Endoscope Sheath and Endcap System for Feeding Tube Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic procedures face limitations in precision and ease of use due to the size and stiffness of large diameter/multiple working channel endoscopes, which can be costly and difficult to sanitize, and existing methods for introducing medical devices into the gastrointestinal tract are not efficient for procedures like PEG and JET-PEG tube placements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a flexible sheath with a track and endcap system that allows for the precise placement of feeding tubes by applying a pushing force on the endcap while simultaneously pulling on the endoscope through the sheath, enabling the use of existing endoscopes with smaller working channels for procedures like PEG and JET-PEG, and a mechanism for maintaining the feeding tube in place after removal of the endoscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If large diameter/multiple working channel endoscopes are used, then the capability to pass large accessories and suction large blood clots is improved, but the device becomes relatively expensive and difficult to sanitize
Solution Approach 1:
The invention places a sheath with an end cap and track around a standard endoscope, creating a nested structure. This allows the endoscope to function with extended capabilities without requiring a larger, more complex endoscope. The sheath and end cap are disposed around the endoscope, with the track extending along the sheath, enabling accessory passage through the nested configuration rather than requiring a larger endoscope lumen.
2Adaptability or versatility
If large diameter/multiple working channel endoscopes are used, then the capability to pass large accessories is improved, but the endoscope becomes relatively stiff and difficult to intubate
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath with end cap and track is disposed around a standard flexible endoscope, allowing the system to pass large accessories through the nested structure while maintaining the flexibility of the original endoscope. The endoscope retains its original flexibility for easy intubation while the external sheath and track structure enables large accessory passage capability.
3Ease of operation
If standard endoscopes with smaller working channels are used, then the ease of operation and cost are improved, but the capability to pass large accessories is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a sheath with end cap and track around a standard endoscope, creating a nested system that extends accessory passage capability beyond the endoscope's working channel limitations. The track extends along the sheath and can accommodate accessories larger than the endoscope's native working channel would allow.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath with end cap and track acts as an intermediary structure between the endoscope and large accessories. It provides a pathway for large accessories to be introduced and positioned without requiring the endoscope itself to have a large working channel, thus preserving the endoscope's flexibility and ease of operation while enabling extended capability.
4Ease of operation
If existing methods for introducing medical devices into the gastrointestinal tract are used, then the simplicity of the procedure is maintained, but the precision and efficiency for procedures like PEG and JET-PEG tube placements are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap with track serves as an intermediary positioning mechanism that interfaces between the endoscope and feeding tubes. The track on the end cap provides a guided pathway that improves precision during tube placement procedures like PEG and JET-PEG, while the overall method remains relatively simple by building upon standard endoscopic techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for positioning a device, such as an endcap, on an endoscope is disclosed. The method can be used, for example, for facilitating pressing an endcap onto an endoscope, including in those applications where the endscope is disposed in a sheath and the endcap is positioned at the distal end of the sheath.