Flexible Track for Endoscope Accessories

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current endoscopic procedures face challenges in efficiently and precisely placing medical devices, such as feeding tubes, due to limitations in device size and precision, as well as the stiffness and cost of large diameter/multiple working channel endoscopes, which can lead to increased complexity and risk of infection.

Innovation Solution

A medical device comprising a flexible sheath with a track of varying flexibility, allowing for the precise placement of accessories like feeding tubes within the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the number of intubations and steps required, and maintaining the device's position during endoscope removal, while being cost-effective and easy to sanitize.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large diameter endoscope with multiple working channels is used, then the capability to pass large accessories and suction large blood clots is improved, but the device becomes relatively expensive and the outer diameter makes the endoscope relatively stiff and difficult to intubate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to pass large accessoriesVSAvoidease to intubate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The track is disposed within the lumen of the sheath, creating a nested configuration where the track (carrying accessories) is contained inside the sheath (which contains the endoscope). This allows large accessories to be passed through the track without requiring a large diameter endoscope, resolving the contradiction between versatility and ease of intubation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a radial dimension for accessory passage by creating a track that extends from the proximal to distal end within the sheath lumen. This allows accessories to be passed through the track in a direction perpendicular to the endoscope's longitudinal axis, enabling large accessory passage without increasing endoscope diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If a standard endoscope with a smooth, substantially-circular cross section is used, then ease in sanitizing and cleaning is improved, but the ability to precisely maintain accessory position within the field of view is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease in sanitizing and cleaningVSAvoidprecision to maintain accessory position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The track is divided into multiple discrete segments or sections along its length, each capable of independent positioning. This segmentation allows precise control of accessory position at different locations while maintaining the overall circular cross-section of the sheath for easy cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The track acts as an intermediary mechanism between the endoscope and the accessory devices. It provides precise positioning control for accessories within the field of view while the sheath maintains its simple circular shape for easy sanitizing, separating the positioning function from the cleaning function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple intubations and procedural steps are required, then the ability to place various medical devices is improved, but the procedural complexity and risk of infection increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to place various medical devicesVSAvoidprocedural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The track system serves multiple functions: it guides accessories to the treatment site, maintains their positioning, and allows passage of various sized devices through its lumen. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate intubations and procedural steps, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The track is pre-positioned within the sheath before the procedure begins, with accessories loaded onto the track in advance. This preliminary preparation allows all necessary devices to be in place before insertion, eliminating the need for multiple sequential intubations and reducing procedural complexity and infection risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The device enables quick and consistent placement of medical devices with reduced procedural complexity, fewer steps, and lower infection risk, improving the efficiency and safety of endoscopic procedures.

Implementation Method 1

At least one portion of the track (300) has a greater flexibility than another portion of the track (300)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexibility gradient: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7615003B2Track for medical devices

Publication Date: 2009.11.10 ETHICON ENDO SURGERY INC

AI summary

A medical apparatus and method useful for positioning one or more members within the gastro-intestinal tract is disclosed. The medical apparatus can include a track supported on a sheath sized to receive an endoscope, and a carrier slidable with respect to the track. A feeding tube accessory adapted to slidably engage the carrier is disclosed.