Flexible Endoscope Overtube with Inflatable Sealing Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic examination techniques face challenges in maintaining effective acoustic coupling for ultrasound imaging in the gastrointestinal tract due to air interference, leading to inadequate visualization and potential patient discomfort, and existing solutions like balloons and overtubes either fail to provide adequate sealing or limit maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A flexible endoscope accessory that forms a sealed examination compartment around the endoscope tip using an inflatable overtube with positioning rings and occlusion balloons, allowing for air or water infusion without the need to remove the endoscope, enhancing visualization and maneuverability while preventing fluid escape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If water is infused to fill the gastrointestinal tract for acoustic coupling, then ultrasound imaging quality is improved, but patient discomfort and aspiration risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gastrointestinal tract is divided into a sealed examination compartment and the rest of the tract using the overtube and positioning balloons. Water is infused only into the confined compartment rather than the entire tract, improving acoustic coupling for ultrasound while limiting total water volume to prevent discomfort and aspiration.
Solution Approach 2:
The overtube acts as an intermediary structure that creates a sealed compartment between the endoscope and the rest of the gastrointestinal tract. This intermediary allows controlled water infusion into a confined space, achieving acoustic coupling without exposing the patient to the harmful effects of large-volume water infusion.
2Measurement precision
If balloons are used to seal anatomical structures for acoustic coupling, then ultrasound imaging is improved, but endoscope maneuverability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning balloons are designed to be inflatable and deflatable, allowing dynamic adjustment. When inflated, they seal the compartment for ultrasound imaging; when deflated, they minimize interference with endoscope maneuverability. This dynamic characteristic resolves the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and operational flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If an overtube is used to perform endoscopic examination, then acoustic coupling is improved, but maneuverability and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The overtube is segmented with expandable positioning rings that can be selectively inflated at different locations. This segmentation allows the tube to be stabilized for acoustic coupling in the examination region while remaining flexible and maneuverable in other regions. The segmented design also reduces noise by allowing controlled expansion rather than continuous rigid contact.
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
The solution creates a stable examination environment, improving image quality by minimizing air interference and maintaining patient comfort through effective sealing and fluid management, allowing for precise endoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible overtube may include at least one inflatable positioning ring for securing the position of the flexible overtube within the body cavity
Implementation Method 2
The key components of the transducer are the piezoelectric crystals that vibrate to produce ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 3
The ultrasonic waves travel through the gastrointestinal wall and beyond the visceral wall into the surrounding organs
Implementation Method 4
an independently positionable occlusion balloon distal to the tip of the endoscope or echoendoscope for sealing the distal end of the examination partition
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates generally to a diagnostic and therapeutic device. According to some aspects of the invention, the device may be composed of a flexible sheet that is wrapped around the endoscope shaft to form a flexible overtube. The overtube may include an inflatable positioning ring that may be inflated after placement of the overtube just proximal to the tip of the endoscope or colonoscope to secure the position of the overtube within the body cavity. The overtube also may include an inflatable sealing band within the internal surface of the overtube that when inflated create a seal around the endoscope shaft. According to other aspects of the invention, the device may be a catheter with an occlusion balloon at its free end portion that is carried by the overtube and extends beyond the tip of the endoscope. Inflation of the positioning ring, sealing band and occlusion balloon may define an examination compartment within the body cavity at the tip of the endoscope. The examination compartment may be filled with air, or with water, depending on applications. In addition the examination compartment can be thoroughly lavaged using the irrigation tube system.