Flexible Guide Unit Latch for Bronchial Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transendoscopic medical instruments face challenges in accurately and rapidly reaching diseased parts of peripheral bronchial tubes, especially in complex bronchial branches, due to their rigidity and limited flexibility, which hinders precise diagnosis and treatment, particularly for increasing cases of peripheral lung cancer.
Innovation Solution
A transendoscopic medical instrument featuring a flexible guide unit with a latch mechanism and a tapered sheath that allows for the insertion and removal of various instruments, including a guide unit with a flexure portion operated by a flexible operating means, enabling precise navigation and positioning within the bronchial tree, and an x-ray marker member for accurate placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid intubation instrument is used to maintain structural stability, then the instrument can be manufactured with simpler structure, but the instrument cannot flexibly navigate complex bronchial branches
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into multiple segments including a sheath, a guide unit, and an insertion instrument. The guide unit itself is segmented into a proximal straight portion and a distal curved portion, allowing each segment to perform specific functions while maintaining overall flexibility and navigability through complex bronchial structures
Solution Approach 2:
The guide unit is inserted within the sheath, and the insertion instrument is inserted within the guide unit, creating a nested configuration. This allows the instruments to be stored compactly when not in use and enables sequential deployment where the outer sheath provides support while inner components perform specific functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used for different diagnostic and therapeutic functions, then the versatility of the system is improved, but the complexity of instrument replacement and operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath and guide unit are designed as universal components that can accommodate multiple different insertion instruments including biopsy forceps, marking instruments, and other diagnostic or therapeutic tools. The standardized interface and latch mechanism allow any compatible instrument to be quickly attached and detached without requiring different sheaths or complex reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The guide unit serves as an intermediary component between the sheath and the various insertion instruments. It provides a standardized interface and operational control mechanism that mediates the interaction between the operator and different types of insertion instruments, simplifying the overall operation
3Measurement precision
If x-ray markers are used for accurate positioning, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The marking instrument includes an x-ray marker that appears as a radiopaque structure visible on fluoroscopic imaging. This allows the marker to be visually detected and positioned accurately during the procedure without adding complex mechanical or electronic components to the instrument itself
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a transendoscopic medical instrument which can insert, remove and latch a plurality of medical items including a flexible guide unit with respect to a transendoscopic sheath which is selectively inserted into a body cavity such as a bronchial branch.