Endoscopic Medical Device Handle for Independent Shaft Deflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical devices for endoscopic procedures often operate in only one degree of freedom, requiring multiple operators and complex hand movements, increasing procedure duration, cost, and risk.

Innovation Solution

A medical device system with a movable handle portion and steering wires, allowing independent control of a medical device shaft for enhanced maneuverability and deflection, integrated with a guide wire device for precise tissue manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional snares or medical devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device operates in only one degree of freedom and deflection is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedegree of freedomVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The medical device is divided into multiple independent sections along its longitudinal axis, with each section capable of independent deflection control. This segmentation allows the device to achieve multiple degrees of freedom while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as each segment can be controlled separately without requiring complex integrated mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic, flexible configuration where each section can be independently deflected. This is achieved through flexible wires or cables that can be manipulated to change the orientation of each device section, enabling multi-degree-of-freedom movement without adding significant structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If devices allowing separate deflection are used, then maneuverability is improved, but multiple operators and complex hand movements are required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple control functions are merged into a single handle assembly that can be operated by one hand. The handle integrates controls for deflecting multiple device sections, allowing the operator to achieve complex maneuvers through a unified control interface rather than requiring multiple operators or complex coordinated movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Flexible wires or cables serve as intermediaries between the operator's simple hand movements and the complex deflection requirements of the device. These wires transmit mechanical forces from the single-handed handle operation to multiple device sections, converting simple operator input into coordinated multi-section deflection without requiring complex direct control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If multiple operators are used, then maneuverability is improved, but procedure duration and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidprocedure duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control functions previously requiring multiple operators are merged into a single-handed operation. The integrated handle assembly combines multiple deflection controls that would otherwise require separate operators, allowing one operator to perform all necessary maneuvers independently, thereby reducing procedure duration and costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but deflection is dependent on tip deflection of endoscope

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent deflectionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into multiple independently controllable sections, each with its own deflection control mechanism. This allows each section to be deflected independently of the endoscope tip, providing versatile positioning capability. The segmentation enables separate control of each device section through flexible wires that can be manipulated independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Flexible wires or cables act as intermediaries that decouple the device deflection from the endoscope tip deflection. These wires transmit control forces from the handle assembly to the device sections, enabling independent deflection of each section regardless of the endoscope's orientation or tip position, thereby achieving versatile positioning without complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4362834B1Medical systems and devices
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC
  • EP4362834B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4362834B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4362834B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A medical device system includes an insertion device and a medical device. The insertion device includes an insertion device handle, including a port on a handle body. The insertion device also includes an insertion device shaft extending from the insertion device handle. The insertion device shaft includes a working channel connected to the port. The medical device includes a medical device handle, including a movable handle portion and a stationary handle portion. The movable handle portion includes a bail portion movably positioned within a cavity in the stationary handle portion. The medical device also includes a medical device shaft. The medical device shaft is configured to be delivered through the port in the insertion device handle and through the working channel in the insertion device shaft. Movement of the movable handle portion relative to the stationary handle portion controls movement of a distal portion of the medical device shaft.