Magnetic Endoscope Alignment for Joining Body Lumens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic devices face challenges in visualizing and connecting portions of body lumens separated by tissue walls, such as in gastric bypass procedures, due to limited ultrasound range and difficulty in reaching target locations.
Innovation Solution
The use of a first device with a magnet and a second device with a magnetic field sensor to identify the position of the magnet, allowing for precise alignment and connection of body lumens by forming holes in tissue walls and joining them, facilitated by magnetic field detection and visualization techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional endoscopes with limited ultrasound range are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to identify target locations through tissue walls is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary between the first endoscope and the second endoscope. The magnet placed on the first endoscope emits magnetic field lines that pass through the tissue wall to be detected by the magnetic field sensor on the second endoscope, enabling non-contact communication and positioning across the tissue barrier without requiring complex integrated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical ultrasound-based imaging system with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of using ultrasound waves that are blocked by tissue walls, the magnetic field penetrates the tissue wall to provide positioning information, substituting a mechanical/acoustic system with a magnetic field system that has better penetration capabilities
2Ease of operation
If endoscopes are used to visualize areas separated by tissue walls, then minimally invasive treatment is achieved, but visualization capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary that penetrates the tissue wall barrier. The magnet on the first endoscope generates magnetic field lines that pass through the tissue wall to reach the magnetic field sensor on the second endoscope, enabling detection and positioning across the tissue wall separation without requiring visual contact or complex imaging through the wall
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the optical/ultrasound-based visualization system with a magnetic field-based detection system. The magnetic field penetrates the tissue wall more effectively than ultrasound waves, enabling the endoscopes to detect and communicate positioning information across tissue wall separations while maintaining minimal invasiveness
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple body lumens are involved in a single procedure, then treatment versatility is improved, but alignment and positioning between lumens becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field acts as a universal intermediary that enables communication and positioning between multiple endoscopes operating in different body lumens. The magnet and magnetic field sensor pairing allows precise alignment and positioning across lumens by detecting magnetic field lines that pass through tissue walls, providing a common reference system for multi-lumen procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a magnetic field-based positioning system. The magnetic field provides a stable, penetrable reference that enables precise alignment between multiple lumens without requiring complex mechanical linkages or visual alignment systems, facilitating versatile multi-lumen procedures with high precision
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
Enables accurate positioning and connection of body lumens, enhancing the ability to perform procedures like gastric bypass by overcoming visualization and alignment limitations of traditional endoscopic devices.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet may be placed on a first endoscope. Magnetic field lines may extend from the magnet in a known pattern. A magnetic field sensor may be placed on a second endoscope.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing a medical procedure may comprise advancing a first device through a first body lumen. A distal portion of the first device may include a magnet. The method may further comprise advancing a second device through a second body lumen. The second device may include a magnetic field sensor. The method may further comprise receiving a signal from the magnetic field sensor. The signal may be indicative of a magnetic field measured by the magnetic field sensor. The method may further comprise, if the received signal matches a magnetic field of the magnet, identifying a position of the magnet.