Endoscopic Debris Fragmentation Tool for Clear Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic procedures are hindered by blood clots and debris obstructing the camera view, requiring repeated removal and reintroduction of the endoscope, leading to prolonged procedure times and potential patient trauma, with current suction systems causing visual impairment and inefficient debris removal.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a tool featuring radial extensions and a cap assembly for endoscopes that fragments debris, allowing for efficient suction and removal through a catheter, maintaining a clear field of view by positioning the tool beyond the endoscope tip and applying suction separately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If suction is applied through the endoscope working channel, then debris removal is achieved, but the suction flow rate is low and insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The suction function is extracted from the endoscope working channel and implemented through a separate catheter system. The catheter has its own lumen that receives suction from a vacuum source, allowing high-volume debris removal independent of the endoscope's limited working channel suction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A catheter is introduced as an intermediary component between the vacuum source and the debris. The catheter with its dedicated lumen serves as a mediator that delivers high-flow suction directly to the debris location without being constrained by the endoscope's working channel limitations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the endoscope is removed and reintroduced multiple times, then large clot pieces can be removed, but procedure time increases and patient trauma occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The debris removal function is segmented into two independent components: the endoscope for visualization and the catheter for debris removal. This segmentation allows the endoscope to remain in place continuously while the catheter handles all debris removal operations, eliminating the need for repeated endoscope insertion and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter serves multiple functions: it acts as a conduit for high-volume suction, a delivery mechanism for the fragmentation tool, and a support structure for debris removal operations. This multi-functionality allows a single catheter-endoscope combination to handle both visualization and all debris removal needs throughout the procedure.
3Loss of information
If suction is applied at the endoscope tip, then blood and debris are removed, but a cloud of red appears in the field of view causing visual impairment
Solution Approach 1:
The suction application point is extracted from the endoscope tip location and relocated to the catheter tip position. By applying suction through the catheter rather than at the endoscope tip, debris is removed from a location that does not directly interfere with the camera's field of view, preventing the 'red-out' effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter serves as an intermediary that positions the suction source away from the endoscope tip. This intermediary placement allows effective debris removal while maintaining a clear visual field, as the suction action occurs through the catheter lumen rather than directly at the camera location.
4Productivity
If a fragmentation tool is added to the system, then debris can be broken into smaller pieces for easier removal, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fragmentation tool is merged with the existing catheter structure. The tool is delivered through the catheter lumen and integrated into the catheter-endoscope system, allowing debris fragmentation capability to be added without requiring separate independent equipment. The tool can be advanced through the catheter and used in conjunction with the vacuum suction already provided by the catheter system.
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
Facilitates rapid debris removal and reduces the need for endoscope reintroduction, maintaining clear visualization by fragmenting debris and applying suction effectively, thus reducing procedure time and patient trauma.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one extension may have an edge configured to fragment debris within a body
Implementation Method 2
The catheter may be configured to receive suction from a vacuum source
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, a medical device may be configured for use with an endoscope and may include a tool. The tool may include an actuator, at least one extension at a distal portion of the actuator, and a distal end. The at least one extension may extend radially outward from the actuator and may have an edge configured to fragment debris within a body. The medical device may also include a cap configured for coupling to a distal end of the endoscope, and the cap may include a body defining an opening and a cavity. The opening may be configured to align with optics of the endoscope, and the at least one extension may be positioned within the cavity of the body.