Endoscopic Overtube Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In endoscopic surgery, the simultaneous operation of endoscopes and treatment tools is challenging due to the need for an assistant to manage the endoscope, leading to prolonged surgery times and potential interference with the operator's procedure, as well as difficulties in maintaining the correct orientation of the endoscope.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic surgical device featuring an overtube with a coupling mechanism that includes a partition wall between the endoscope and treatment tool insertion passages, allowing for interlocking movement of the instruments and preventing them from entering incorrect passages, thereby simplifying the insertion and operation of medical instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an assistant operates the endoscope while the operator manages treatment tools, then the operator's hands are bound by treatment tool operation, but surgery time is prolonged and the operator cannot easily change the endoscope observation position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the endoscope and treatment tool into a single integrated device with a common shaft, allowing one operator to control both instruments simultaneously. The coupling mechanism links the endoscope insertion part and treatment tool insertion part, enabling coordinated movement and eliminating the need for an assistant to operate the endoscope separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device allows a single operator to perform multiple functions - both endoscope manipulation and treatment tool operation - through one unified control system. The operator can change the endoscope observation position and operate treatment tools without requiring separate assistance, making the system universally controllable by one person.
2Ease of operation
If the coupling mechanism reaches all regions without a partition wall, then the endoscope and treatment tool can move freely, but it is difficult to prevent them from entering incorrect passages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the internal space of the device into separate regions using a partition wall that extends along the shaft. This partition wall creates distinct passages for the endoscope and treatment tool, preventing them from entering incorrect passages while still allowing free movement within their designated channels. The partition wall segments the internal volume to ensure proper instrument routing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple holes are made in the body wall for separate instrument insertion, then each instrument has its own passage, but the invasion to the patient is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple instruments (endoscope and treatment tool) into a single integrated device that passes through one body wall opening. The combined shaft contains both instruments within its structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate holes and reducing patient invasion while managing instrument routing internally through partitioned passages.
Data Source
AI summary
This endoscopic surgical device includes: an endoscope; a treatment tool; and a mantle tube. The inside of the mantle tube is partitioned by a partition wall member provided with an endoscope guide groove and a treatment-tool guide groove, to form an endoscope insertion passage and a treatment-tool insertion passage. An endoscope fixation tool and a treatment-tool fixation tool are respectively disposed inside the endoscope guide groove and the treatment-tool guide groove. The endoscope fixation tool advances and retracts in conjunction with the endoscope insertion part inserted through the endoscope insertion passage. The treatment-tool fixation tool moves in conjunction with the treatment-tool insertion part inserted through the treatment-tool insertion passage. When a coupling ring externally fitted to the partition wall member interlocks the endoscope fixation tool with the treatment-tool fixation tool, the endoscope insertion part also moves in conjunction with the advancement and retraction of the treatment-tool insertion part.