Expandable Endoscope Working Channel for Tight Curves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes have limited working channel diameters, making it difficult to transport minimally invasive surgical instruments around tight radii of curvature due to insufficient pivoting space, and larger instruments are often beneficial but cannot be used due to constructional limitations.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope features a working channel that is expandable in sections, either passively or actively, using stretch-stiff materials or structures like area-stretchable tubes, pivotable segments, or spring-elastic outer walls to accommodate instruments of larger diameters without increasing the overall endoscope diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the working channel diameter is increased to accommodate larger surgical instruments, then the instrument compatibility and treatment capability are improved, but the overall endoscope diameter increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The working channel is designed with dynamic expandability, transitioning from a compressed delivery configuration to an expanded working configuration. The channel can be actively or passively enlarged at the treatment site to accommodate various instrument sizes, then returned to its original state for retraction, enabling the endoscope to adapt to different surgical needs without permanently increasing its diameter
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the working channel are changed during the procedure. The channel diameter is temporarily increased from its delivery state to accommodate instruments, then reduced back for retraction. This parameter transformation allows the same channel to serve multiple functions with different instrument requirements
2Ease of operation
If the working channel diameter is increased to provide sufficient pivoting space, then the navigation capability around tight radii of curvature is improved, but the endoscope body size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The working channel provides dynamic pivoting space that expands when needed during instrument manipulation around curves, then returns to its original configuration. This allows sufficient room for instrument pivoting and navigation around tight radii without permanently increasing the endoscope body cross-section
Solution Approach 2:
The working channel is nested within the endoscope body in a space-efficient manner, utilizing the available volume effectively. The channel can be temporarily expanded outward when navigation assistance is needed, then retracted back into its original nested position, maximizing the use of available space
3Productivity
If larger surgical instruments are used for beneficial treatment, then the therapeutic capability is improved, but the instruments cannot be transported through the conventional working channel
Solution Approach 1:
The working channel dynamically adjusts its diameter to first accommodate the delivery of instruments in a compressed state, then expands to allow passage of larger therapeutic instruments, and finally returns to its original state for safe retraction of all components
Solution Approach 2:
The working channel is prepared in advance by expanding its diameter before instrument passage is required, allowing larger therapeutic instruments to be successfully transported. After use, the channel returns to its original configuration, ready for the next procedure
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 design allows for the guided passage of instruments exceeding the inner diameter of the working channel, improving navigation around narrow radii of curvature while maintaining the same overall diameter as conventional endoscopes, reducing the risk of channel narrowing or occlusion.
Implementation Method 1
a part of the endoscope body, which is stretch-stiff in the radial direction, encompasses the working channel in the circumferential direction over a predetermined circumferential portion
Implementation Method 2
spring-elastic outer walls to accommodate instruments of larger diameters
Implementation Method 3
area-stretchable tubes to accommodate instruments of larger diameters
Implementation Method 4
pivotable segments to accommodate instruments of larger diameters
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes an endoscope body and a working channel for guiding medical tools and/or for the through-flow of media. The working channel extends in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope body and forms a working channel outlet in a distal end portion of the endoscope body. An endoscope head is arranged in a distal end region of the endoscope body and has at least one optical unit. The working channel is partially enclosed in the circumferential direction by a part of the endoscope body that is extensionally rigid in the radial direction, over a predefined circumferential portion, preferably one third to two thirds and more preferably more than half of the total circumference. The endoscope body is expandable at least in parts from a first state having a smaller cross-sectional area to a second state having an enlarged cross-sectional area.