Flexible Organic Light Emitting Diode Endoscope Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems rely on optical fibers for illumination, which provide inadequate lighting beyond a narrow, forwardly directed path, limiting the viewable area during medical procedures and occupying valuable space within the endoscope.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a flexible organic light emitting diode (FOLED) light source integrated along the outside surface of the endoscope, emitting a laterally directed path of light to expand the illuminated area, potentially combined with a forwardly directed path, allowing for a reduced endoscope diameter and improved visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If optical fibers are used for illumination, then light can be transmitted to the treatment area, but the illuminated area is limited to a narrow forward path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the illumination function from the optical fiber bundle and implements it using a separate light source positioned at the distal end of the endoscope. This allows the optical fibers to be removed or reduced, eliminating the limitation of narrow illumination while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a distal light source as an intermediary element that provides illumination from the treatment area itself rather than from the proximal end through optical fibers. This mediator enables broader illumination of the treatment field without requiring complex optical fiber routing.
2Illumination intensity
If optical fibers are used for illumination, then light transmission is achieved, but valuable space within the endoscope is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the optical fiber illumination system from the endoscope structure and replaces it with a distal light source. This extraction frees up the space previously occupied by optical fibers, allowing for a reduced endoscope diameter or allocation of space to other functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from proximal illumination (light source at the operator's end) to distal illumination (light source at the treatment end). This dimensional change in light source positioning eliminates the need for bulky optical fiber bundles running through the endoscope, reducing its overall volume.
3Illumination intensity
If a forwardly directed light source is used, then the path directly incident to light rays is illuminated, but the surrounding area remains dark
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function into multiple light sources positioned around the distal end of the endoscope, rather than relying on a single forwardly directed source. This segmentation allows different portions of the treatment area to be illuminated simultaneously, expanding the overall viewable area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning light sources at specific locations around the distal end to illuminate specific areas of the treatment field. Each light source provides targeted illumination to its local region, and the combination of multiple localized illumination zones creates comprehensive coverage of the entire treatment area.
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 FOLED light source enhances visibility by providing a broader, clearer illuminated field, reducing tissue trauma and procedural time, and allowing for more precise device positioning, while eliminating the need for optical fibers and reducing the endoscope's outer diameter.
Implementation Method 1
A light source is provided along an outside surface of the flexible tube at a distal end of the flexible tube and is configured to emit light laterally and distally of the distal end of the flexible tube.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed medical devices for illuminating and viewing a patient's internal body portion. The device may include an elongated flexible tube including a distal end and a proximal end. The tube defines a channel extending from the proximal end to an aperture at the distal end. An illumination device is housed within the channel and configured to emit a distally directed path of light. A light source is provided at the distal end of the flexible tube and configured to emit a laterally directed path of light. In one embodiment the light source is a organic light emitting diode.