Flexible Ureteroscope External Channel for Simultaneous Instrumentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current single-channel flexible ureteroscopes have a small working channel diameter, limiting the size of devices and objects that can be inserted or extracted, requiring frequent removal and reinsertion of laser fibers during kidney stone procedures.
Innovation Solution
A ureteroscope system with an external channel coupled to the existing single-channel ureteroscope, allowing for the simultaneous insertion of medical instruments and debris removal through separate channels, enhancing maneuverability and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single channel flexible ureteroscope with a small working channel diameter is used, then the ureteroscope can be inserted through narrow lumens and provide good maneuverability, but the size of devices and objects that can fit through the working channel is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the working channel into two separate channels: a first working channel (small diameter, approximately 3.6 French) for inserting delicate instruments like laser fibers, and a second working channel (larger diameter) for inserting larger instruments like retrieval baskets and suction devices. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for specific instrument sizes, resolving the contradiction between maneuverability and device compatibility.
2Device complexity
If a single channel flexible ureteroscope is used, then the structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the laser fiber must be removed from the channel before suction is applied to extract stone fragments
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the single working channel into two separate channels, the system allows simultaneous use of a laser fiber in the first channel and suction in the second channel. This eliminates the need to remove the laser fiber before applying suction, enabling continuous stone fragmentation and removal operations, thereby improving procedure efficiency while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The second working channel acts as an intermediary pathway that allows suction to operate independently from the first working channel used for laser fiber insertion. This intermediary channel mediates between the laser fragmentation process and the debris removal process, allowing both to occur simultaneously without interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dual channel flexible ureteroscope is used, then multiple instruments can be used simultaneously, but the ureteroscope becomes less maneuverable and provides less visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention positions the two working channels in different spatial dimensions and orientations within the ureteroscope shaft. The channels are arranged to minimize interference with each other and with the optical pathway, allowing multiple instruments to be used simultaneously while preserving maneuverability and visibility. This spatial arrangement resolves the contradiction by utilizing dimensional space efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A ureteroscope system includes a handle; an elongated shaft extends from the handle to a distal end and includes a working channel which is opened at the distal end; an external member extends from a proximal end to a distal end and is coupled to the shaft, the member includes a hub and a tube defining a first external channel; and a coupling mechanism defines first and second tubes and is coupled the distal end of the member to the distal end of the shaft. The first tube defines a first lumen and the second tube defines a second lumen which is sized and shaped to receive a distal end of the member. A proximal portion of the first tube is sized and shaped to be inserted into a distal portion of the shaft such that the first lumen is opened to the working channel.