Endoscope Working Tube for Bone Cement Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for removing bone cement during hip prosthesis replacement are either imprecise and damaging to bone tissue when mechanical, or complex and time-consuming when using laser ablation, leading to increased operational risks and costs.

Innovation Solution

An endoscope with a working tube containing a light guide channel for laser radiation, a flushing channel for gases or liquids, and a suction channel, allowing for precise removal of bone cement while minimizing tissue damage and operational duration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If mechanical methods (chisel or blade) are used to remove bone cement, then the removal process is simple and quick, but the observation of the processing area is impossible leading to bone damage and loss of stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone cement removal efficiencyVSAvoidprecision of bone cement removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the endoscope provides both mechanical removal capability (through working channels) and optical observation capability (through observation channel and lighting channel), allowing simultaneous bone cement removal and real-time visualization of the processing area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscope serves multiple functions: it acts as both a surgical tool for bone cement removal and an observation device for visualizing the operation area, eliminating the need for separate observation equipment and enabling precise control of the removal process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If laser ablation is used to remove bone cement, then precise removal is achieved, but the thermal load damages surrounding tissue and bone material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of bone cement removalVSAvoidthermal damage to surrounding tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the harmful thermal-mechanical laser ablation process with a purely mechanical removal system that uses a chisel or blade through a working channel, eliminating thermal damage to surrounding tissues while maintaining effective bone cement removal capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscope acts as an intermediary device that delivers mechanical removal tools (chisel or blade) to the bone cement while allowing real-time optical observation of the process, providing controlled mechanical removal without the harmful thermal effects of direct laser application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If laser radiation is used for bone cement removal, then removal precision is improved, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of bone cement removalVSAvoidcomplexity of removal system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex laser ablation systems with simple mechanical removal tools (chisel or blade) that can be easily manipulated through the endoscope's working channel, significantly reducing system complexity and operational time while maintaining effective bone cement removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex energy-based laser ablation to vaporize bone cement, the patent inverts the approach by using simple mechanical tools to physically remove the cement, achieving the same goal through a fundamentally different, simpler methodology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables precise and efficient removal of bone cement with reduced tissue damage and shorter operation times, improving surgical outcomes and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

attempts have been made to do this through laser ablation, where the cement is irradiated with laser radiation and thus removed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

a flushing gas or a flushing liquid, in order to cool the bone cement and the surrounding tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection cooling: Convection

Implementation Method 3

heated air and ablation products are extracted from the working area through the suction channel with the help of a negative pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS20240285154A1Endoscope and method for operation

Publication Date: 2024.08.29 LASER ZENT HANNOVER

AI summary

An endoscope with an outer cladding tube has a working channel with a front opening and a rear opening. In a longitudinal direction, which extends from the rear opening to the front opening, the endoscope includes a working tube with a front end and a rear end. The rear end can be inserted into the rear opening of the working channel and includes at least one light guide channel for guiding laser radiation, at least one flushing channel for guiding a flushing gas and/or a flushing liquid, and at least one suction channel.