Endoscopic Accessory with Inflatable Balloon Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopy procedures in the gastrointestinal tract often require insufflation, which can cause patient discomfort and abdominal pain due to the inability to limit air introduction to specific areas, necessitating a device to create a controlled endoluminal compartment around the endoscope tip for detailed examination.
Innovation Solution
An accessory device with a flexible, bilayer structure that forms a closed overtube profile around the endoscope, featuring inflatable balloons for sealing and a lubrication system, allowing for fluid delivery and movement without deflation, enabling detailed examination and cleaning of the gastrointestinal tract without removing the endoscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If insufflation is performed to improve visualization during endoscopy, then examination quality is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to bloating and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory device divides the gastrointestinal tract into separate compartments: a distal examination compartment where insufflation occurs for improved visualization, and a proximal collection compartment where gas accumulates. This segmentation allows targeted insufflation at the examination site while containing gas in a separate area, thereby improving visualization quality without causing widespread patient discomfort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a closed overtube profile is formed to create a sealed compartment, then examination control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory device employs a nested structure where an inner balloon is positioned within an outer balloon, both contained within the overtube. The inner balloon can be independently inflated to create an inner sealed space, while the outer balloon provides an additional sealing layer. This nested configuration enables multiple levels of sealing and examination control within a single integrated device, improving examination control while managing complexity through hierarchical organization.
3Reliability
If balloons are inflated to seal the endoluminal compartment, then sealing is improved, but the ability to move the endoscope deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory device incorporates a dynamic sealing mechanism where the inner and outer balloons can be independently inflated and deflated. During examination, the balloons are inflated to create reliable seals at the proximal and distal ends of the endoluminal compartment. When repositioning is required, the balloons can be deflated to release the seal, allowing smooth movement of the endoscope. This dynamic capability maintains sealing reliability during examination while enabling ease of operation during repositioning.
4Ease of operation
If the wall structure is made flexible to allow flat profile, then ease of insertion is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wall structure of the accessory device is designed with variable flexibility parameters along its length. The proximal portion incorporates stiffer materials or structural reinforcements to maintain structural stability and provide a stable base for balloon inflation. The distal portion uses more flexible materials to facilitate easy insertion and conform to the gastrointestinal tract anatomy. This parameter change approach allows different sections of the same structure to have optimized properties for their specific functional requirements.
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
The device allows for comfortable and effective examination of the gastrointestinal tract by creating a movable, sealed compartment that can be filled with air or water, reducing discomfort and enabling thorough cleaning and inspection without the need to deflate and re-inflate balloons, thus improving diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a proximal balloon located on the exterior surface at the distal portion; an inner balloon located on the interior surface
Implementation Method 2
a fluid can be delivered into the intermediate space to adjust a flexibility of the wall structure
Implementation Method 3
a lubrication system, allowing for fluid delivery and movement without deflation
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods of use for an endoscopic accessory device that can be assembled and advanced over an endoscope positioned at a site within the body, the endoscopic accessory device including a body structure having seam structures on opposite sides of an elongate body structure, where the seam structures can be releasably joined to transform the body structure from a planar configuration to a tubular configuration.