Endoscope Reinsertion Sheath and Suturing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical scopes face challenges in navigating to anatomical regions, require pre-operative decisions on instrument usage without visual feedback, and incur increased time and cost due to the need to remove and reinsert instruments for different procedures, especially in colonoscopy and bariatric procedures.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a reinsertion sheath that allows for the withdrawal and reinsertion of endoscopes without re-navigating, and an attachable suturing device that is simple to operate, minimally interferes with the endoscope, and provides efficient suturing, including an electromagnetically driven suturing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional endoscopes are used with dedicated suturing scopes or attachments, then suturing capability is provided, but the endoscope must be withdrawn and reinserted, increasing procedure time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is designed with a universal working channel that can accommodate multiple different instruments including forceps, suturing devices, and other therapeutic tools. This allows a single endoscope to perform multiple functions (diagnosis, tissue collection, suturing) without requiring withdrawal and reinsertion for instrument changes
2Productivity
If pre-operative decisions are made about instrument usage, then procedural planning is established, but flexibility for intraoperative adjustments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of instruments during the procedure. The endoscope's working channel can accommodate different instruments based on real-time procedural needs, allowing the operator to switch between forceps, suturing devices, or other tools without withdrawing the endoscope, thus maintaining both efficiency and flexibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are removed and reinserted for different procedures, then different therapeutic functions are performed, but navigation time and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope incorporates a universal working channel designed to accommodate multiple different therapeutic instruments including forceps for tissue collection and suturing devices for closing punctures. This multi-functional design allows various therapeutic procedures to be performed through a single endoscope insertion, reducing procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different therapeutic instruments are designed to be nested within or passed through the endoscope's working channel. The forceps and suturing devices can be inserted through the endoscope's lumen, allowing them to reach the target anatomy while being contained within the endoscope structure, simplifying the overall procedural setup
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
Facilitates efficient and cost-effective performance of medical procedures by allowing intraoperative adjustments and minimizing the need for pre-operative instrument decisions, reducing navigation time and improving procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic driver configured to actuate the suturing element to move between the tracks
Data Source
AI summary
A method of withdrawing an endoscope from anatomy comprises inserting the endoscope into the anatomy to deliver a distal end of the endoscope to a location, positioning a guide sheath around a proximal end of the endoscope, sliding the guide sheath along the endoscope to reach the distal end and withdrawing the endoscope from the guide sheath and anatomy. A system for intraoperatively attaching a suturing device to an in-situ endoscope comprises an insertion sheath comprising an elongate tunnel body extending between proximal and distal ends and a slit extending axially along the elongate tunnel body, and a suturing device couplable in a releasable manner to an endoscope. A reinsertion sheath for an endoscope comprises an elongate body comprising proximal and distal ends and a skin extending axially between the proximal and distal ends, and a slit extending along the shaft to allow circumferential expansion of the elongate body.