Endoscopic Locator Beacon Anchoring for Stable Target Site Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Locating and maintaining the position of a medical device within the body during endoscopic procedures is challenging due to low illumination, intervening anatomy, and the shape and configuration of body lumens, leading to displacement and interference with the device's purpose and function.
Innovation Solution
A locator system with a beacon and tissue-engagement member is delivered to a target site, separable from the delivery system, and anchored by the tissue-engagement member, allowing precise positioning and enabling procedures like anastomosis without interference from the delivery system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a locating device is provided within the body to identify the target site, then the identification accuracy of the target site is improved, but the device may be displaced during manipulation of other devices, worsening the reliability of positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The locating device is segmented into two functional components: a beacon element that remains stationary at the target site for continuous identification, and a separate manipulation device for performing procedures. This segmentation allows the beacon to maintain its position while other devices are manipulated, resolving the contradiction between identification accuracy and positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon acts as an intermediary element that facilitates communication between the external control system and the target site. By placing a passive beacon at the target site that can be detected externally, the system enables precise localization without requiring active manipulation devices to remain in contact with or near the target, thereby preventing displacement while maintaining identification accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the locator system is separable from the delivery system, then the ease of operation is improved by allowing independent manipulation, but the device complexity increases due to the separation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon is extracted from the delivery system as a separate deployable element. The delivery system's sole function is to transport and deploy the beacon to the target site, after which the beacon operates independently. This extraction simplifies the overall system by dividing functions: the delivery system handles deployment, while the beacon handles localization, reducing operational complexity despite the added separation capability.
3Productivity
If manipulation devices are used to perform procedures at the target site, then the productivity of the procedure is improved, but the locating device may be displaced, worsening the measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring manipulation devices to physically locate and maintain contact with the target site, the system creates a 'copy' of the target location information through the beacon. The beacon provides a continuous signal that represents the target site's position, allowing operators to perform procedures with confidence that the location is accurately known without requiring the manipulation device to be precisely positioned or to risk displacing the locator.
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
The system ensures accurate and stable positioning of medical devices within the body, facilitating procedures such as anastomosis by maintaining the locator system's position during and after the delivery system's withdrawal, enhancing procedural accuracy and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the beacon is a light powered by a wireless energy source
Data Source
AI summary
A locator system deployable at a target site in a first anatomical structure and identifiable from within a second anatomical structure. The locator system includes a signal generator and a tissue-engagement member. The tissue-engagement member engages tissue at the target site so that a delivery system may deliver the locator system and be withdrawn without disturbing the position of the locator system with the tissue-engagement member engaging tissue at the target site. The signal generator may be powered by a wireless energy source, such as a battery, or radio waves. The locator system may be deployed at a target site within a patient's intestines, and identified from within the patient's stomach to create an anastomosis between the stomach and the target site.