Expandable Introducer Sheath Guides Hysteroscope Cannulas Through Cervix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients often find the insertion and removal of hysteroscopy apparatus and endoscopic instruments into the uterine cavity uncomfortable due to the size and rigidity of the devices.
Innovation Solution
A sheath with an introducer that expands to dilate the cervix, allowing easier passage of a hysteroscope cannula, is used. The sheath includes a support channel and a pull-tab for user guidance, and can be made from lubricious materials to reduce friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the hysteroscopy apparatus is made with a larger distal tip end to improve structural stability, then the device becomes more rigid and easier to control, but the insertion through the cervix becomes more difficult and painful
Solution Approach 1:
The hysteroscopy apparatus is divided into separate components: a introducer device that is inserted first, followed by the main hysteroscope that passes through the introducer. This segmentation allows the introducer to handle the difficult insertion through the cervix while the main scope maintains its structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The hysteroscope is inserted through the introducer in a nested configuration, where the smaller hysteroscope passes through the larger introducer device. This nested arrangement allows the rigid hysteroscope to be guided through the flexible introducer during insertion, then the introducer can be removed while the hysteroscope remains in place
2Ease of operation
If the hysteroscopy apparatus is made more rigid to improve steerability and control, then the device is easier to maneuver, but the insertion and removal becomes more uncomfortable for the patient
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the system have different rigidity properties: the introducer is made flexible to reduce insertion discomfort, while the hysteroscope maintains appropriate rigidity for steerability and control during the procedure. This local differentiation of mechanical properties optimizes both patient comfort and operational performance
3Ease of operation
If the distal tip end is reduced in size to facilitate insertion through the cervix, then the insertion becomes easier and less painful, but the structural stability and support for the endoscopic apparatus is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The introducer acts as an intermediary device that provides the necessary structural support and guidance during insertion. It has a smaller distal tip end that facilitates easy passage through the cervix, while its overall structure provides sufficient support to guide the hysteroscope into position without compromising stability
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 facilitates less painful and more comfortable hysteroscopy procedures by reducing the size of the distal end for easier insertion, providing better steerability of the hysteroscope, and allowing the sheath to be removed while the cannula remains in place.
Implementation Method 1
the sheath is constructed from a lubricious material or coated in a lubricious material
Data Source
AI summary
A method for inserting a cannula of an endoscope into a cavity of a patient includes slidably coupling an inner sleeve of a sheath with an outer sleeve of the sheath and advancing an introducer, in a collapsed configuration and positioned at a distal end of the outer sleeve, through a cavity of the patient until the introducer is inserted into the internal space of the patient. The method includes translating the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve and towards the introducer to dilate the internal space, and placing the cannula of the endoscope within the inner sleeve of the sheath, proximal to the introducer at the distal end of the outer sleeve. The method includes advancing the cannula along the inner sleeve and through the introducer a desired distance within the cavity, and removing the cannula and sheath from the patient.