Endoscope Steerable Extension Rear-Viewing Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes provide limited viewing capabilities due to their single forward-facing camera, which requires repositioning to capture images from different angles, leading to prolonged procedures, discomfort, and potential missed abnormalities, especially in complex body cavities like the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a steerable extension with a rear-viewing imaging device that can be oriented to provide both front and rear views, allowing for better visualization of areas behind folds and flexures, and potentially malignant polyps, by using a secondary imaging unit that can be steered up to 180° and positioned on the distal end or cylindrical side surface of the endoscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single forward viewing camera is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the viewing capability is limited and requires repeated repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple independent cameras: a primary forward-viewing camera and one or more auxiliary rear-viewing cameras. Each camera can be independently positioned and oriented to capture specific views, allowing comprehensive coverage of the body cavity without requiring repeated repositioning of the entire endoscope.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary camera is oriented backwards to face the main camera, adding a rear-view dimension to the imaging system. This creates a multi-dimensional viewing capability where both front and rear views can be captured simultaneously, enabling visualization of areas behind folds and flexures that would otherwise be inaccessible.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope is repositioned to capture images from different angles, then the viewing coverage is improved, but the procedure duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cameras are pre-configured at the distal end of the endoscope with different orientations (forward and rearward) before insertion. This preliminary arrangement allows the endoscope to capture images from multiple angles simultaneously upon reaching the target area, eliminating the need for time-consuming repositioning operations during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
With multiple cameras positioned and oriented to capture different views, the imaging system can continuously acquire images from various angles without interrupting the procedure for repositioning. This maintains continuous useful action throughout the examination, improving both viewing coverage and efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If the endoscope is repositioned to view areas behind folds and flexures, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging function is segmented between the primary camera for forward viewing and auxiliary rear-viewing cameras positioned within the distal end region. This segmentation allows specialized cameras to be optimized for viewing specific areas, including those behind folds and flexures, without requiring the entire endoscope to be repositioned, thereby minimizing patient discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary rear-viewing cameras act as intermediaries that can be positioned within the distal end region to capture images from angles that would otherwise require the endoscope to be pulled back or repositioned. This intermediary positioning allows visualization of hidden areas while maintaining the endoscope's forward position, reducing mechanical manipulation and associated discomfort.
4Device complexity
If a single camera is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to visualize hidden lesions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple cameras with distinct functions: the primary camera captures forward views while auxiliary rear-viewing cameras capture rearward views. This segmentation allows each camera to be optimized for its specific viewing angle, improving the reliability of detecting hidden lesions while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end region is designed to accommodate multiple cameras with different orientations, creating a multi-functional imaging system. This universal design allows the same endoscope structure to perform multiple imaging functions (forward viewing, rear viewing, angled viewing) simultaneously, improving detection reliability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end and an imaging device with a steerable extension. The proximal end of the extension is attached to the distal end of the insertion tube. An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end region and a rear-viewing imaging device at least partially disposed inside the distal end region. An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end cap, an imaging device, and a link that couples the imaging device to the distal end cap of the insertion tube.