Endoscope Protrusions Reduce Intra-Pelvic Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

During ureteroscopy procedures, high intra-pelvic pressure is generated due to irrigation fluid accumulation, posing risks of pyelovenous backflow, infection, and pain, and current ureteral access sheaths are limited by the patient's ureter diameter, restricting the use of smaller ureteroscopes.

Innovation Solution

The development of an endoscope system with a shaft featuring protrusions on its exterior surface or within the working channel, and an access sheath with radial projections, designed to enhance fluid flow and reduce intra-pelvic pressure by optimizing the cross-sectional geometry of the shaft and sheath.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a ureteral access sheath is used to limit intra-pelvic pressure, then fluid outflow is improved, but the sheath diameter is limited by the patient's ureter diameter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintra-pelvic pressure controlVSAvoidsheath diameter selection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The access sheath incorporates radial projections at specific locations along its length, creating localized fluid egress pathways. This allows the sheath to maintain a diameter suitable for patient anatomy while providing enhanced fluid outflow capacity through the projections, resolving the contradiction between pressure control and diameter limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sheath is divided into multiple segments with radial projections at different positions, allowing fluid to escape at multiple locations along the sheath length. This segmentation provides cumulative outflow capacity equivalent to a larger diameter sheath while maintaining the ability to pass through smaller ureters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a smaller ureteroscope is used, then access to the renal pelvis is improved, but the cross-sectional area is insufficient to house internal components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to renal pelvisVSAvoidcross-sectional area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ureteroscope is inserted through the access sheath, with the scope and its components nested within the sheath structure. The radial projections create additional space and fluid pathways that accommodate the scope's internal components while maintaining a small overall profile for ureteral passage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If irrigation fluid is used during ureteroscopy, then stone removal is facilitated, but intra-pelvic pressure increases due to fluid accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestone removal efficiencyVSAvoidintra-pelvic pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The radial projections convert the potentially harmful fluid accumulation that increases pressure into a beneficial outflow mechanism. The projections create controlled egress pathways that utilize the irrigation fluid flow to actively reduce pressure, transforming the harmful effect of fluid accumulation into a pressure-relief mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The radial projections act as intermediary structures between the irrigation fluid and the renal pelvis environment. They mediate the fluid flow by providing controlled outflow pathways, allowing irrigation to continue for stone removal while preventing dangerous pressure buildup through the projection-mediated egress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system improves fluid flow and reduces intra-pelvic pressure during endoscopic procedures, allowing for safer and more effective ureteroscopy with smaller ureteroscopes that can be used without compromising functionality.

Implementation Method 1

at least one projection extending radially into the opening of the conduit to increase a flow of fluid at least one of through the opening of the conduit or around the endoscope positioned within the opening of the conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow enhancement through geometric modification:

Data Source

PatentUS20220257108A1Endoscope devices, systems, and methods for reducing intra-pelvic pressure using same

Publication Date: 2022.08.18 THE RES FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIV OF NEW YORK

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to methods of performing ureteroscopy, a ureteroscope for insertion into a ureter or an access sheath, and systems related thereto. In embodiments, the present disclosure includes an endoscope, for insertion into a ureter or an access sheath, the endoscope including: a shaft including: a first end, a second end positioned axial opposite of the first end, a working channel extending axially through the shaft, between the first end and the second end, and at least one protrusion extending at least one of: from an exterior surface of the shaft, or into the working channel; and a handpiece releasably coupled to the shaft adjacent the first end.