Extendable Endoscopic Suction Tube for Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope aspiration systems require the endoscope tip to be moved into debris, obstructing the view and necessitating multiple users or instrument changes for suction and lens cleaning.
Innovation Solution
An extendable suction tube connected to a vacuum source, allowing controlled extension and retraction without disconnecting from the vacuum, integrated with an irrigation system for clear visualization and efficient debris removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the endoscope tip is moved into debris for suction, then debris removal is effective, but the surgeon's view is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the endoscope into separate functional components: a rigid endoscope shaft for visualization and a flexible suction tube for debris removal. The suction tube can be extended independently from the endoscope shaft, allowing the surgeon to suction debris without moving the endoscope tip, thus maintaining an unobscured view.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible suction tube acts as an intermediary between the vacuum source and the debris. It can be extended to reach debris while the rigid endoscope shaft remains stationary, providing the surgeon with both visualization and debris removal capabilities without compromising the view.
2Reliability
If multiple users or instrument changes are used for suction and lens cleaning, then comprehensive care is achieved, but procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the flexible suction tube can both suction debris and clean the lens by directing suction across its surface. This eliminates the need for separate lens cleaning instruments and reduces the number of instrument changes required during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible suction tube serves multiple purposes: it can suction debris from the surgical site, clean the lens by removing contaminants across its surface, and maintain continuous operation without requiring instrument changes. This multi-functionality significantly reduces procedure time while maintaining comprehensive care.
3Ease of operation
If the suction tube is continuously connected to vacuum, then suction readiness is maintained, but control over suction activation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static vacuum connection to a dynamic one: the suction tube can be extended to activate vacuum only when needed at the distal end, and retracted to deactivate it. This dynamic connection maintains suction readiness when extended while simplifying the control mechanism by using the tube's position itself as the control signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses positional feedback: when the flexible suction tube is extended beyond the endoscope shaft, it automatically activates the vacuum source. When retracted, the vacuum is deactivated. This feedback mechanism provides precise control over suction activation based on the tube's position, maintaining ease of operation without excessive complexity.
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 single-user operation with clear visualization during endoscopic procedures, reducing the need for instrument changes and maintaining the surgical site in view, improving efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
When the suction tube is extended, the suction tube is connected to a vacuum source, thus permitting the suction tube to aspirate an object close to the distal end of the suction tube
Implementation Method 2
The endoscopic aspiration assembly can also comprise an irrigation tube for directing a fluid to the viewing end of the endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an aspiration assembly for attaching to an endoscope. The aspiration assembly comprises an extendable suction tube for aspirating an object (e.g., smoke, blood, blood clot, bone debris, or tissue debris) at or near a surgical site during an endoscopic surgery. The aspiration assembly can further comprise an irrigation tube for directing a fluid to the surgical site for cleaning the endoscope lens. By integrating an extendable suction tube with the endoscope, the technology described herein obviate the need for instrument switching and/or multiple surgeons during the surgery.