Endoscope Positioning via Rotating Distal Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face challenges in precisely accessing tortuous and small cross-sectional areas of the body, leading to unnecessary tissue trauma and prolonged medical procedures due to repeated manipulation and improper placement during diagnostic and treatment procedures.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with a flexible tube and a joint mechanism that allows the distal portion to rotate relative to the proximal portion, enabling precise positioning of a treatment instrument through a working channel, using a torque transfer element and planetary gear system to control the rotation, thereby reducing tissue trauma and improving procedural efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If repeated manipulation and positioning of the endoscope is performed to access desired body portions, then the endoscope can reach various locations, but tissue trauma increases and procedure time prolongs
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into a proximal portion and a distal portion connected by a joint, allowing independent manipulation of each segment. The distal portion can be rotated and positioned separately from the proximal portion, enabling precise access to tortuous body lumens without repeated manipulation of the entire endoscope, thereby reducing tissue trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint mechanism provides dynamic rotational capability between the proximal and distal portions, allowing the distal portion to rotate relative to the proximal portion. This dynamic adjustment enables precise positioning in tortuous anatomical paths while maintaining stability during treatment procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If repeated manipulation and positioning of the endoscope is performed to access desired body portions, then various locations can be reached, but procedure duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the endoscope into manipulatable portions connected by a joint, the system enables independent positioning of the distal portion without requiring repeated manipulation of the entire endoscope assembly, thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining positioning versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic joint mechanism allows rapid adjustment of the distal portion's orientation and position through controlled rotation, enabling the operator to quickly access different body lumens and reduce the overall procedure duration compared to manipulating the entire endoscope repeatedly.
3Ease of operation
If the distal portion is made rotatable relative to the proximal portion, then precise manipulation of treatment instruments is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint mechanism provides controlled rotational movement between the proximal and distal portions, enabling precise manipulation of treatment instruments through the working channel. The rotational capability allows the distal portion to be oriented accurately for treatment procedures while maintaining a manageable device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint mechanism changes the operational parameters of the endoscope by enabling rotation of the distal portion relative to the proximal portion. This parameter change (adding rotational freedom) improves ease of operation for treatment instrument manipulation while the complexity is contained within the joint mechanism itself.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention may include an outer flexible tube and a positioning mechanism configured for rotating one portion of the flexible tube relative to another portion of the flexible tube.