Endoscopic Access Device Articulating Tool Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscopic surgical devices lack the ability to independently articulate the attachment tip relative to the endoscope insertion section, limiting the physician's control over the position and orientation of tools within the visual field, which can result in tools being positioned fixedly and potentially obstructing the observation field.

Innovation Solution

An endoscopic surgical access device comprising a first body, a second body, and a coupler that allows the second body to articulate relative to the first body, enabling independent movement and positioning of tools within the visual field by providing multiple degrees of rotational and translational freedom.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the attachment tip is fixed to the endoscope insertion section, then the device structure is simple, but the physician cannot control the position and orientation of tools independently within the visual field

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol over tool position and orientationVSAvoidarticulation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment tip is divided into a proximal portion and a distal portion that can articulate independently relative to each other. The proximal portion attaches to the endoscope insertion section while the distal portion holds the tool, allowing independent movement of the distal portion to control tool position and orientation without complicating the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment tip transitions from a fixed, static structure to a dynamic structure where the distal portion can articulate independently. This articulation capability allows the distal portion to move relative to the proximal portion, enabling the physician to control tool position and orientation within the visual field while maintaining a relatively simple device design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the attachment tip is affixed in an immovable manner, then the attachment is secure, but the tool exits in a fixed orientation that may obstruct the observation field

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanipulation of attachment tip into positionVSAvoidobstruction of observation field

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment tip is segmented into proximal and distal portions that can move independently. The proximal portion remains securely attached to the endoscope while the distal portion can be manipulated independently to position the tool exit orientation, preventing obstruction of the observation field while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment tip incorporates dynamic articulation between the proximal and distal portions. This allows the distal portion to be manipulated into various positions and orientations independent of the proximal portion, enabling the tool to exit at optimal angles that do not obstruct the observation field while maintaining secure attachment to the endoscope.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the attachment tip lumen is co-axial or parallel with the distal end portion, then the manufacturing is simple, but the tool positioning flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool positioning flexibilityVSAvoidarticulating coupler

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment tip is divided into proximal and distal portions that can articulate independently. The proximal portion can be manufactured with simple co-axial or parallel lumen alignment, while the distal portion is equipped with articulation capability. This segmentation allows simple manufacturing of the basic structure while adding tool positioning flexibility through the articulating distal portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment tip transitions from a static, simply-manufacturable structure to a dynamic structure with articulation. The distal portion can articulate relative to the proximal portion, providing tool positioning flexibility while the basic co-axial or parallel lumen alignment is maintained in the proximal portion for ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7566300B2Endoscopic surgical access devices and methods of articulating an external accessory channel

Publication Date: 2009.07.28 COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Devices and methods for detachably engaging an insertion section of an endoscope and selectively articulating an endoscopic surgical access channel are provided. A device comprises an articulating main body having a stationary first body, an articulatable second body, and coupler having a mounting member and an articulation link member configured to articulatively couple the second body to the first body. The stationary first body has a distal end, a proximal end, and a first longitudinal axis. The articulatable second body has a proximal opening and a distal opening defining an accessory channel member passageway, the distal opening having a second longitudinal axis oriented toward a space exterior to the first body distal end, wherein the second body longitudinal axis is capable of articulating relative to the first body longitudinal axis. The devices and methods, as taught herein, provide control over the position and/or orientation of a diagnostic, monitoring, scope, sewing device, cutting device, suturing device, forceps, grabbing device, instrument, or other tool within the visual field beyond the distal opening of the endoscope.