Endoscope Stabilization Balloon for Lumen Straightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic examination and treatment of body lumens and cavities are hindered by complex anatomic configurations, soft tissue consistency, and tethering, leading to difficulties in visualization and access, especially in areas like the gastrointestinal tract where conventional endoscopes struggle to fully visualize or treat lesions due to spasming and movement of the body lumen.
Innovation Solution
A novel apparatus comprising a sleeve slid over an endoscope with proximal and distal balloons that can be inflated to stabilize the endoscope and create a stable therapeutic zone, allowing for better visualization and access by straightening bends and stabilizing instruments within the body lumen or cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional endoscopes are used to examine body lumens, then the examination can be performed, but visualization is hindered by spasming and movement of the body lumen
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary stabilization by inflating balloons at specific locations within the body lumen before the examination proceeds. This preliminary action creates a stable environment that counteracts subsequent spasming and movement, allowing for reliable visualization throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus introduces an intermediary stabilization mechanism between the endoscope and the moving body lumen. The balloons and support structures act as intermediaries that absorb and compensate for the lumen's movement, providing a stable platform for the endoscope to maintain reliable visualization
2Area of stationary object
If the body lumen is left in its natural state, then access is maintained, but visualization of hidden areas is limited due to complex anatomy and bends
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses inflatable balloons that can be positioned at bends and curves within the body lumen. By inflating these balloons, the apparatus effectively alters the local curvature and shape of the lumen, straightening bends and opening up previously hidden areas to improve the visualized area during examination
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus introduces a new dimension of control by using inflatable structures that can expand radially to push against the lumen walls. This dimensional change allows the apparatus to actively reshape the lumen geometry, converting complex bent configurations into more linear, visualizable paths
3Ease of operation
If the body lumen is stabilized using conventional methods, then some visualization improvement is achieved, but access and instrument stability remain insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization apparatus is divided into multiple independent segments including separate balloons at different locations, support structures, and instrument stabilization components. This segmentation allows each element to perform a specific stabilization function independently, improving overall instrument stability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs a nested structure where balloons are positioned within the body lumen, support structures are nested within or around the balloons, and instrument stabilization mechanisms are nested within the support structures. This nested arrangement creates a hierarchical stabilization system that improves instrument stability while consolidating multiple functions into a compact configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for endoscopically retracting tissue, the apparatus comprising a sleeve adapted to be slid over the exterior of an endoscope; a balloon movably mounted to the sleeve; and at least one connector extending from the balloon and configured to be secured to tissue which is to be retracted; wherein the balloon is configured to be moved relative to the sleeve in order to retract the tissue.