Endoscope Stabilization Balloon Apparatus for Lumen Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic examination and treatment of body lumens and cavities are hindered by complex anatomical configurations, soft tissue consistency, and tethering, leading to difficulties in visualization and access, especially in areas like the intestine where spasming and contraction complicate procedures.
Innovation Solution
A novel apparatus comprising a sleeve with aft and fore balloons and hollow push tubes, which stabilizes and expands the side wall of body lumens, allowing better visualization and access by inflating the balloons to create a stable therapeutic zone for endoscopic procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional flexible endoscopes are used to examine body lumens, then the endoscope can navigate through the lumen, but the side wall tissue cannot be fully visualized or accessed due to anatomical configuration, tissue consistency, and tethering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the apparatus with balloons and push tubes) that acts as a mediator between the endoscope and the side wall tissue. The balloons inflate to create a stable therapeutic zone, and the push tubes transmit forces to manipulate the tissue, enabling the endoscope to visualize and treat areas that would otherwise be inaccessible due to anatomical constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus changes the physical parameters of the examination environment by inflating balloons to alter the configuration and stability of the body lumen. This creates a controlled therapeutic zone with improved visualization and access, transforming the dynamic, moving tissue into a stable field for endoscopic examination
2Reliability
If the body lumen is allowed to move and spasm naturally, then physiological function is maintained, but endoscopic visualization and instrument access are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary action by inflating the balloons to stabilize the body lumen before endoscopic examination begins. This pre-stabilization creates a controlled therapeutic zone that prevents spasm and movement during the procedure, ensuring both physiological function is maintained and visualization precision is achieved
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus dynamically adjusts the stabilization of the body lumen by controlling balloon inflation and deflation. The system can transition between allowing natural movement and providing stable visualization as needed, adapting to the physiological requirements while enabling precise endoscopic examination
3Area of stationary object
If the endoscope is advanced through the body lumen, then examination coverage is increased, but the endoscope may grip and suddenly release the tissue, causing rapid movement past significant lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The push tubes serve as intermediaries between the operator and the endoscope, providing continuous control and feedback. This intermediary mechanism prevents sudden gripping and releasing by allowing smooth, controlled advancement and maintaining precise positioning throughout the examination coverage area
4Loss of information
If balloons are inflated to stabilize the body lumen, then visualization and access are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: the balloons for stabilization, the push tubes for tissue manipulation, and the connection to the endoscope for examination. This combining of functions reduces the need for separate devices and procedures, making the complex apparatus manageable and effective
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 apparatus enhances visualization and access to previously hidden areas by stabilizing the endoscope and instruments, improving the precision of examinations and treatments by maintaining a stable and expanded view of the side wall tissue.
Implementation Method 1
by inflating the balloons to create a stable therapeutic zone
Implementation Method 2
hollow push tubes, which stabilizes and expands the side wall of body lumens
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5
AI summary
Apparatus comprising: a sleeve adapted to be slid over the exterior of an endoscope; an aft balloon secured to the sleeve; an inflation/deflation tube carried by the sleeve and in fluid communication with the interior of the aft balloon; a pair of hollow push tubes slidably mounted to the sleeve, the pair of hollow push tubes being connected to one another at their distal ends with a raised push tube bridge, the raised push tube bridge being configured to nest an endoscope therein; and a fore balloon secured to the distal ends of the pair of hollow push tubes, the interior of the fore balloon being in fluid communication with the interiors of the pair of hollow push tubes, wherein the fore balloon is capable of assuming a deflated condition and an inflated condition.