Modular Imaging Guidewire for Flexible Endoscopic Intervention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face challenges in fully assessing anatomy and determining intervention strategies, require multiple instruments for different procedures, and practitioners are reluctant to use devices with different capabilities from their usual tools, leading to limited procedural flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A modular endoscope system comprising an imaging guidewire with integrated imaging and lighting capabilities, allowing a variety of accessories to slide along its shaft, enabling a single instrument to perform multiple procedures by guiding and facilitating the use of familiar devices for diverse surgical needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional endoscopes are used with multiple separate instruments for different procedures, then each specific procedure can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the overall system complexity increases and procedural flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is designed with a universal interface system that allows a single endoscope to perform multiple procedures including imaging, tissue sampling, stone removal, and stent placement through standardized accessory attachments, eliminating the need for multiple specialized endoscopes
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the endoscopic functionality into modular components: a core endoscope unit with imaging and lighting capabilities, and separate interchangeable accessories (biopsy forceps, stone baskets, stent delivery systems) that attach to the endoscope through standardized interfaces
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different endoscope systems with different capabilities are used to cover all procedural needs, then all procedure types can be performed, but practitioners must learn and adapt to multiple different device platforms
Solution Approach 1:
A single endoscope platform provides universal access to all procedural capabilities through standardized accessories, allowing practitioners to master one device interface while performing diverse procedures including diagnostic imaging, therapeutic interventions, and complex anatomical navigation
3Measurement precision
If conventional endoscopes require tissue sampling procedures before biopsy to determine disease presence, then diagnostic accuracy can be confirmed, but the procedure time increases and requires follow-up interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables preliminary visual assessment and identification of suspicious lesions through high-resolution imaging capabilities during the initial examination, allowing practitioners to target specific areas for immediate biopsy or intervention without requiring separate diagnostic procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A modular endoscope system comprises an imaging guidewire comprising an elongate shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, an imaging device located proximate the distal end of the elongate shaft and a lighting element located proximate the distal end of the elongate shaft, and an intervention accessory configured to slide along the elongate shaft to provide a medical intervention. A method of providing a medical intervention to an internal anatomic location comprises inserting an imaging guidewire into an anatomic passageway, viewing target anatomy with imaging capabilities of the imaging guidewire, pushing an intervention accessory along the imaging guidewire to the target anatomy, and operating the intervention accessory to provide an intervention on the target anatomy.