Integrated Endoscope Access for Controlled Pericardial Dilation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical procedures face challenges in providing controlled tissue dissection and visualization, particularly in areas like the pericardial space, due to limited viewing capabilities and the need for multiple devices, which can cause collateral damage.

Innovation Solution

An integrated endoscope system with a dilator member and guide tube configuration that allows for remote visualization and controlled tissue dilation, enabling a seamless access to internal body regions with reduced trauma.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fluoroscopic guidance is used for pericardial access, then procedural guidance is provided, but viewing capabilities are limited causing collateral damage risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedural guidanceVSAvoidcollateral damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the endoscope and dilator into a single integrated access device, allowing simultaneous visualization and tissue dilation through one unified instrument rather than separate devices, thereby improving safety while maintaining procedural guidance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscope is nested within the dilator structure, with the endoscope passage positioned concentrically within the dilator body, allowing the endoscope to be advanced through the dilator to provide visualization during the dilation process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate devices are used for dissection and access, then tissue dissection capability is provided, but device complexity and number of manipulations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue dissection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the endoscope, dilator, and dissection capabilities into a single integrated access device, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments and reducing procedural complexity while maintaining all necessary functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated access device performs multiple functions including visualization through the endoscope, tissue dilation through the dilator surfaces, and potential tissue dissection, all through a single multi-functional instrument

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If balloon expansion is used for tissue dissection, then dissection capability is provided, but control over tissue dissection amount is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue dissection capabilityVSAvoidcontrol over dissection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the balloon expansion mechanical system with a controlled dilator system that uses a dilation surface to progressively separate tissue planes, providing the operator with direct mechanical control over the dissection process rather than relying on pressure-driven expansion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If obturator dilation is used for tissue access, then access is provided, but ability to tease or loosen adjoining tissue is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue accessVSAvoidability to tease tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated device combines the obturator dilation function with endoscopic visualization, allowing the operator to see tissue planes being separated and to manipulate the device to tease and loosen adjoining tissue while maintaining direct visual feedback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4233977B1Access visualization systems

Publication Date: 2025.11.26 ATRICURE INC

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AI summary

Methods and devices described herein facilitate improved access of locations within the body.