Endoscope Torque Component for Polyp Removal Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current colonoscopy practices are inefficient and imprecise in removing sessile polyps and multiple polyps, leading to sample bias and a high false-negative rate due to the inability to adequately address these challenging polyp types, which contributes to the underdiagnosis of colon cancer.
Innovation Solution
An improved endoscopic instrument that integrates a power-driven cutting tool and suction mechanism within a flexible endoscope, allowing for simultaneous polyp removal and sample retrieval without the need to alternate tools, enhancing precision and efficiency in polyp debridement and sample collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a snare is used to remove polyps, then polyp removal is achieved, but the process requires alternating between cutting tools and sample retrieval tools, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutting function and sample retrieval function into a single integrated instrument. The cutting tool cuts the polyp while the suction mechanism simultaneously aspirates the cut polyp through the same instrument, eliminating the need to switch between separate cutting tools and retrieval tools, thereby improving productivity without adding device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a cutting tool (with the cutting blade) and a sample retrieval tool (with the suction mechanism). This multi-functionality allows the single instrument to complete both polyp removal and sample collection in one operation, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity
2Reliability
If only the largest polyps are sampled, then resource constraints are managed, but sample bias occurs and smaller polyps are missed, leading to false-negative results
Solution Approach 1:
The suction mechanism operates continuously during the cutting process, constantly aspirating cut polyp tissue. This continuous action ensures that both large and small polyps are removed and sampled without interruption, eliminating sample bias while maintaining high sampling speed and improving diagnosis accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual, selective sampling process with an automated suction mechanism that continuously removes and aspirates polyp tissue. This mechanical substitution ensures consistent and comprehensive sampling of all polyps regardless of size, improving reliability without sacrificing productivity
3Ease of operation
If separate cutting tools and sample retrieval tools are used, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool and sample retrieval tool are merged into a single integrated instrument with both functions operating simultaneously. The cutting blade cuts the polyp while the suction mechanism aspirates the cut tissue through the same instrument, eliminating tool switching time and simplifying the procedure for the operator
Solution Approach 2:
The suction mechanism operates continuously throughout the cutting process, eliminating interruptions for tool switching. This continuous operation maintains ease of operation by allowing the operator to perform both cutting and retrieval with a single instrument, while eliminating the time loss associated with alternating between separate tools
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
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 (5680) 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 (5610) configured to generate torque is positioned within the distal end and configured to provide the generated torque to a coupling component (5630). 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.