Endoscopic Outer Tube Axial Slider Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current endoscopic surgery systems face challenges in obtaining a desired image efficiently and performing minimally invasive surgery due to limitations in movement range and interference between the operator's and endoscopist's hands, as well as the need for enlarged incisions to accommodate tilting of treatment tools.

Innovation Solution

An endoscopic surgery device featuring an outer tube that holds both the endoscope and treatment tool parallel to its axis, allowing axial movement of the treatment tool to concurrently move the endoscope, thereby tracking the treatment area and reducing the need for multiple incisions, while also incorporating frictional forces to prevent shaking and facilitate easy attachment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the treatment tool is tilted to move the field of view, then the observation area can be changed, but the incision range must be enlarged which increases burden to the body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of view adjustmentVSAvoidburden to body
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope and treatment tool are merged into a single integrated device where the treatment tool can be tilted relative to the endoscope insertion section. This allows the field of view to be moved by tilting the treatment tool rather than requiring a separate observation device, enabling field of view adjustment without enlarging the incision range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment tool is designed with dynamic tilting capability relative to the endoscope insertion section. The tilting angle can be adjusted during operation to change the observation direction, providing dynamic field of view adjustment without requiring multiple incisions or a larger incision opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the operator and endoscopist operate separately, then each can perform their function, but their hands may interfere with each other on the abdominal wall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational functionVSAvoidhand interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device combines the endoscope and treatment tool into a single integrated insertion unit that passes through one incision. The operator can control both observation and treatment functions through one hand, eliminating the need for separate operators and preventing hand interference on the abdominal wall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device provides multi-functionality by combining observation (endoscope) and treatment (treatment tool with electrodes) capabilities in a single instrument. This allows one operator to perform both functions simultaneously without requiring two separate operators whose hands would interfere with each other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the treatment tool movement range is regulated by detecting endoscope observation state, then the treatment tool can be prevented from deviating from observation field, but the originally possible movement is limited making treatment difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestaying in observation fieldVSAvoidmovement range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment tool is designed with dynamic tilting capability that allows it to move independently of the endoscope observation field constraints. The tool can be tilted to access different areas while the endoscope maintains its observation position, providing adaptable movement range without requiring complex detection and regulation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the treatment tool is tilted to move the field of view, then the observation area can be changed, but the incision range must be enlarged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of view adjustmentVSAvoidincision range
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment tool incorporates dynamic tilting capability within the existing incision range, allowing the field of view to be adjusted by tilting the treatment tool rather than requiring an enlarged incision. The tilting mechanism enables directional adjustment without increasing the size of the stationary incision opening.

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

This configuration enables the operator to obtain a constant, desired image without stress and performs minimally invasive surgery with fewer burdens on the body by allowing the field of view to be moved by tilting the entire device, reducing the need for enlarged incisions and improving operability.

Implementation Method 1

the outer tube includes: a cylindrical outer tube body into which the insertion section of the endoscope and the insertion section of the treatment tool are to be inserted; a mobile object provided in the outer tube body so as to be movable in the outer tube body in a direction parallel to an axis of the outer tube body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2856955B1Endoscopic surgery device and outer sleeve tube
Publication Date: 2022.11.02 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP2856955B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2856955B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2856955B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscopic surgery device and an outer tube, capable of easily obtaining an image desired by an operator to facilitate treatment as well as of performing minimally invasive surgery. In the endoscopic surgery device and the outer tube, an endoscope (10) and a treatment tool (50) are inserted into a body cavity through an outer tube (100). The outer tube (100) is provided with a built-in slider (118). The slider (118) is provided so as to be axially movable in the outer tube body. The endoscope (10) and the treatment tool (50), inserted into the outer tube (100), are held by the slider (118). Moving the treatment tool (50) allows endoscope (10) to be moved in conjunction with the movement of the treatment tool (50).