Guide Sheath Window Markings for Tumor Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radial endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) technologies for peripheral tumor visualization and sampling are limited in their range of motion and diagnostic capabilities, particularly for tumors located off-center, as they cannot determine the direction of the tumor relative to the airway.
Innovation Solution
A guide sheath with a window at its distal end, allowing a radial ultrasound device to be positioned and sending image signals, and featuring markings to indicate the window's location, enabling the operator to determine the tumor's orientation relative to the guide sheath and camera's view, facilitating more accurate tumor localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a guide sheath is extended beyond the reach of the bronchoscope for peripheral sampling, then the distal end of the guide sheath can reach peripheral tumors, but the distal end becomes invisible and the operator cannot determine tumor direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual markings (colors, patterns, or reflective elements) on the guide sheath that change or become visible under specific lighting conditions or viewing angles. These markings indicate the orientation and position of the distal end, allowing the operator to determine tumor direction even when the guide sheath is extended beyond the bronchoscope's visual range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual indication system (markings, lights, or reflective elements) that mediates between the extended guide sheath and the operator's visual system. This intermediary provides orientation information without requiring the operator to directly see the distal end of the guide sheath.
2Measurement precision
If radial EBUS technology is used to determine tumor depth from the probe, then depth measurement is possible, but the direction of the tumor cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual markings on the guide sheath that provide directional information complementary to the depth measurement capability of radial EBUS. These markings indicate the angular or circumferential direction toward the tumor, allowing the operator to determine both depth and direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension (circumferential or angular orientation) to the existing depth measurement capability. By providing visual indicators of direction in addition to depth measurement, the system transitions from one-dimensional (depth only) to two-dimensional (depth and direction) tumor localization.
3Length of moving object
If the guide sheath distal end is not visible, then the guide sheath can be extended further for peripheral access, but sampling accuracy decreases due to inability to locate the window
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual markings that highlight the window location and guide sheath orientation. These markings enable the operator to accurately locate the window and maintain proper positioning even when the guide sheath is extended to peripheral locations, thereby preserving sampling accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides visual feedback through markings that indicate the position and orientation of the guide sheath distal end. This feedback allows the operator to adjust and maintain accurate positioning of the window relative to the target tumor, ensuring sampling precision despite extended reach.
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
Enhances diagnostic yield by allowing precise orientation and localization of peripheral tumors, improving the ability to discern tumor direction and position, thereby improving sampling accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The radial ultrasound device includes a radial transducer that can be positioned at the window and configured to send image signals to the display device
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining orientation of a guide sheath introduced by a bronchoscope or similar device. An example system includes a display device, a scope device and a guide sheath. The guide sheath includes a window occupying a predefined circumferential sector of a distal end of the guide sheath and a plurality of markings configured to visually indicate location/orientation and/or distance of the window. The plurality of markings includes a plurality of first markings located along a longitudinal center axis of the window and a plurality of second markings located along one or more other longitudinal axes that are radially separated from the longitudinal center axis of the window by more than 45°.