Ergonomic Endoscopic Kit with Rotating Injection Sheath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable, hand-held endoscopes lack efficient mechanisms for injecting agents into internal passageways while providing clear visualization and fluid management.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising an injection sheath with a sheath tube, an injection needle channel, and a tubular cap with orientation landmarks, integrated with an endoscope unit having a cannula and an imaging module, allowing for rotational alignment and separate fluid channels for injection and aspiration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a portable hand-held endoscope is used to replace conventional reusable endoscopes, then cost and decontamination requirements are reduced, but the ability to inject agents into internal passageways is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the endoscope and injection sheath into a single integrated unit. The injection sheath is molded as one piece with the endoscope, incorporating the needle channel, hub, and orientation landmarks all in one structure. This merging allows the portable endoscope to gain injection capability without requiring separate components or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated endoscope-sheath unit performs multiple functions: it provides endoscopic visualization through the cannula while simultaneously enabling agent injection through the needle channel. The single device can both view and inject, eliminating the need for separate injection systems and expanding the versatility of portable endoscopes.
2Manufacturing precision
If the sheath and cannula are made rotatable relative to each other, then alignment precision and procedural accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotational capability to the previously static endoscope-sheath assembly. The sheath can rotate relative to the cannula around the longitudinal axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the needle channel orientation. This dynamic feature enables precise alignment with target sites while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical implementation through direct rotational coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses orientation landmarks with distinct visual characteristics (different shapes, positions, or colors) on the sheath that can be viewed through the endoscope camera. These landmarks provide visual feedback about the rotational position and alignment status, allowing the operator to precisely orient the needle channel without complex mechanical indicators or measurements.
3Ease of operation
If separate fluid channels for injection and aspiration are provided, then fluid management effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid transport system into separate channels: a needle channel for injection and a cannula channel for aspiration and visualization. These channels are physically separated within the integrated structure, allowing independent fluid flow paths. The sheath includes a needle channel that is radially spaced from the cannula, preventing fluid interference between injection and aspiration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hub structure as an intermediary component that connects the needle channel to the external environment and the cannula to the endoscope shaft. The hub serves as a fluid management interface, allowing separate control of injection and aspiration flows while maintaining a compact, integrated design that doesn't significantly increase overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A slim and ergonomic kit for injecting an agent into a patient's internal passageway, for example to treat conditions such as stress-induced incontinence (SUI) includes a sheath and a cannula with distal portions dimensioned to form a tubular space for fluid flow between the outside of the cannula and the inside of the sheath. Preferably, the sheath is molded as a single unit comprising a sheath tube, a needle channel, and a needle entry port. A display can be mechanically mounted to a handle to which the cannula is secured, or the handle can wirelessly transmit images taken with an imaging module at the distal end of the cannula to a remote display.