Endoscopic Dilator with Segmented Bougie and Balloon Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic dilators for esophageal strictures lack tactile feedback, leading to potential perforation risks and require repeated intubation and sterilization, increasing costs and procedural time.
Innovation Solution
A conical or tapered endoscopic dilator configured to attach to an endoscope, featuring expandable mechanical elements and a hinged design for secure attachment, allowing for direct visualization and minimization of intubation and sterilization needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a balloon dilator is used, then direct visualization of the dilation is achieved and no cleaning or sterilization is needed, but the cost is high and tactile sensation and feedback from stricture resistance are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The dilator is divided into two separate parts: a reusable bougie dilator body and a disposable balloon tip. This segmentation allows the main body to retain tactile feedback capabilities while the disposable tip provides visualization and eliminates sterilization needs, resolving the contradiction between safety and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the advantages of balloon dilators (direct visualization, no sterilization needed) with the advantages of bougie dilators (tactile feedback, lower cost) by combining a reusable bougie body with a disposable balloon tip in a single integrated device.
2Ease of operation
If a bougie dilator is used, then tactile sensation and feedback from stricture resistance are achieved, but the cost involves sterilization and repeat intubation is required
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the dilator into a reusable body and disposable tip, the system eliminates the need for sterilization and repeat intubation while maintaining tactile feedback through the reusable bougie portion, thereby reducing procedural time without sacrificing operational ease.
3Ease of manufacture
If a balloon dilator is used, then no cleaning or sterilization is needed, but the cost of the balloon is high
Solution Approach 1:
The dilator is segmented into a reusable bougie body (low cost, no sterilization needed) and a disposable balloon tip (single-use, eliminates cleaning requirements). This segmentation reduces overall cost by avoiding expensive sterilization processes while maintaining the sterilization-free advantage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dilators are used for sequential dilation, then the stricture can be progressively dilated, but the procedure is prolonged and more time is required for cleaning and disinfecting
Solution Approach 1:
The dilator incorporates adjustable-diameter capability allowing progressive expansion during a single procedure. The mechanical expansion mechanism enables the dilator to adapt its diameter dynamically, providing sequential dilation capability without requiring multiple separate dilators or repeated cleaning cycles, thus reducing procedural time.
Data Source
AI summary
A dilator releasably connected with an endoscope to dilate a stricture as the dilator that is releasably connected to a portion of a cylindrical body of the endoscope passes through the stricture. The endoscopic dilator is moveable between an open position and a closed position configured to enable the dilator to be secured to the endoscope. When the dilator is in the closed position, an inner surface or a component on the inner surface of the dilator frictionally secures dilator to the portion of the cylindrical body of the endoscope. When in the open position, the dilator is not frictionally secured to the portion of the cylindrical body of the endoscope.