Endoscopic Positioning Encoder for ERCP Procedure Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope operators face challenges in maintaining the position of an endoscope relative to the papilla during ERCP procedures, leading to prolonged and difficult procedures, with potential adverse events such as inflammation or pancreatitis due to repeated attempts to access the papilla.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising encoders and processors that track and maintain the position of the endoscope using a support with a channel, allowing for the storage of a zero position and automatic return to that position, utilizing encoder wheels, motors, and sensors to ensure precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual positioning of the endoscope is used during ERCP procedures, then the physician can initially reach the desired position, but the position cannot be maintained or re-established quickly, leading to prolonged procedure time
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions the endoscope using automated mechanisms (motors driving wheels that contact the endoscope) to quickly restore the desired position relative to the papilla after any deviation, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual repositioning during the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
Encoders continuously monitor the position of the endoscope by detecting movements of encoder wheels that contact the endoscope, providing real-time feedback to the control system which automatically adjusts the position to maintain the desired relationship with the papilla
2Reliability
If repeated manual attempts to access the papilla are made, then the physician may eventually succeed, but adverse events such as inflammation or pancreatitis occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes and memorizes the precise zero position (desired position) before the procedure, enabling automatic restoration of this position without repeated manual attempts that could cause papillary inflammation or pancreatitis
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder system continuously monitors endoscope position and provides feedback to automatically correct deviations, ensuring consistent maintenance of the desired position and preventing harmful repeated attempts
3Measurement precision
If the endoscope position drifts during the procedure, then manual repositioning is required, but this increases procedure complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
Encoders provide continuous feedback on endoscope position by detecting wheel movements, enabling the control system to automatically detect and correct position drift without increasing procedural complexity for the operator
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors and corrects its own positioning through the encoder feedback loop and motor-driven adjustment mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex manual repositioning procedures
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 system reduces the time and difficulty of ERCP procedures by enabling quick and repeated re-establishment of the endoscope's position relative to the papilla, minimizing adverse events by maintaining precise alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one encoder may include a magnet and Hall effect sensor configured to detect movement of the medical device
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tracking a medical device, the system comprising a support having a channel extending therethrough, the channel being defined circumferentially by a surface, at least one encoder configured to track movement of a medical device through the channel, and one or more processors configured to receive input from the at least one encoder, receive an instruction from a user to store a zero position of the medical device relative to the channel, determine relative movement of the medical device from the zero position, and communicate the relative movement of the medical device from the zero position.