Endoscopic Tool Distal-Tip Motion for Atraumatic Cannulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical professionals face challenges in smoothly advancing guidewires and endoscopic accessory tools through challenging patient anatomies due to difficult angles, small openings, and tortuous paths, leading to increased trauma and complications.

Innovation Solution

Devices and methods that transmit mechanical motion to the distal end of endoscopic accessory tools and guidewires, allowing for controlled manipulation and reduced friction, using actuators and vibrational energy to enhance access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual rotation and oscillation of the endoscopic accessory tool is performed to reduce friction, then the ability to advance the tool through the passageway is improved, but precise control of the force and frequency of movement becomes crude and uncontrolled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to advance toolVSAvoidcontrol of force and frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an electromagnetic actuator system. The actuator generates controlled electromagnetic forces to drive the distal tip of the accessory tool in precise rotational and oscillatory motions, eliminating the need for manual manipulation while providing accurate control over motion parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic actuator as an intermediary between the control system and the accessory tool. This actuator serves as a mediator that converts electrical signals into precise mechanical motions, enabling controlled manipulation of the tool's distal tip without direct manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple cannulation attempts are made to overcome friction and trauma, then the likelihood of successful access is improved, but the risk of causing trauma to tissues increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuccess rate of cannulationVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic oscillatory and rotational motions generated by the electromagnetic actuator during the cannulation process. These controlled periodic movements reduce friction and enable smoother advancement of the accessory tool through the passageway, minimizing tissue trauma while maintaining a high success rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic actuator generates controlled vibrations and oscillations at the distal tip of the accessory tool. These mechanical vibrations reduce friction between the tool and the passageway walls, facilitating smoother advancement and reducing the need for forceful manipulation that could cause tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Adaptability or versatility

If the endoscopic accessory tool is advanced through challenging anatomies with difficult angles and small openings, then access to target structures is achieved, but the friction exerted against the opening and inner wall increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to challenging anatomiesVSAvoidfriction against opening and wall

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic motion control through the electromagnetic actuator, allowing the distal tip of the accessory tool to perform real-time rotational and oscillatory adjustments. This dynamic capability enables the tool to adapt to challenging anatomical geometries with difficult angles and small openings, reducing friction through controlled movement while maintaining access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 atraumatic entry of guidewires and endoscopic accessory tools into luminal structures, reducing trauma and complications by providing precise control and enhanced access.

Implementation Method 1

transmit mechanical motion to the distal portion of the endoscopic accessory tool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The actuator may be configured to transfer mechanical motion to the distal portion of the endoscopic accessory tool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical motion transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250318720A1Devices, systems and methods for transmitting motion to the distal tip of an endoscopic accessory tool

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices and establishing access to body passageways. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods to facilitate entry of an endoscopic accessory tool into and/or through patient-specific anatomies. For example, the devices, systems and methods of the present disclosure may transmit mechanical motion to the distal end of an endoscopic accessory tool to facilitate atraumatic access to tortuous or otherwise restricted anatomies.