Hysteroscope with Nested Resection Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hysteroscopes require significant cervix dilation and general anesthesia due to their diameter, which complicates hysteroscopic procedures for treating uterine polyps and fibroids, especially for submucosal fibroids.

Innovation Solution

A hysteroscope with elongate members featuring dual longitudinal lumens or tracks that house a resection assembly with an electrically activatable resection element and a longitudinally axial fluid conduit for irrigation, allowing for reduced cervix dilation and anesthesia requirements, while also enhancing camera visibility by positioning the suction port above the camera.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a standard diameter hysteroscope is used, then the procedure can be performed with adequate functionality, but significant cervix dilation and general anesthesia are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecervix dilation requirementVSAvoidhysteroscope structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resection assembly is nested within the elongate member, which itself is inserted through the cervix. The resection assembly can be deployed from within the hysteroscope, allowing the cutting function to be performed without requiring the entire hysteroscope to have a large diameter. This nested configuration enables minimal cervix dilation while maintaining full procedural functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The hysteroscope is divided into functional segments: the elongate member for navigation and irrigation, and the separate resection assembly for tissue removal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the elongate member can be thin for minimal cervical trauma, while the resection assembly provides adequate cutting capability when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a smaller diameter hysteroscope is used, then cervix dilation and anesthesia requirements are reduced, but the ability to remove large tissue portions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanesthesia requirementVSAvoidtissue removal capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The resection assembly transitions from a retracted state (within the elongate member) to an extended/deployed state (at the target site). In the deployed state, the resection elements can achieve sufficient size and configuration to remove large tissue portions effectively. This dynamic deployment allows the system to maintain small diameter during insertion while providing large-scale tissue removal capability during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs electrosurgical or other energy-based resection mechanisms rather than purely mechanical cutting. This substitution allows for more efficient tissue removal with smaller instruments, as energy-based methods can coagulate and remove tissue simultaneously, reducing the need for large mechanical resection cavities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If the suction port is positioned below the camera, then the structure is simpler, but bubbles obstruct the camera field of view

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent arrangementVSAvoidcamera field of view

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the suction port below the camera (conventional arrangement), the patent inverts this configuration by positioning the suction port above the camera. This inversion allows the suction to draw bubbles away from the camera's field of view, preventing obstruction and maintaining clear visualization during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 design enables minimally invasive procedures with reduced anesthesia needs and the ability to remove larger tissue portions, while maintaining clear camera views by minimizing bubble obstruction.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically activatable resection element extending from a distal end of the first member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical activation: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

the suction port is above the camera. If bubbles form during use of the hysteroscope, with the suction port being above the camera, the suction port can pull the bubbles away from the camera field of view

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

The longitudinal passageway in the second member can be fluidly coupled with an irrigant source. This can permit irrigant to be provided to a target site via the longitudinal passageway in the support member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20240307109A1Intrauterine morcellation device

Publication Date: 2024.09.19 GYRUS ACMI INC

AI summary

A medical device can include an elongate member, an irrigation port at a proximal end of the elongate member, and a resection assembly. The elongate member defines a first track and a second track. The resection assembly extends from a distal end of the elongate member and has a first member, a second member, and an electrically activatable resection element extending from a distal end of the first member. The first member includes a first portion located along the first track. The second member has a first portion located along the second track and the second member includes a longitudinally axial fluid conduit passageway. The passageway is in fluid communication with the irrigation port.