Modular Ureteroscope Assembly for Reuse and Damage Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-use flexible ureteroscopes are costly when still in good condition due to disposal after a single procedure, and reusable scopes face mechanical damage during difficult procedures, particularly when accessing the lower pole of the kidney for stone removal.
Innovation Solution
A modular scope system comprising an optical module, deflector module, channel module, and sheath module that can be assembled and disassembled as needed, allowing individual components to be replaced or reused, with each module having specific functions for visualization, deflection, and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-use flexible ureteroscopes are disposed of after a single procedure, then infection prevention is improved, but cost increases when the scope is still in good working condition
Solution Approach 1:
The ureteroscope is divided into separate modules (optical module, deflector module, channel module, sheath module) that can be independently disposed of or reused. This allows the durable optical module to be retained and reused, while only the disposable modules are discarded, reducing waste and cost while maintaining infection prevention through proper disposal of contaminated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of the optical module after the procedure, while discarding the disposable modules. This selective disposal approach recovers valuable components that would otherwise be wasted, reducing overall cost while maintaining sterile barriers through proper disposal of contaminated modules.
2Loss of substance
If reusable ureteroscopes are used, then cost is reduced, but mechanical damage occurs during difficult procedures particularly when accessing the lower pole of the kidney
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the ureteroscope into modular components, the optical module can be protected from mechanical damage during difficult lower pole access procedures. The deflector module and other components can be replaced independently if damaged, while the expensive optical module is protected and reused, maintaining both cost-effectiveness and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design provides protection beforehand by isolating the optical module from mechanical stress points. The separate modules can be designed with protective features and the optical module can be handled with special care during procedures, preventing damage before it occurs.
3Productivity
If single-use ureteroscopes are used for difficult procedures requiring lower pole access, then procedure success is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design allows the optical module to be reused across multiple difficult procedures requiring lower pole access. Only the disposable modules are replaced, while the durable optical module continues to serve subsequent patients, maintaining procedure success rates while significantly reducing the cost per procedure compared to complete single-use replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical module is recovered and reused after each procedure, while only the disposable modules are discarded. This approach maintains the high success rates associated with single-use scopes for difficult procedures while eliminating the need to replace the entire scope, thereby reducing cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for modularly assembling a scope device includes an optical module which has an optical housing and a longitudinal member extending distally therefrom. A distal end of the member includes a camera for visualizing a target area, electric wires and a light source extending from the camera to the optical housing. The system also includes a deflector module coupleable with the optical module. The deflector module includes a deflector housing and a deflector shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft includes a first channel sized, shaped and configured to receive the member therein and a deflectable portion extending along a distal portion of the shaft. The deflector housing includes an actuator for deflecting the deflectable portion, the optical and deflector housings including corresponding connecting elements to engage one another when the member is inserted through the first channel and the deflector and optical housings are coupled.