Endoscope Torque Generation Component for Polyp Resection

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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 alternating 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

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If separate cutting and retrieval tools are used during colonoscopy, then the endoscope can perform basic functions, but the precision and efficiency of polyp removal is reduced, leading to sample bias and incomplete resection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolyp removal efficiencyVSAvoidinstrument configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cutting function and retrieval function into a single integrated endoscopic instrument. The cutting blade and aspiration channel are disposed within the same instrument shaft, allowing simultaneous cutting and removal of polyps through one tool rather than requiring separate snare and forceps instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscopic instrument performs multiple functions: it can cut polyps using a rotating blade, aspirate removed tissue through an integrated channel, and potentially biopsy tissue. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to switch between separate cutting and retrieval tools during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of time

If multiple separate tools are alternated for cutting and retrieving polyps, then basic polyp removal is possible, but the procedure time increases and sample bias occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolyp removal timeVSAvoidoperator workflow

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated instrument allows continuous action throughout the polyp removal process. The cutting blade can continuously resect polyp tissue while the aspiration channel simultaneously removes the cut pieces, eliminating the intermittent switching between tools and maintaining continuous therapeutic action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument is pre-configured with both cutting and aspiration capabilities in a single shaft. The aspiration channel is already positioned and connected before the cutting begins, so no preliminary tool changes or repositioning are needed during the polyp removal procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional snare and forceps are used separately, then simple polyp removal can be achieved, but precision in removing sessile polyps is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolyp resection precisionVSAvoidnumber of instruments

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cutting blade mechanism and aspiration channel into a single integrated instrument shaft. This allows precise cutting of sessile polyps while simultaneously aspirating the removed tissue, improving resection precision without requiring multiple separate instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 resections by enabling the efficient retrieval of multiple polyps in a single procedure, improving the accuracy of colon cancer screening.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS9033895B2Endoscope including an torque generation component or torque delivery component disposed within an insertable portion of the endoscope and a surgical cutting assembly insertable within the endoscope

Publication Date: 2015.05.19 INTERSCOPE INC

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.