Hydro-Jet Endoscopic Capsule Disposable Design for Gastric Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible endoscopes used for gastric cancer detection are expensive and require costly sterilization equipment, limiting their availability in developing regions where gastric cancer incidence is high due to resource constraints.
Innovation Solution
The Hydro-Jet Endoscopic Capsule (HEC) uses a low-cost, disposable design with a biocompatible water-based system for maneuverability and image capture, eliminating the need for expensive sterilization equipment by utilizing a multi-channel soft tether and a reusable Video Processing Unit (VPU) for real-time image relay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible endoscopes are used for gastric cancer detection, then diagnostic capability is improved, but device cost and sterilization requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule endoscope is designed as a disposable single-use device that is discarded after one procedure, eliminating the need for expensive sterilization equipment and processes while maintaining diagnostic capability for gastric cancer detection
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscopic system is segmented into a disposable capsule component and a reusable video processing unit, allowing the complex imaging electronics to be separated from the disposable portion and reused without sterilization
2Reliability
If flexible endoscopes are used for gastric cancer detection, then diagnostic capability is improved, but acquisition cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is manufactured as a low-cost disposable device using simple biocompatible materials and mass-producible components, dramatically reducing acquisition cost while maintaining diagnostic functionality through integration with a reusable video processing unit
Solution Approach 2:
The video processing unit serves as a reusable copy that can be paired with multiple disposable capsules, allowing the expensive imaging electronics to be amortized across many procedures rather than requiring a new expensive endoscope for each use
3Ease of manufacture
If disposable endoscopic capsules are used, then device cost is reduced, but maneuverability control capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable capsule incorporates hydraulic actuators that use fluid pressure to control the orientation and positioning of the camera, providing precise maneuverability control despite the simple disposable construction and low fabrication cost
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 HEC provides an ultra-low-cost, safe, and efficient means for gastric cancer screening in resource-limited settings, allowing visualization of gastric landmarks without evidence of trauma or perforation, with the potential for in vivo porcine survival studies, and enabling affordable access to endoscopy in regions with limited resources.
Implementation Method 1
The HEC is maneuvered within the body using streams of water that are ejected out of the main body of the capsule at particular angles and at particular pressures
Implementation Method 2
The HEC's core is capable of carrying a Video Processing Unit (VPU) that relays real-time images during the procedure for both control and diagnosis
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for controlling lateral movement of a medical capsule system. A capsule housing is configured to be inserted into an anatomical structure of a patient. The multichannel tether is coupled to a rear of the capsule and includes at least one liquid exhaust channel conveying liquid to the capsule housing. The plurality of liquid exhaust ports are positioned around an outer circumference of the capsule housing and each configured to controllably expel liquid laterally from the capsule housing at varying rates to affect lateral movement of the capsule housing.