Endoscopic Accessory Tool Motion Transmission for Atraumatic Cannulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

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

Innovation Solution

Devices and systems that transmit mechanical motion to the distal tip of endoscopic accessory tools, including actuators and elevators, to facilitate controlled advancement through patient-specific anatomies, reducing friction and enhancing 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 ease of operation is improved, but the precision of control over force and frequency of movement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidprecision of control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an electromagnetic actuator that generates controlled electromagnetic forces to move the distal tip of the endoscopic accessory tool. This substitution of mechanical control with electromagnetic actuation enables precise control of force and frequency while maintaining ease of operation through automated guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position and movement of the distal tip, providing feedback to a control system. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustment of the electromagnetic actuator to maintain precise control over the force and frequency of movement, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and precision of control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If multiple cannulation attempts are made to overcome friction and trauma, then the productivity is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecannulation success rateVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by using the electromagnetic actuator to pre-position and gently guide the distal tip of the endoscopic accessory tool into the target body passageway before full cannulation is attempted. This preliminary guided entry reduces friction and tissue trauma, enabling successful cannulation in fewer attempts and thus improving productivity while reducing harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of control precision by using electromagnetic actuation to precisely control the force and frequency of movement. This precise control allows the tool to navigate through tissue with minimal trauma, reducing the need for multiple aggressive attempts and thereby reducing tissue damage while maintaining high cannulation success rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the endoscopic accessory tool is advanced through challenging anatomies, then the productivity is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveentry efficiencyVSAvoidfriction and resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical pushing with electromagnetic actuation to advance the distal tip through challenging anatomies. The electromagnetic force provides controlled, friction-reducing movement that enables efficient entry while minimizing the harmful friction and resistance that would otherwise require multiple forceful attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enhances the atraumatic entry of guidewires and endoscopic accessory tools into luminal structures, reducing the risk of trauma and complications by providing precise control and efficient cannulation.

Implementation Method 1

An actuator may be disposed at a second location within the distal portion of the elongate tubular body. The actuator may be configured to transmit mechanical motion to the elevator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical motion transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12408827B2Devices, systems and methods for transmitting motion to the distal tip of an endoscopic accessory tool

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 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.