Endoscope Torque-Driven Cutting and Aspiration System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current colonoscopy techniques lack precision and efficiency in removing sessile polyps and multiple polyps, leading to sample bias and incomplete resection, which can result in missed cancers and increased false-negative rates due to the need for separate cutting and retrieval tools.
Innovation Solution
An improved endoscopic instrument with a power-driven cutting and aspiration system integrated within a single channel of an endoscope, allowing for simultaneous cutting and removal of polyps without the need to alternate tools, utilizing a flexible instrument head with a cutting shaft and aspiration channel coupled to a vacuum source for efficient polyp removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate cutting tools and retrieval tools are used for polyp removal, then the precision of polyp resection is improved, but the procedural time and complexity increase due to alternating between tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutting function and retrieval function into a single integrated instrument. The cutting shaft with cutting elements can resect polyps, and the same instrument can retrieve the resected tissue through its working channel, eliminating the need to alternate between separate cutting tools and retrieval tools, thus reducing procedural time while maintaining resection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscopic instrument is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a cutting tool with various cutting elements (blades, scissors, snares) and as a retrieval tool with a working channel for removing resected tissue. This universal design allows a single instrument to perform multiple functions that previously required separate tools
2Reliability
If multiple separate instruments are used for cutting and retrieval, then the completeness of polyp removal is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple instruments into one integrated system. The cutting shaft incorporates various cutting mechanisms and the instrument includes a working channel for retrieval, combining what were previously separate instruments into a single unified device that maintains the completeness of polyp removal while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument design employs nesting where the cutting elements and retrieval components are integrated within a single instrument structure. The cutting shaft contains cutting elements, and the instrument has an inner working channel within the outer shaft, allowing retrieval functionality to be nested within the cutting instrument, reducing the number of separate devices needed
3Measurement precision
If separate tools are used for cutting and retrieval, then the precision of sample collection is improved, but the efficiency of the procedure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cutting and retrieval capabilities in one instrument, allowing the operator to perform both functions without switching tools. The cutting shaft can precisely resect polyps and the same instrument can immediately retrieve samples through its working channel, maintaining precision while significantly improving procedural efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design enables continuous useful action by eliminating the interruption of tool switching. The operator can continuously perform cutting and retrieval operations with a single instrument, maintaining workflow continuity and improving overall procedural efficiency while preserving the precision of sample collection
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
Enhances precision and speed of polyp removal, reducing sample bias and incomplete resection by enabling the efficient retrieval of multiple polyps in a single procedure, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing procedural time.
Implementation Method 1
An aspiration channel extends from the material entry port of the power-driven instrument head to the material exit port. The second proximal end of the flexible portion is configured to couple to a vacuum source such that the resected material entering the aspiration channel via the material entry port is removed from the aspiration channel at the material exit port
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope for removing tissue at a surgical site includes an elongated tubular body insertable within a mammalian cavity of a patient. An instrument channel extends between a first opening at a distal end and a second opening at a proximal end of the tubular body and is sized and configured to receive a surgical cutting assembly that includes an aspiration channel configured to remove material entering the endoscope via a distal end of the surgical cutting assembly. A torque generation component configured to generate torque is positioned within the distal end and configured to provide the generated torque to a coupling component. The coupling component is positioned at the distal end of the elongated tubular member and configured to actuate a cutting component of the surgical cutting assembly responsive to actuation of the torque generation component.