Hysteroscope Rotatable Irrigation for Leak-Free Instrument Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hysteroscopic systems face challenges with irrigation systems that are cumbersome, difficult to handle, and prone to leaks, requiring frequent replacement of parts due to contamination risks, while also complicating surgical procedures by distracting the surgeon's attention and impeding instrument exchange.
Innovation Solution
A hysteroscopic system with a rotatable irrigation system that remains fixed during surgery, allowing the hysteroscope to be turned and rotated, and featuring a quick lock mechanism for secure instrument connections and continuous irrigation, ensuring the uterus remains pressurized and inflated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional irrigation system is used with hysteroscope, then irrigation flow can be maintained, but the system becomes cumbersome and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The hysteroscope is divided into functionally independent sections: the outer sheath with irrigation channels is separated from the inner optics tube. The irrigation system operates independently through dedicated inflow and outflow channels, allowing the irrigation function to be maintained reliably while the optics tube can be manipulated freely without being constrained by irrigation hoses.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer sheath acts as an intermediary structure that carries irrigation fluid through dedicated channels while allowing the inner optics tube to pass through it. This mediator structure enables independent operation of irrigation and visualization functions, improving ease of operation while maintaining irrigation reliability.
2Reliability
If irrigation connections are made securely to prevent leaks, then connection reliability improves, but instrument exchange becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The stopcock mechanism provides dynamic control of irrigation flow, allowing the surgeon to temporarily pause irrigation during instrument exchange and resume it immediately afterward. This dynamic control enables quick instrument changes without compromising the overall leak-proof connection, as the stopcock can be operated rapidly with one hand while maintaining secure connections throughout.
3Illumination intensity
If the hysteroscope is rotated and turned during surgery, then surgical visibility improves, but the irrigation system becomes distorted and misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The hysteroscope separates the irrigation-carrying outer sheath from the optics-containing inner tube. The inner tube with optics can be rotated and turned freely to improve surgical visibility, while the outer sheath with irrigation channels remains relatively stable, maintaining proper alignment of the irrigation system without being affected by rotation of the optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer sheath serves as a stable intermediary that maintains irrigation system alignment while allowing the inner optics tube to rotate independently. This mediator structure decouples the rotational movement needed for visibility from the alignment requirements of the irrigation system.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If parts are frequently replaced due to contamination risks, then infection prevention improves, but surgical time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopcock mechanism allows dynamic control of irrigation flow, enabling the surgeon to temporarily pause irrigation during instrument exchanges. This dynamic control reduces the need for frequent replacement of irrigation components, as the system can be paused and resumed without compromising sterility, thereby reducing surgical time while maintaining contamination prevention.
Data Source
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AI summary
Hysteroscopic system, comprising a straight forward rigid hysteroscope, having a main body (4) with a parallel eyepiece (9), a light source adapter (5) for connecting a light source, a tube (1) having a distal end (2) with a distal window, that tube (1) having a fiber optic light transmission and a rod lenses optical system incorporated, and equipped with at least one working channel, that tube (1) fixed with the main body (4), and an irrigation system with separate channels for inflowing and outflowing fluid, means for irrigating fluid at the distal end of the tube, whereas the main body (4) of that hysteroscope is connected to an axially rotatable irrigation system by means of a quick lock system where the rotation of the irrigation system does not interfere with the position of the tube (1) of the hysteroscope, its working channel (35), its fiber optic light transmission system, its optical system (33), and its main body (4).