Modular Ureteroscope Assembly for Reuse and Damage Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible ureteroscopes, particularly single-use scopes, are costly due to disposal after a single procedure even if in good condition, and prone to mechanical damage during difficult access procedures, necessitating a more cost-effective and durable solution.
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 reuse of functional components and protection of the optical module.
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 due to disposal even when the scope is in good working condition
Solution Approach 1:
The ureteroscope is divided into separate modules: a reusable shaft module and a disposable distal tip module. The shaft module containing the camera, light source, and control mechanisms can be reused across multiple procedures, while only the distal tip is disposed of after single use. This segmentation allows the expensive and complex shaft components to be reused, reducing overall cost while maintaining infection prevention through single-use distal tips.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a system where the distal tip module is discarded after a single procedure to prevent infection, while the shaft module is recovered and reused for multiple procedures. The shaft module includes all the expensive components such as the camera, light source, and control mechanisms that would otherwise be wasted. This selective discarding and recovering approach significantly reduces the cost per procedure compared to disposing of the entire scope.
2Productivity
If single-use flexible ureteroscopes are used for difficult procedures requiring lower pole access, then procedure success is improved, but cost increases due to disposal of scopes in good working condition
Solution Approach 1:
The ureteroscope is divided into separate modules: a reusable shaft module and a disposable distal tip module. The shaft module containing the camera, light source, and control mechanisms can be reused across multiple procedures, while only the distal tip is disposed of after single use. This segmentation allows the expensive and complex shaft components to be reused, reducing overall cost while maintaining infection prevention through single-use distal tips.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a system where the distal tip module is discarded after a single procedure to prevent infection, while the shaft module is recovered and reused for multiple procedures. The shaft module includes all the expensive components such as the camera, light source, and control mechanisms that would otherwise be wasted. This selective discarding and recovering approach significantly reduces the cost per procedure compared to disposing of the entire scope.
3Loss of substance
If reusable flexible ureteroscopes are used, then cost is reduced through reuse, but mechanical damage occurs during difficult access procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The ureteroscope is divided into separate modules: a reusable shaft module and a disposable distal tip module. The shaft module containing the camera, light source, and control mechanisms can be reused across multiple procedures, while only the distal tip is disposed of after single use. This segmentation allows the expensive and complex shaft components to be reused, reducing overall cost while maintaining infection prevention through single-use distal tips.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides mechanical protection for the reusable shaft module by placing it inside a protective sheath during procedures. The sheath acts as a cushioning layer that protects the shaft from mechanical damage during difficult access procedures, particularly when reaching the lower pole of the kidney. This beforehand cushioning allows the shaft to be reused multiple times without suffering mechanical damage.
4Reliability
If the optical module is protected from mechanical damage, then durability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional protective structures
Solution Approach 1:
The ureteroscope is divided into separate modules: a reusable shaft module and a disposable distal tip module. The shaft module containing the camera, light source, and control mechanisms can be reused across multiple procedures, while only the distal tip is disposed of after single use. This segmentation allows the expensive and complex shaft components to be reused, reducing overall cost while maintaining infection prevention through single-use distal tips.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the optical module and shaft components are placed inside a protective sheath. The sheath acts as an outer protective layer that encloses the delicate optical components, providing mechanical protection during procedures. This nesting approach protects the optical module without requiring complex protective mechanisms, as the sheath serves as a simple yet effective protective barrier.
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.