Flexible Endoscopic Support With Curved Accessory Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Duodenoscopes face issues such as significant friction and force transmission loss due to sharp bends, difficulty in navigation due to side-facing cameras, limited accessory channels, and challenges in cleaning, which affect maneuverability and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with movable accessory channels that can switch between forward-viewing and side-viewing configurations, a pivot arm mechanism for flexible bending, and a rotatable distal portion, along with multiple accessory channels and a disposable design to enhance maneuverability and ease of cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional duodenoscope design with sharp bends at distal end is used, then the scope can reach the papilla of Vater, but significant friction and force transmission loss occur between tools and scope
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory channel is configured with a curved path that follows a larger radius arc compared to the sharp bends of traditional duodenoscopes. This curved configuration reduces friction between the accessory and scope walls while maintaining the ability to reach the papilla of Vater, thereby improving force transmission efficiency without sacrificing maneuverability.
2Ease of operation
If side-facing camera system is used in traditional duodenoscope, then the scope can be inserted through the GI tract, but navigation becomes difficult for novices and experienced physicians
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is made dynamically adjustable, allowing switching between side-facing and forward-facing orientations. This dynamic reconfiguration enables physicians to select the optimal viewing angle for different procedural stages, improving navigation capability while maintaining the ability to reach target locations.
3Productivity
If traditional duodenoscope with one accessory channel is used, then the scope structure remains simple, but use of multiple accessories becomes time intensive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory channel is designed with multi-functionality, capable of accommodating different types of accessories simultaneously or sequentially through its curved configuration. This universal design allows multiple accessories to be used without requiring separate channels, improving procedural efficiency while maintaining relatively simple scope structure.
4Reliability
If traditional duodenoscope design is used, then manufacturing and cleaning become complex, but inadequate cleaning results in bacterial contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The duodenoscope is designed as a disposable device, eliminating the need for complex cleaning and sterilization procedures. This single-use configuration ensures complete hygiene without bacterial contamination risk while simplifying the overall system, as no reprocessing is required after use.
Data Source
AI summary
A scope system is provided including an elongate tube with a distal portion and a lumen extending therethrough. The scope system also includes at least one accessory channel including a tubular structure with an accessory lumen extending therethrough, the at least one accessory channel movably disposed at least partially within the lumen of the elongate tube. The at least one accessory channel includes a distal section and a forward-viewing configuration and a side-viewing configuration. In the forward-viewing configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel is substantially parallel to the distal portion of the elongate tube and in the side-viewing configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel is arced at a radius greater than a radius of the distal portion of the elongate tube.