Expandable External Working Channels for Flexible Endoscopes

Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopes face challenges with increased bending stiffness and decreased flexibility due to larger working channel diameters, limiting the number and size of tools that can be used, and there is a need for independent actuation and stability of working channels during complex procedures.

Innovation Solution

A rigidizing system with an elongate device that transitions between flexible and rigid configurations via vacuum or pressure, incorporating expandable channels and guides for tool passage, and a sleeve with external working channels that can be expanded or collapsed for tool insertion and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If working channel diameter is increased, then tool size and number are improved, but bending stiffness increases and flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool size and numberVSAvoidbending stiffness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope is divided into multiple independent working channels that can be actuated separately. Each channel can be expanded or collapsed independently, allowing selective access for different tools while maintaining the flexibility of the overall endoscope structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The working channels are designed to be dynamically changeable between expanded and collapsed states. This dynamic capability allows the channels to adapt their size based on the procedural needs, enabling larger tools when required while maintaining a compact, flexible profile during navigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If working channel diameter is increased, then tool size and number are improved, but flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool size and numberVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope is divided into multiple independent working channels that can be actuated separately. Each channel can be expanded or collapsed independently, allowing selective access for different tools while maintaining the flexibility of the overall endoscope structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The working channels are designed to be dynamically changeable between expanded and collapsed states. This dynamic capability allows the channels to adapt their size based on the procedural needs, enabling larger tools when required while maintaining a compact, flexible profile during navigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple working channels are added, then clinical utility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclinical utilityVSAvoidnumber of channels

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope is divided into multiple independent working channels that can be actuated separately. Each channel can be expanded or collapsed independently, allowing selective access for different tools while maintaining the flexibility of the overall endoscope structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple working channels provide multi-functionality by enabling various tools to be passed through the same endoscope structure. The channels can be used for different purposes (biopsy, grasping, cutting, etc.) depending on which channel is expanded and what tool is inserted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables multiple tools to be deployed without disturbing the endoscope's position, providing enhanced flexibility and stability during complex procedures, allowing for increased tool sizes and numbers.

Implementation Method 1

an elongate rigidizing device configured to be rigidized by vacuum or pressure from a flexible configuration to a rigid configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

an elongate rigidizing device configured to be rigidized by vacuum or pressure from a flexible configuration to a rigid configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

The outer tube includes a plurality of expandable channels therein configured to enable passage of a working tool therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260041308A1External working channels

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 NEPTUNE MEDICAL INC

AI summary

Apparatuses (e.g., devices, systems, etc.) and methods that may provide access to one or more tools to a remote site in the body including expandable and external working channels that may be part of a tube that is coupled to an outer surface of an elongate medical device, such as an endoscope.