Flexible Endoscope Assistant Arm for Tissue Traction and View Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face limitations in securing a clear view field during tissue resection due to restricted movement of surgical tools, difficulty in adjusting traction direction and force, and potential damage to the body cavity wall, along with challenges in maintaining the form of flexible tubes when multiple devices are manipulated with both hands.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope apparatus with a flexible channel and an assistant arm that allows for adjustable traction direction and grip position, enables multiple degrees of freedom movement, prevents body cavity damage, and maintains the flexible tube's form by using a cap and holder design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional devices such as thread, clip, and magnet are used for tissue traction, then tissue traction capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to difficulty in adjusting traction direction, traction force, and grip position
Solution Approach 1:
The assistant arm is designed with a bending section that can be dynamically adjusted to different positions along the longitudinal direction, allowing the traction direction and force to be changed during the procedure. The bending section can be positioned at multiple locations to achieve different traction angles and intensities, making the system adaptable to various surgical needs while maintaining ease of operation through a single integrated device rather than multiple separate components
2Device complexity
If commercial endoscope with limited forward and backward movement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in securing view field of resected portion
Solution Approach 1:
The assistant arm is divided into multiple sections including a bending section that can be independently positioned along the longitudinal direction. This segmentation allows the distal end to reach and secure the view field of the resected portion while the proximal end remains accessible for operation, effectively overcoming the limitation of commercial endoscopes that can only move forward and backward without independent bending operations
3Ease of operation
If assistant robot arm is mounted on commercial endoscope, then view field securing and tissue traction are improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to development and certification period
Solution Approach 1:
The assistant arm is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform both tissue traction and view field securing operations. The bending section can be positioned at different locations to achieve various functions: when positioned closer to the distal end, it provides tissue traction; when positioned differently, it secures the view field of the resected portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices and accessories, simplifying the overall system while maintaining enhanced operational capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an endoscope apparatus. The endoscope apparatus of the present invention includes: an endoscope including a flexible insertion section to be inserted into a human body; a flexible channel attached to the insertion section so that a part forms a passage in a longitudinal direction of the insertion section; and an assistant arm movably inserted into the passage and manipulated by a control device, and the assistant arm includes forceps capable of gripping a human body tissue, and a bending section bent by the control device to pull the human body tissue griped by the forceps.