Endoscopic Adaptor Keyway Orientation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elongate medical devices, such as needles, often bend when extended and retracted through an endoscope, making it difficult to maintain the distal tip within the EUS viewing plane during repeated sampling procedures, impairing the endoscopist's ability to visualize and accurately position the device.
Innovation Solution
An adaptor system with a first and second portion, where the second portion is rotationally secured to the first via a key/keyway configuration, allowing the elongate medical device to be oriented and maintained within the desired viewing plane, preventing bending and ensuring accurate re-extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the elongate medical device is repeatedly extended and retracted through the endoscope, then multiple tissue samples can be obtained, but the distal tip becomes curved or bent and projects at an angle outside the EUS viewing plane
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor serves as an intermediary component between the endoscope and the elongate medical device. It includes a first portion that connects to the endoscope and a second portion that connects to the medical device, with a key/keyway mechanism that maintains a fixed angular relationship. This intermediary structure prevents the distal tip from curving outside the viewing plane while allowing repeated sampling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor is pre-assembled with the correct angular orientation before the sampling procedure begins. The key/keyway configuration is pre-positioned to maintain the optimal angle between the endoscope axis and the medical device distal tip, ensuring that the tip remains within the EUS viewing plane for all subsequent sampling operations.
2Ease of operation
If the distal tip is extended distally from the endoscope port, then tissue sampling can be performed, but the tip may curve or bend upon exiting the port
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor acts as a mechanical intermediary that decouples the endoscope from the medical device while maintaining a fixed angular relationship. This allows the device to be extended through the port without the distal tip curving, as the adaptor's rigid key/keyway connection prevents deformation from propagating to the tip.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor is divided into two separable portions: a first portion that connects to the endoscope and a second portion that connects to the medical device. This segmentation allows the adaptor to be assembled and disassembled while maintaining the critical angular relationship, providing both reliability in tip positioning and ease of operation for repeated procedures.
3Productivity
If the elongate device is reinserted through the accessory channel, then repeated sampling is enabled, but the distal tip cannot be viewed in the EUS viewing plane due to previous bending
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor serves as a mediating structure that ensures the distal tip of the medical device maintains a fixed angular relationship with the endoscope axis. This intermediary mechanism guarantees that the tip remains within the EUS viewing plane, making it detectable and measurable throughout repeated sampling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor is pre-configured with the correct angular orientation before use. The key/keyway mechanism is pre-positioned to maintain the optimal angle, ensuring that the distal tip is initially and continuously visible in the EUS viewing plane, eliminating the need for real-time adjustment during repeated sampling.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An adaptor, a system and a method to orient an elongate medical device in relation to an endoscope are provided. The adaptor includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a connecting portion to rotationally securable to a distal end of the first portion to the endoscope, a first lumen extending longitudinally through the first portion and operably connectable to a working channel of the endoscope, and one of an orienting key or a keyway extending longitudinally at least partially along the first portion. The second portion is releasably connectable to the first portion and includes the other of the key or the keyway extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the second portion and a second lumen operably connectable to the first lumen and configured to receive an elongate medical device rotationally secured in relation to the second portion therethrough.