Endoscope Stabilizing Sleeve with Inflatable Balloons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic examination and treatment of body lumens and cavities are hindered by anatomic configurations, tissue consistency, and tethering, which complicate visualization and access.
Innovation Solution
The use of a novel apparatus comprising a sleeve slid over an endoscope, with proximal and distal balloons that can be inflated to stabilize and manipulate the side wall of body lumens and cavities, enhancing visualization and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional endoscopes are used to examine body lumens, then the procedure is minimally invasive, but visualization and access are limited by anatomic configuration, tissue consistency, and tethering
Solution Approach 1:
A stabilizing member is introduced as an intermediary device between the endoscope and the body lumen wall. This stabilizing member includes a balloon that, when inflated, creates a stable platform against the lumen wall, enabling improved visualization and instrument access without requiring complex modifications to the endoscope itself or the patient's anatomy
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon is inflated to change its volume and pressure parameters, transforming it from a collapsed state to an expanded state that firmly engages the body lumen wall. This parameter change creates the necessary stability and support structure to overcome the limitations imposed by anatomic configuration and tissue consistency
2Measurement precision
If the side wall of the body lumen is allowed to move naturally, then the procedure is simpler, but instrument stability and visualization precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is inflated in advance to stabilize the body lumen wall before the endoscope and instruments are positioned. This preliminary stabilization action creates a fixed reference frame that improves subsequent visualization precision and instrument manipulation, preventing movement during the examination or treatment procedure
3Ease of operation
If balloons are inflated to stabilize the side wall, then visualization and access are improved, but the device complexity and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing member with the balloon is designed to perform multiple functions: it stabilizes the body lumen wall, provides a platform for instrument support, and creates a stable visual field. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity despite the added capability
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 stabilizes instruments and improves visualization by creating a static side wall, allowing for more precise examination and therapeutic interventions.
Implementation Method 1
a balloon that can be inflated to stabilize and manipulate the side wall of body lumens and cavities
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus comprising: a sleeve adapted to be slid over the exterior of an endoscope; a proximal balloon secured to the sleeve; an inflation/deflation tube carried by the sleeve and in fluid communication with the interior of the proximal balloon; a push tube slidably mounted to the sleeve; and a distal balloon secured to the distal end of the push tube, the interior of the distal balloon being in fluid communication with the push tube, wherein the distal balloon is capable of assuming a deflated condition and an inflated condition, and further wherein when the distal balloon is in its deflated condition, an axial opening extends therethrough, the axial opening being sized to receive the endoscope therein, and when the distal balloon is in its inflated condition, the axial opening is closed down.