Endoscopic Tip Extender for Ureter Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

During endoscopic urology procedures, the use of access sheaths can cause ureter distention, increase patient trauma, and lead to procedural complications, especially when dealing with larger calculi that may break free or require larger access sheaths.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an endoscopic tip extender that can be detachably coupled or integrally formed with the distal portion of the endoscope, extending distally to protect anatomy and encompass particles for removal, potentially eliminating the need for an access sheath and grasping tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a larger access sheath is used to remove larger calculi, then the ability to remove larger particles is improved, but ureter distention and patient trauma increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to remove larger particlesVSAvoidureter distention and patient trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two functional segments: the endoscope for visualization and the tip extender for particle containment and removal. This segmentation allows the endoscope to remain small-diameter while the extender provides the necessary capacity for larger calculi removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tip extender acts as an intermediary component between the endoscope and the calculus. It encompasses the calculus at its distal end, allowing safe engagement and removal without requiring a large access sheath, thereby preventing ureter distention while enabling calculus extraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If an access sheath is used to protect patient anatomy, then protection during insertion is improved, but the sheath may slide within or out of patient during procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection during insertionVSAvoidpositional stability during procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function and the particle containment function are merged into a single integrated tip extender component. This eliminates the need for a separate access sheath, removing the source of slippage while maintaining protection during insertion and throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tip extender is self-retaining through its engagement with the endoscope and its own structural design. The distal end can be manipulated to engage and hold the calculus, and the overall structure maintains its position without requiring a separate securing mechanism, thus avoiding slippage issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Illumination intensity

If modern digital endoscopes are used, then visualization capability is improved, but outer diameter increases requiring larger access sheath

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization capabilityVSAvoidouter diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The tip extender serves multiple functions: it protects patient anatomy during insertion, contains and secures calculi for removal, and enables the use of smaller-diameter digital endoscopes. By combining these functions in one component, the system achieves improved visualization without requiring a larger access sheath.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3970641B1Endoscopic tip extender

Publication Date: 2025.04.23 GYRUS ACMI INC

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

An endoscopic medical apparatus can include an endoscope tip extender such as can be configured to extend longitudinally axially from a distal portion of an endoscope in a tapered arrangement. The tip extender can define a bore such as extending longitudinally axially within the tip extender. The tip extender can include a material that can be at least one of softer or more flexible than a material of the distal portion of the endoscope.