Retractable Endoscopic Cap for Distal Working Space Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic procedures face challenges in creating a controlled space distal to the endoscope for enhanced visibility and maneuverability, particularly when observing or treating tissue, as current caps can obstruct the field of view and hinder navigation through body lumens.
Innovation Solution
A cap with a movably coupled extending part that can transition between retracted and extended positions, allowing for controlled extension and retraction relative to the endoscope, equipped with a control mechanism for precise movement and feedback, and optionally incorporating a hemostatic clip for tissue treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a cap is coupled to the distal end of an endoscope to extend distally and create a controlled space for tissue treatment and observation, then visibility and tissue treatment capability are improved, but the endoscope's maneuverability and field of view are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The extending part is made movable relative to the endoscope, allowing it to transition between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic configuration enables the system to provide enhanced visibility when needed while maintaining maneuverability when the extension is not required, thus resolving the contradiction between visibility improvement and maneuverability preservation
2Reliability
If an extending part is coupled to the distal end of an endoscope to create a controlled space, then a treatment space is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extending part is designed to be received within or alongside the endoscope structure when retracted, creating a nested configuration. This nesting approach allows the extending part to be integrated into the existing endoscope design without significantly increasing overall device complexity, while still providing the necessary controlled space when extended
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue treating device includes a handle with an actuator; a control cable; and a cap. The cap includes a mounting structure removably coupled in an operative configuration on a distal end of an insertion device. The cap includes a part movably coupled to the structure for movement between a retracted position in which a distal end of the part is received over the distal end of the device and an extended position in which a distal end of the part extends distally beyond the distal end of the device. The part includes a wall defining an internal channel so that, when the part is in the extended position, the wall surrounds a space contiguous to the distal end of the device. The part is coupled to a distal end of the cable so that, actuation of the actuator moves the part between the extended and retracted positions.