Integrated Hysteroscopy Device Visualization Biopsy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hysteroscopy procedures lack integrated visualization and biopsy collection tools, leading to blind biopsies and increased invasiveness due to the use of separate instruments for inspection and tissue sampling.
Innovation Solution
Development of an integrated hysteroscopy device with a visualization sensor and articulation mechanism, enabling both visualization and biopsy collection through a single minimally invasive instrument, which includes a camera, light, and aspiration/irrigation capabilities for precise tissue sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate instruments are used for visualization and biopsy, then each instrument can be optimized for its specific function, but the procedure becomes more invasive and loses visualization capability during biopsy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines visualization and biopsy functions into a single integrated hysteroscopy device. The device integrates a visualization sensor (camera) and light source with biopsy collection capabilities (aspiration/irrigation channels) in one instrument, allowing both functions to be performed through a single minimally invasive insertion while maintaining real-time visualization during tissue sampling
2Ease of manufacture
If separate instruments are used for visualization and biopsy, then instrument specialization is achieved, but real-time visualization during biopsy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges visualization components (camera, light source, lens) with biopsy collection components (aspiration lumen, irrigation lumen, biopsy forceps channel) into a single integrated system. This allows the device to maintain specialization for both functions while enabling real-time visualization during biopsy procedures through the integrated camera positioned at the distal end
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a single integrated device is used for both visualization and biopsy, then minimally invasive procedure is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where the visualization sensor and light source are positioned within the distal end of the elongated body, surrounded by multiple lumens (aspiration, irrigation) that are concentrically arranged. The biopsy forceps or other working instruments can be advanced through the elongated body, nesting multiple functional components within a compact configuration to minimize invasiveness while managing complexity
4Productivity
If multiple functions are integrated into one device, then procedural efficiency is improved, but device design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with universal multi-functionality, incorporating visualization (camera and light), irrigation (fluid delivery lumen), aspiration (suction lumen), and biopsy collection (forceps channel) capabilities in a single instrument. This allows the device to perform multiple functions sequentially or simultaneously, improving procedural efficiency by eliminating the need to exchange between separate instruments during the hysteroscopy procedure
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 integrated device allows for accurate, minimally invasive, and atraumatic biopsy procedures by providing real-time visualization and simultaneous tissue evacuation, enhancing the precision and safety of gynecological examinations.
Implementation Method 1
The device may include an integrated camera and light for visualizing the interior of the uterus and the biopsy tissue itself
Implementation Method 2
the device may be configured to evacuate biopsy tissues through aspiration and irrigation
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated scope and biopsy device having visualization for use in many different medical applications, such as, but not limited to, collection of uterine tissue biopsy. The device may further include an integrated camera and light for visualizing the interior of the uterus and the tissue biopsy site itself. Further, the device is configured to evacuate tissue biopsies through aspiration and irrigation.