Guiding Element for Gastrointestinal Tool Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopes have a limited working channel due to space constraints from vision, irrigation, suction, and light mechanisms, making it difficult to introduce additional tools and navigate through body cavities effectively.
Innovation Solution
A gastrointestinal apparatus comprising an elongate guiding element and a gastrointestinal tool that advances along the guiding element, with features such as a bore for the guiding element, a coupling member, and optional imaging or cutting devices, allowing for enhanced tool delivery and navigation within the GI tract.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the working channel is made larger to accommodate more tools, then tool delivery capacity is improved, but the endoscope diameter increases making it harder to pass through body cavities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where a guiding element is placed inside the endoscope shaft, and tools are advanced over this guiding element. The guiding element serves as an inner framework that allows multiple tools to be delivered through the same working channel without increasing the overall endoscope diameter, as the tools nest around the guiding element rather than requiring additional space in the traditional working channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional working channel tool delivery to a guiding element-based system where tools advance over the guiding element in a different spatial arrangement. This dimensional change allows tools to be positioned and advanced using the guiding element as a reference structure, effectively utilizing the internal volume of the endoscope shaft in a new way that doesn't increase external diameter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional channels are added for vision, irrigation, suction, and light mechanisms, then endoscope functionality is improved, but passage through body cavities becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support for the endoscope tip, provides a pathway for tool delivery, and serves as a reference for positioning various endoscopic instruments. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional element rather than separate channels, the patent maintains endoscope functionality while simplifying the overall structure to facilitate easier passage through body cavities.
3Ease of operation
If the working channel is made smaller to reduce diameter, then ease of passage is improved, but tool delivery capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding element is nested within the endoscope shaft, creating an inner framework that allows tools to be advanced through the working channel without requiring the channel to be larger. The tools nest around the guiding element, and the guiding element itself is optimized for flexibility to facilitate easy passage through body cavities while maintaining sufficient internal space for tool delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Gastrointestinal apparatus (10) is provided, including a guiding element (16) and an inflatable mechanical device (96), adapted to pull the guiding element (16) through a colon of a patient. A gastrointestinal tool (12) is shaped to define a bore (14) therethrough, and the guiding element (16) is adapted to pass through the bore (14). Other embodiments are also described.