Endoscope Mountable Visualization Device Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cholangioscopy procedures require two endoscopists due to the offset control surfaces of miniscopes, leading to operator fatigue and instability, as the control surfaces are far from the center of stability, causing torsional moments and uncomfortable operation.
Innovation Solution
A dual medical endoscope system with a smaller scope securely and rigidly attached to a larger scope, featuring control surfaces aligned in close proximity to reduce operator fatigue and improve stability, allowing single-endoscopist operation with a steerable catheter and distal visualization element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control surfaces of the miniscope are positioned offset from the center of stability to allow passage through the larger scope, then the miniscope can be operated through the accessory channel, but this creates significant torsional moments and operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control surfaces of both the larger scope and miniscope into a single integrated control assembly. This merging allows both scopes to be controlled from the same location, eliminating the offset control surfaces that caused torsional moments. The control wires from both scopes are routed together through a common control mechanism, enabling coordinated control without the harmful long moment arm.
2Ease of manufacture
If the miniscope is mounted using a strap-mounting structure, then the miniscope can be attached to the larger scope, but this creates an unstable coupling that allows the miniscope to rock, shift, or pivot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attachment system into multiple independent engagement points rather than using a single strap mounting. The control assembly includes separate control wire routing channels and multiple attachment interfaces that distribute mechanical loads. This segmentation prevents the unstable rocking and pivoting that occurs with single-point strap mounting by providing multiple stable engagement points.
3Ease of operation
If two endoscopists are used to operate the dual-scope system, then both scopes can be controlled, but this significantly increases procedure cost and complicates logistics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of both scopes into a single control assembly that can be operated by one endoscopist. The control wires from both the larger scope and miniscope are integrated into a unified control interface, allowing one operator to manipulate both scopes simultaneously. This eliminates the need for two endoscopists while maintaining full control capability over both instruments.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A dual medical endoscope system can be constructed including a first and a second medical endoscope, where the first endoscope comprises an accessory channel with a proximal mounting port providing access thereto, and where the second endoscope comprises a handle body that is securely and removably attached to the proximal mounting port. An endoscope, which may be the second endoscope, can include an elongate, manipulable shaft with a distal-end visualization element and a handle body comprising at least one control surface for manipulating a distal region of the shaft, where the handle body includes a passage through which a length of the shaft is passable, and where the handle body includes a connection structure configured for securely and removably mounting the handle to a channel of another endoscope in a manner axially aligning the passage with the channel to provide a path of communication for the shaft.