Motorized Ureteroscope Deflecting Tip for Automated Stone Dusting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ureteroscope procedures for dusting stones are tedious, risky, and costly due to manual manipulation of the laser fiber, which can lead to tissue damage and prolonged recovery times, and repeated fiber breakages.
Innovation Solution
A ureteroscope with a flexible probe and handle that includes a deflecting tip with motor-assisted movement controlled by digital signals from selection switches, allowing precise deflection and dusting of stones using a motorized deflection control module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual manipulation of laser fiber is used for dusting stones, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the procedure time is prolonged and tissue damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation of the deflecting tip with an automated motor-driven system. The motor is coupled to the deflecting tip through a transmission mechanism (gears, belts, or direct coupling) that converts rotational motion into controlled deflection movements, enabling automated dusting without prolonged manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the motor automatically performs the deflection movements required for dusting. The controller manages the entire dusting process autonomously based on programmed parameters, reducing the need for continuous manual intervention and significantly shortening procedure time
2Device complexity
If manual manipulation of laser fiber is used for dusting stones, then the equipment structure remains simple, but the risk of tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with motorized control, eliminating human error in deflection movements. The motor provides precise, controlled, and repeatable motions that reduce the risk of accidental tissue damage while maintaining relatively simple equipment structure through straightforward mechanical coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect the position and movement of the deflecting tip, and the controller adjusts motor commands in real-time to maintain safe operating parameters. This closed-loop control prevents excessive deflection that could cause tissue damage
3Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of laser fiber is used for dusting stones, then the equipment is easier to operate, but fiber breakage frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual handling of the brittle laser fiber with motorized deflection of the deflecting tip. Since the laser fiber remains stationary within the ureteroscope rather than being manually manipulated, the risk of fiber breakage is dramatically reduced while the system remains easy to operate through simple controller interface
Solution Approach 2:
The deflecting tip acts as an intermediary between the motor and the laser fiber. Instead of directly manipulating the fragile fiber, the motor moves the deflecting tip which in turn deflects the laser beam, protecting the fiber from mechanical stress and breakage
4Measurement precision
If motor assisted movement is implemented for deflecting tip, then the dusting precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements motor assisted movement with direct coupling or simple transmission mechanisms (gears, belts) that provide precise control through electronic control systems. The motor's inherent precision and the controller's ability to manage speed, position, and acceleration deliver high dusting precision while adding only moderate mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized deflecting tip system serves multiple functions: it provides precise positioning for dusting, controls laser beam direction, and can be integrated with imaging systems for real-time visualization. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by consolidating multiple capabilities into a single integrated system
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 solution enables precise, controlled, and automated dusting of stones, reducing the risk of tissue damage and fiber breakages, while improving procedural efficiency and reducing the physical strain on the urologist.
Implementation Method 1
a low energy high frequency laser pulse is used to break down the stone into a fine dust
Implementation Method 2
The deflecting tip is at the distal end of the flexible probe and is configured to be deflected and in turn deflect the laser fiber
Implementation Method 3
The deflection control module is configured to control a motor assisted movement of the deflecting tip for the dusting in response to the digital dusting signals
Implementation Method 4
The fine dust is washed away, by saline flowing in through the ureteroscope, out of a urinary system of the patient
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a ureteroscope and a method for dusting stones in a body cavity. The ureteroscope includes a flexible probe and a handle. The flexible probe includes a working channel and a deflecting tip. The working channel accommodates a laser fiber in a distal end of the flexible probe to be deflected against a target stone for dusting. The deflecting tip at the distal end of the flexible probe is configured to be deflected and in turn deflect the laser fiber. The handle includes a plurality of selection switches and a deflection control module. The selection switches are configured to provide digital dusting signals corresponding to selection of a dusting amplitude and a dusting frequency of the deflecting tip by a user. The deflection control module is configured to control a motor assisted movement of the deflecting tip in response to the digital dusting signals.