Pressure-Propelled GI Imaging Apparatus with Piston Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging devices face challenges in navigating and imaging the lower gastrointestinal tract due to its tortuous and fragile nature, leading to difficulties in reaching the caecum and causing patient discomfort and procedure failure in a significant number of cases.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-propelled imaging apparatus with a piston head and distal balloon system that forms a pressure seal with the GI tract wall, using fluid pressure to advance distally and cyclically modulating the pressure within the distal balloon to create a working space and reduce friction, allowing for enhanced maneuverability and imaging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional flexible fiber optic endoscope is used to navigate the GI tract, then the device can be inserted through the rectum, but it fails to reach the caecum in a significant number of cases due to the tortuous and fragile nature of the colon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pressure-propelled mechanism where a piston head is advanced distally through the GI tract by applying fluid pressure (pneumatic or hydraulic) to it. This allows the imaging apparatus to be propelled through the tortuous colon without relying solely on manual manipulation, thereby improving both ease of navigation and the reliability of reaching the caecum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the piston head from deflated to inflated by controlling fluid pressure. When the piston head is inflated, it forms a pressure seal with the colon wall, providing a stable platform for imaging and enabling controlled advancement. This parameter change (volume/pressure) allows the device to adapt to the tortuous anatomy of the colon.
2Ease of operation
If manual manipulation is used to advance the endoscope through the colon, then the device can be controlled by the operator, but it causes patient discomfort and increases procedural duration
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging apparatus performs self-propulsion through the GI tract by utilizing the pressure-propelled mechanism. The piston head automatically advances distally when fluid pressure is applied, eliminating the need for continuous manual manipulation by the operator. This self-service capability significantly reduces procedural duration while maintaining operator control through the control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical manipulation system (manual pushing and guiding by the operator) with a pressure-propelled system. Fluid pressure applied to the piston head substitutes for manual mechanical manipulation, reducing operator fatigue and procedural time while maintaining precise control through electronic control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the endoscope is advanced quickly to reduce procedural time, then efficiency is improved, but the risk of physical damage to the fragile colon wall increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent forms a pressure seal between the piston head and the colon wall before advancement occurs. This preliminary action stabilizes the contact between the device and the fragile tissue, distributing forces evenly and preventing sudden mechanical stress that could cause perforation. The pressure seal ensures controlled, gradual advancement even at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure seal formed by the inflated piston head acts as a cushioning mechanism before advancement. It distributes the propelling force over a larger area and controls the interaction with the fragile colon wall, reducing the risk of perforation. This beforehand cushioning allows rapid advancement without compromising safety.
4Measurement precision
If the piston head is kept inflated to maintain contact with the colon wall, then imaging quality is improved, but the device cannot navigate tight turns and obstacles effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the piston head inflation/deflation cycle. The control unit can inflate the piston head to form a pressure seal for imaging, then deflate it to reduce contact with the colon wall, enabling the device to navigate tight turns and obstacles. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt between imaging mode and navigation mode as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston head undergoes periodic inflation and deflation cycles controlled by the control unit. During imaging phases, the piston head is inflated to maintain contact with the colon wall for high-quality images. During navigation phases, it is deflated to reduce friction and enable passage through tight turns. This periodic action allows the device to switch between imaging and navigation functions effectively.
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 apparatus enables more efficient and safer navigation through the GI tract, reducing the risk of physical damage and improving the ability to visualize the entire colon, including hard-to-reach areas like the caecum, with reduced procedural duration and patient discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
a piston head, coupled to a distal portion of the carrier, and configured to: be inflated so as to form and maintain a pressure seal with a wall of the GI tract lumen, and be advanced distally through the GI tract in response to pressure from the fluid pressure source
Implementation Method 2
cyclically modulating the pressure within the distal balloon to dilate the lumen thereby creating a working space and reducing friction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus comprising an elongated carrier adapted to be inserted through a proximal opening of a gastrointestinal (GI) tract lumen; a piston head, coupled to a distal portion of the carrier, and configured to: be inflated so as to form and maintain a pressure seal with a wall of the GI tract lumen, and be advanced distally through the GI tract in response to pressure from a fluid pressure source; a distal balloon coupled to the carrier distal to the piston head and configured and operable to be inflated so as to dilate the lumen thereby creating a working space; and a control unit, configured and operable to control simultaneously a pressure level within the piston head and a pressure level within the distal balloon. The control comprises maintaining a constant level of pressure within the piston head thereby maintaining said pressure seal and cyclically modulating the level of pressure within the distal balloon facilitating the distal advancement of the piston head within the GI tract lumen.