Automated Endoscope Positioning for ERCP Papillary Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The ERCP procedure faces challenges in accurately positioning the endoscope due to individual variations in the papillary portion and luminal tissue structures, making it difficult to insert a cannula into the biliary duct without precise visualization and control.
Innovation Solution
An electric medical system with an endoscope that enables electrical driving for forward and backward movement, bending, and rolling rotation, combined with a control device that automates the positioning of the endoscope based on endoscope images to accurately position the cannula relative to the papillary portion, using an overtube and balloon for stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual operation of endoscope is used by inexperienced operators, then operation flexibility is maintained, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to difficulty in visualizing and controlling the papillary portion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic positioning of the endoscope insertion section relative to the papillary portion using image processing and automated control algorithms. The processor automatically analyzes endoscope images to identify the papillary portion and controls the endoscope to position it at the center of the image, enabling the system to service itself without requiring operator expertise in manual positioning techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation of the endoscope with an automated control system that uses image processing algorithms and electronic control signals. Instead of relying on operator manual manipulation of control levers and buttons, the system automatically processes images and generates control signals to position the endoscope, substituting mechanical manual operation with automated electronic control.
2Measurement precision
If automated positioning control is implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control systems and image processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The processor in the medical system performs multiple functions including image processing to identify the papillary portion, determining positioning accuracy, generating control signals for the endoscope, and coordinating with the balloon inflation system. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional processor, the system achieves automated positioning without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the image processing unit, control signal generation unit, and endoscope control unit into an integrated automated positioning system. The processor merges multiple control functions including endoscope positioning control and balloon inflation control into a unified system that operates coordination to achieve accurate positioning, reducing the need for separate independent control systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If balloon inflation is used for stabilization, then positioning stability is improved, but time required for procedure increases due to additional stabilization steps
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is inflated in advance to stabilize the endoscope insertion section before the automated positioning control begins. By performing this stabilization action preliminarily, the system ensures that the insertion section is properly positioned and stable before image processing and automated adjustment start, preventing the need for repeated stabilization adjustments during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon remains inflated throughout the automated positioning process to maintain continuous stabilization of the endoscope insertion section. This continuous stabilization ensures that the positioning adjustments made by the automated control system are maintained without drift or instability, allowing the procedure to progress smoothly without interruption for re-stabilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system including an endoscope configured to electrically drive an endoscopic operation. The endoscopic operation includes at least one of a forward and backward movement of an insertion section, a bending angle of a bending section of the insertion section, and a rolling rotation of the insertion section, the endoscope being configured to capture an endoscope image. The medical system further includes a processor comprising hardware. The processor is configured to control the endoscopic operation to achieve a second positioning subsequent to a first positioning, the first positioning being where the insertion section is positioned with respect to a papillary portion of a duodenum, the second positioning positions a distal end section of the insertion section with respect to a papillary portion of the duodenum based on the endoscope image.