Endoscope Suction Tube Positioning for Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical endoscopes face challenges in maneuvering suction openings under optical observation, particularly during procedures like prostate resection and morcellation, where tissue remnants and liquids are difficult to manage due to poor visibility and axial liquid flow interference.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design features a suction tube with its opening positioned ahead of the distal end in the optical field, allowing precise control and observation, with lateral liquid supply and drainage through side holes in the shaft tube, and a closure element that prevents axial liquid flow, ensuring clear visibility and effective flushing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the suction opening is integrated into the distal end of the shaft tube, then the structure is simplified, but the precision of maneuvering and observation under optical field is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tube is separated from the shaft tube, with the suction opening positioned in front of the distal end rather than integrated into it. This segmentation allows the suction opening to be independently positioned within the optical field while maintaining a separate structural identity, thereby improving maneuvering precision without overly complicating the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction opening is positioned at a distance from the distal end along the axial dimension, creating a spatial separation that allows both the suction opening and the distal end to function independently within the optical field. This dimensional arrangement enables precise observation and maneuvering while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Productivity
If continuous rinsing is performed through axial flow, then flushing effect is strong, but visibility is reduced due to liquid flow interference
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing liquid to flow axially through the shaft tube, the closure element blocks axial flow and redirects liquid to flow laterally through side holes. This inverted flow direction maintains the flushing effect while preventing liquid from interfering with the optical field, thereby preserving visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element creates different flow characteristics in different regions: axial flow is blocked at the distal end while lateral flow is enabled through side holes. This local differentiation allows strong flushing where needed while maintaining clear visibility in the optical field.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate instruments are used for resection and morcellation, then each function is optimized, but patient discomfort increases due to repeated insertion and withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft tube is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate both resection devices and suction/morcellation devices. The closure element and lateral flow system enable the same shaft tube to perform both resection and morcellation functions, eliminating the need for repeated insertion and withdrawal of different instruments and thereby reducing patient discomfort.
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
This design enhances precision in suction and morcellation tasks by maintaining a clear field of vision and reducing tissue remnants left in the bladder, while allowing the same outer shaft to be used for both resection and morcellation, minimizing patient discomfort from repeated instrument insertion and withdrawal.
Implementation Method 1
suction is carried out with the suction tube or morcellator
Implementation Method 2
The closure element blocks the shaft tube in the axial direction, so that liquid cannot flow out of the shaft tube directly axially, but only laterally
Implementation Method 3
an optical system arranged therein, with which the area in front of the distal end of the shaft tube can be observed
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a surgical endoscope (1) having a shaft tube (2) that can be connected at the proximal end region (8) thereof to a rinsing water inlet (9), and having a lateral opening (10) at the distal end region, and having an optic (3) extending through the shaft tube (2), said optic being designed with a smaller cross-section than the interior cross-section of the shaft tube (2), and through said optic an image conductor (14) extends along the length thereof, wherein a suction tube (5) is disposed in the free interior cross-section of the shaft tube (2) next to the optic (3), the suction opening (7) of said suction tube being disposed distally in front of the shaft tube (2), said suction tube also being proximally connected to a suction device (17), and wherein in the distal end region of the shaft tube (2) a locking element (4) locking the remaining free interior cross-section thereof is disposed.