Reconfigurable Fluidics Channel Assembly for Scope Flow Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

During medical procedures, particulates generated in tortuous anatomy can obscure visualization and create blocks or clogs within fluidics channels of medical devices, posing procedural challenges.

Innovation Solution

A medical device with a movable casing assembly that transitions between configurations to reversibly connect fluidics channels, allowing fluid flow direction to be switched between lumens, thereby facilitating efficient aspiration and irrigation through a scope.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If aspiration techniques are used to remove particulates, then visualization is improved, but blockages occur within fluidics channels

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisualizationVSAvoidfluidics channel blockage

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the fluidics system into multiple separate channels (first fluidics channel for irrigation, second fluidics channel for aspiration) to prevent particulate blockages from affecting the entire system. This segmentation allows independent flow paths that reduce the risk of complete system failure due to blockages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device enables dynamic switching between different operational configurations (first configuration with first direction flow, second configuration with second direction flow) to adapt to varying procedural needs. This dynamic capability allows the system to reverse flow directions to clear blockages or optimize aspiration efficiency based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple fluidics channels are implemented for bidirectional flow, then fluid management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid management efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device combines multiple fluidics channels and switching mechanisms into an integrated assembly that functions as a unified unit. The first and second fluidics channels are merged with the switching mechanism to create a compact structure that achieves bidirectional flow control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device implements multi-functional fluidics channels that can serve multiple purposes depending on configuration. The same physical channels can handle both irrigation and aspiration functions by switching between first and second configurations, reducing the need for entirely separate dedicated channels for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250352045A1Medical systems and devices for controlling a direction of fluid flow

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

Medical devices are described including a medical device that includes a casing assembly with a first portion movably coupled to a second portion, a first fluidics channel, a second fluidics channel, a third fluidics channel, and a fourth fluidics channel. Moving the first portion relative to the second portion may transition the medical device between a first and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the first and second fluidics channels may be fluidly connected, and the third and fourth fluidics channels may be fluidly connected. In the second configuration, the first and third fluidics channels may be fluidly connected, and the second and fourth fluidics channels may be fluidly connected.