Endoscope Wire Deforming Region for Pericardial Cavity Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopes face challenges in achieving a sufficient viewing field within the pericardial cavity due to limited space and proximity to the heart, making it difficult to observe the interior without causing interference or obstruction.

Innovation Solution

An endoscope device with a flexible sheath and a wire having a deforming region that can change from a normal to a loop-shaped expanded form, creating a larger diameter to hold the pericardium away from the heart's surface, thereby forming a space for a clearer view, using shape memory materials like nickel titanium for deformation control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If an endoscope is inserted directly into the pericardial cavity without additional structures, then the device complexity is reduced, but the viewing field is insufficient due to limited space and proximity to the heart

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidviewing field area

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The wire with the deforming region is inserted into the sheath, and the endoscope is inserted into the sheath. The wire is nested within the sheath structure, allowing the deforming region to be deployed outside the sheath to create additional space while keeping the overall device compact during insertion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The deforming region transforms from a linear configuration inside the sheath to a loop-shaped three-dimensional structure outside the sheath. This dimensional transformation creates radial space in the pericardial cavity, expanding the viewing field area without increasing the longitudinal length of the device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If the endoscope is positioned close to the heart for observation, then the observation detail is improved, but the viewing field is obstructed by the heart's surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobservation detailVSAvoidviewing field area

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The deforming region acts as an intermediary structure between the endoscope and the heart. It creates a space-making effect that separates the endoscope from direct contact with the heart surface, removing the obstruction while maintaining close proximity for detailed observation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid structure is used to maintain space in the pericardial cavity, then the viewing field stability is improved, but the device flexibility and ease of insertion are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing field stabilityVSAvoidease of insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wire structure is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The deforming region can transform from a compact linear form during insertion to an expanded loop-shaped form for space maintenance. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt its properties based on the operational phase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wire with deforming region functions as a flexible structure that can be inserted through the sheath in a compact state and then deployed to create a stable spatial framework. The flexibility allows easy insertion while the deployed configuration provides viewing field stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution allows for a larger viewing field and adjustable observation range by creating space between the endoscope and the heart's surface, enabling effective visualization of the pericardial cavity without physical interference, facilitating both overhead and lateral views.

Implementation Method 1

using shape memory materials like nickel titanium for deformation control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS11172807B2Endoscope device and endoscope system with deforming insertion portion wire

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An endoscope device is provided with: an elongated sheath having an endoscope insertion passage that penetrates therethrough in the longitudinal direction and into which an endoscope is inserted; and a wire that is provided in the sheath and that has a bending portion that bends toward the endoscope insertion passage, wherein the wire has a deforming region that is provided in a distal end portion of the sheath and that deforms between a normal form, in which the deforming region is disposed in the interior of the sheath or along an outer circumferential surface thereof, and a loop-shaped expanded form, in which the bending portion is bended and has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the sheath.