3D-Printed Endoscopic Sleeve Integrating Suction and Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic devices for ENT procedures are limited by the separation of irrigation and suction equipment, requiring multiple devices, complicating navigation and increasing procedural complexity, and are heavy due to metallic construction, leading to surgeon discomfort and potential strain.
Innovation Solution
A 3D-printed endoscopic sleeve integrating a camera, irrigation, and suction systems in a single unit, using lightweight biocompatible materials, with a miniaturized camera and micro-LEDs for improved flexibility and visibility, and transparent tubing for easy clog detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for irrigation and suction in ENT procedures, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines irrigation and suction functions into a single integrated endoscopic device with a unified sleeve structure. The sleeve contains separate channels for irrigation fluid delivery and suction, allowing both functions to be performed through one device rather than requiring multiple separate devices, thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining functional capability
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscopic sleeve is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides irrigation, suction, and visualization capabilities. The universal design allows the single device to adapt to various ENT surgical needs by integrating multiple functions that were previously required from separate specialized devices
2Strength
If traditional metallic construction is used for endoscopic devices, then structural strength and durability are ensured, but the device weight increases causing surgeon discomfort and strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metals to polymers for constructing the endoscopic sleeve and components. This material substitution significantly reduces device weight while maintaining adequate structural strength through polymer engineering, thereby reducing surgeon fatigue and discomfort during prolonged procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes composite construction with polymer materials for the sleeve and integrated components. This composite approach allows optimization of both weight and strength properties by selecting appropriate polymer formulations and structural designs, achieving a favorable strength-to-weight ratio that metallic construction cannot provide
3Strength
If opaque tubing is used in the endoscopic device, then structural integrity is maintained, but clog detection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies transparency or translucency to the tubing material to enable visual detection of clogs and fluid flow status. This optical property change allows surgeons to directly observe the interior of the tubing and identify blockages without additional instrumentation, while the tubing maintains sufficient structural integrity through appropriate material selection and wall thickness design
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming an endoscopic device includes forming, by a three-dimensional (3D) printer, a first tube of an endoscopic sleeve, where the first tube is sized to receive an imaging device. The method also includes forming, by the 3D printer, a second tube of the endoscopic sleeve such that at least a portion of the second tube is mounted to the first tube, where the second tube is sized to connect to an irrigation system. The method further includes forming, by the 3D printer, a third tube of the endoscopic sleeve such that at least a portion of the third tube is mounted to one or more of the first tube and the second tube, where the third tube is sized to connect to a vacuum system.