Endoscope Torque-Driven Cutting and Aspiration Assembly
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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 increased risk of missed cancers due to the inability to adequately address smaller, less detectable polyps.
Innovation Solution
An improved endoscopic instrument with a power-driven cutting and aspiration mechanism that allows for simultaneous cutting and removal of polyps within the patient's body through a flexible endoscope, integrating debriding and sample retrieval functions without the need for separate tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate cutting tools and separate sample retrieving tools are used, then the functions are specialized and reliable, but the procedure time increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutting function and sample retrieval function into a single integrated endoscopic instrument. The cutting assembly includes a cutting element that can cut polyps, and the same instrument includes an aspiration channel that can retrieve the cut samples, eliminating the need to alternate between separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscopic instrument is designed with multiple functions within a single device: it can cut tissue using the cutting element, retrieve samples through the aspiration channel, and the instrument can be reused for multiple polyps. This multi-functionality reduces procedure time while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple separate tools are used for cutting and retrieving samples, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated instrument that includes both cutting and sample retrieval capabilities, reducing the number of separate tools needed while maintaining functional optimization through dedicated components within the unified device.
3Reliability
If multiple separate tools are used for cutting and retrieving samples, then each function can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the ease of operation and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design allows the operator to perform cutting and sample retrieval with a single instrument, improving ease of operation by eliminating tool changes while maintaining dedicated functional components for reliable performance of each task.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional snare and separate retrieval tools are used, then the cutting function is simple, but the precision and speed of polyp removal deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cutting element with an aspiration channel in a single instrument, allowing precise polyp removal by combining the simplicity of the cutting mechanism with the precision of immediate sample retrieval through the same device, thereby improving both precision and speed.
5Reliability
If separate tools are used for cutting and retrieving multiple polyps, then each polyp can be addressed individually, but the time required and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated endoscopic instrument allows the operator to cut and retrieve samples from multiple polyps in succession using the same device, maintaining the ability to address each polyp individually while significantly improving productivity by eliminating the need to change tools between polyps.
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 in polyp removal, reducing the risk of missed cancers by enabling efficient retrieval of multiple polyps and reducing the time required for the procedure, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
a torque generation component configured to generate torque and positioned within the distal end, the torque generation component configured to provide the generated torque to a coupling component
Implementation Method 2
an aspiration channel configured to provide a suction force at the opening of the inner cannula
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.