Flexible Instrument Guide Apparatus with Segmented Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Minimally invasive medical procedures face challenges in supporting flexible interventional instruments as they are inserted into patient anatomy, leading to deformation and potential damage due to unsupported lengths, which can affect the accuracy and effectiveness of instruments like optical fiber shape sensors and endoscopic equipment.

Innovation Solution

A guiding apparatus with an elongated support assembly featuring linked channel formations that longitudinally support and stabilize flexible instruments, preventing buckling by separating and directing support components away from the insertion axis as the instrument is advanced, ensuring maximum length utilization for patient treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible interventional instrument is inserted into patient anatomy without support, then the instrument can reach target tissue locations through natural orifices and passageways, but the unsupported length causes the instrument to bend and buckle, deforming internal components such as optical fiber shape sensors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to navigate natural orifices and passagewaysVSAvoidinstrument deformation and component damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly is divided into multiple segments or linkages that can flex and articulate to conform to anatomical passages while providing continuous support. This segmentation allows the instrument to navigate complex pathways without buckling, as each segment can independently adapt to the local geometry while maintaining structural integrity along the entire length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A robotic manipulator or guide catheter is introduced as an intermediary device that provides external support to the flexible instrument during insertion. This intermediary structure prevents buckling by providing a rigid or semi-rigid framework that the flexible instrument can track along, ensuring the instrument reaches the target without deformation while still allowing navigation through natural orifices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of moving object

If the length of the interventional instrument is increased to reach deeper target locations, then the instrument can access more distant tissue sites, but the unsupported length increases buckling and deformation risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument length for reaching target tissueVSAvoidinstrument straightness and structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The long instrument is divided into multiple articulated segments that can flex independently. This allows the instrument to maintain a straight configuration when needed for stability while being able to bend at segment joints to navigate anatomical curves, effectively providing support for the entire length without requiring a single rigid structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure transitions from a static rigid form to a dynamic articulated system that can adapt its configuration. The segments can lock into a straight alignment to provide maximum stability for long instruments, or articulate to follow anatomical pathways, dynamically adjusting the level of support along the instrument length based on insertion depth and anatomical requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid support structure is used to prevent buckling, then instrument stability is improved, but the instrument cannot flex to conform to natural anatomical passages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument stability during insertionVSAvoidability to conform to anatomical passages

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into multiple rigid or semi-rigid linkages connected by articulation points. Each segment maintains rigidity to prevent local buckling, while the articulation points between segments allow the overall structure to flex and conform to anatomical passages, combining local stability with global adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure employs dynamic articulation mechanisms that allow it to transition between rigid and flexible states. During insertion through natural orifices, the segments articulate to follow the anatomical pathway. Once positioned, the segments can lock into a stable configuration to prevent buckling, dynamically adapting the level of rigidity along the instrument length based on procedural needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12059223B2Guide apparatus for delivery of a flexible instrument and methods of use

Publication Date: 2024.08.13 INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

A medical apparatus for guiding an elongated flexible instrument includes an elongated support assembly having a longitudinal axis. The elongated support assembly is adapted to laterally receive into engagement and longitudinally support the elongated flexible instrument. The elongated support assembly includes a guide channel configured to laterally receive the elongated flexible instrument, a fastener configured to laterally receive a mating fastener component of the elongated flexible instrument, or an undulated lateral opening extending longitudinally along the elongated support assembly.