is introduced as an intermediary tool between the accessory and the endoscope. The loading device includes a channel that receives the endoscope, fixation elements that secure the distal end of the endoscope, and guide tracks that direct the accessory during attachment. This intermediary device standardizes the manual manipulation process, ensuring consistent and reliable attachment while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading device performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning and stabilizing the endoscope in a fixed orientation within the channel before the accessory is attached. The fixation elements secure the endoscope in advance, and the guide tracks are pre-configured to align with the endoscope's distal end, ensuring that the accessory attaches at the correct position and angle without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
2Manufacturing precision
If the distal end of the endoscope is left flexible and movable, then the endoscope remains easy to maneuver during procedures, but the accessory attachment becomes unpredictable and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device applies local stabilization by fixing only the distal end of the endoscope within the channel using fixation elements, while leaving the rest of the endoscope flexible and maneuverable. The guide tracks provide localized guidance at the attachment point, ensuring precise accessory positioning without restricting the overall flexibility of the endoscope for procedural maneuvering.
3Stability of the object's composition
If no fixation elements are used during accessory loading, then the loading device structure remains simple, but the endoscope positioning stability is poor resulting in variable delivery outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device is segmented into distinct functional components: a channel for receiving the endoscope, fixation elements for securing the distal end, guide tracks for accessory alignment, and a removal mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and not overly complex.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods are provided for coupling an accessory device, such as a disposable coupler, to an endoscopic instrument, such as an endoscope. A loading device includes a main body or base element with a proximal portion configured to receive the endoscope and a distal portion configured to receive the accessory device. The main body or base element allows an operator to stabilize the delivery area of the endoscope in a predictable, consistent manner. The loading device may further include one or more fixation elements to stabilize the distal end of the endoscope, preventing it from flexing and articulating during delivery of the accessory device onto the endoscope. A system may further include a delivery device or insertion tool for advancing the accessory device into the channel of the loading device.