Modular Wireless Ureteroscope with Large Vacuum Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ureteroscopes are inadequate in removing small renal stone fragments, leading to recurrent stone disease due to incomplete clearance, and existing baskets cannot reliably extract fragments smaller than 1.5 mm, necessitating more invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A novel ureteroscope/nephroscope with a larger vacuum channel, integrated irrigation channels, and a central bar design that allows for simultaneous suction, irrigation, and visualization, enabling efficient removal of fragments up to 2 mm or larger, and is designed for single-use or modular reconfiguration to reduce infection risks and enhance portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional ureteroscope with small vacuum channel is used, then the device can be inserted into the ureter, but it cannot reliably extract stone fragments smaller than 1.5 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The ureteroscope is divided into modular components including a reusable handle and disposable shaft, allowing the vacuum channel size to be optimized for fragment removal while maintaining compatibility with the handle. The central bar is segmented into multiple ports for different functions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-function small channel design to a multi-functional large channel design that accommodates both vacuum suction for fragment removal and irrigation for visualization, adding functional dimensions to the channel structure
2Productivity
If a larger vacuum channel is used to remove all fragments, then stone-free rate improves, but the device becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum channel is segmented into multiple functional zones with the central bar dividing the channel into separate ports for vacuum suction and irrigation, allowing each zone to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The large vacuum channel serves multiple functions including fragment removal, irrigation for visualization, and potential laser fiber delivery, consolidating multiple functions into a single structural element rather than requiring separate components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a single-use design is implemented, then infection risk is reduced, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ureteroscope is segmented into reusable handle and disposable shaft components, allowing the expensive handle to be sterilized and reused while the disposable shaft eliminates infection risk from the insertion portion, reducing overall cost compared to complete single-use devices
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable shaft is designed as a low-cost, single-use component that eliminates the need for complex sterilization processes and reduces infection risk, with the cost offset by the reusable handle and reduced need for multiple disposable units
4Productivity
If multiple channels for irrigation and suction are added, then fragment removal efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple channels for irrigation and suction are merged into a single integrated vacuum channel structure with the central bar providing internal division, combining multiple functions into one structural element rather than requiring separate external channels
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum channel is segmented internally by the central bar into separate ports for vacuum suction and irrigation, allowing independent control of each function while maintaining a unified channel structure that simplifies external anatomy
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 device achieves higher stone-free rates by effectively removing all fragments, reducing recurrence rates and procedural complications, while being more cost-effective and less invasive than traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum channel between 1.5 mm and 8.0 mm in width... adapted to capture a stone between 1 mm and 3 mm... removing the biopsied tissue or stone particle or fragment
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to ureteroscopy, laser ablation of ureteral and renal stone, capture and removal of stone fragments. In one embodiment, the device includes an optical instrument operably connected to a large vacuum channel that is about 1.5 mm to about 8.0 mm in width. In another embodiment, the device includes two single-time use disposable or potentially reusable units, such as a large vacuum endoscope removal tip and a wireless and modular battery-powered handpiece.