Endoscopic Sheath Assembly With Integral Suction Lumen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheaths for medical devices like endoscopes disable the integral suction lumen, limiting their functionality and requiring additional equipment for cleaning and sterilization, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A sheath assembly with an elongate tubular body and a plug that includes an integral suction lumen, allowing for suction while protecting the endoscope from contamination, and a leak detection mechanism to ensure integrity, using a combination of materials for flexibility and structural rigidity to maintain articulation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a disposable sheath is used to protect the endoscope from contamination, then the endoscope is protected from contamination, but the integral suction lumen is disabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where an inner tube is positioned within the sheath body, creating an integrated suction system. The inner tube extends through the sheath and provides a suction lumen that is accessible through openings in the sheath wall, allowing suction functionality to be nested within the protective sheath structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath is divided into multiple functional segments: the outer sheath body for protection, the inner tube for suction, and the plug for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as an integrated system that maintains both protection and suction capabilities.
2Reliability
If multiple suction lumens are provided in the sheath, then the potential for occlusion is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is segmented into multiple independent lumens (inner tube lumen and sheath wall openings) that can function separately. This segmentation provides redundancy where if one lumen becomes occluded, the other can continue to provide suction, thereby improving reliability without requiring a completely complex multi-component system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sheath is designed to accommodate an articulating distal section of the endoscope, then articulation functionality is maintained, but the sheath structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath is constructed as a flexible tubular structure that can accommodate the articulating distal section of the endoscope. The flexibility of the sheath material allows it to bend and flex with the articulating sections without compromising structural integrity, maintaining articulation functionality while using a relatively simple flexible shell design rather than complex mechanical joints or rigid structures.
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 sheath assembly enables effective suctioning and protects the endoscope from contamination while maintaining articulation functionality, reducing the need for additional equipment and minimizing the risk of contamination during use.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second wall sections define an integral suction lumen therebetween connectable in fluid communication with a first source of negative pressure
Implementation Method 2
The plug has a lens surface through which light or other energy is transmissible to or from the endoscope tip
Data Source
AI summary
A sheath assembly for an endoscope includes an elongate tubular body and a plug. The endoscope has a handle portion and a scope portion extending therefrom to a tip. The body includes first (40) and second (42) wall sections and extends along a longitudinal axis between first and second distal openings located at distal and proximal ends thereof, respectively. The first wall section (40) extends radially about the longitudinal axis to define a scope lumen (44). The scope portion is receivable in the scope lumen with the distal and proximal ends. The second wall section (42) extends radially about a portion of the first wall section (40) and longitudinally between second distal and proximal end openings. The first and second wall sections define an integral suction lumen (50) in fluid communication with a first source of negative pressure. The plug is mated with the distal end opening and includes a lens surface through which energy is transmissible.