Multi-lumen Endoscope for Nasal Cryotherapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic procedures require sterilization of multiple devices, which is a barrier to performing treatments in an office setting without sedation, increasing costs and complexity due to the need for specialized equipment and multiple sterile devices.
Innovation Solution
A flexible tubular endoscope with multiple parallel lumens, including a lumen for imaging and a fluid spray means, and guide wires, configured for nasal entry with a compact, partially disposable design to facilitate office-based treatments without the need for sterilization, allowing for the use of a single catheter for both visualization and treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple catheters and a single endoscope are used for treatment, then treatment functionality is improved, but device complexity and sterilization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple catheter functions into a single endoscope device. The endoscope integrates imaging capabilities, fluid spray means for treatment, and multiple lumens for different functions, eliminating the need for separate catheters and reducing device complexity while maintaining treatment versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope is designed as a multi-functional device that performs imaging, illumination, and various treatment functions through its multiple lumens and integrated components. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized catheters, simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If sterilization equipment and multiple sterile devices are required, then treatment safety is improved, but cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable endoscope design where the entire device or critical components are single-use. This eliminates the need for complex sterilization processes and equipment, reducing both time consumption and costs while maintaining treatment safety through fresh, sterile devices for each procedure.
3Reliability
If multiple sterile devices are used, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the need for specialized equipment and facilities increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple treatment functions into a single endoscope device with integrated lumens for imaging, fluid spray, and other treatments, the patent reduces the number of separate devices and facilities needed. The consolidated design allows treatment to be performed with fewer specialized equipment requirements while maintaining effectiveness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a larger diameter tube is used for treatment, then treatment capability is improved, but patient comfort and ease of insertion decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope employs a nested lumen structure where multiple functional lumens are arranged concentrically within the tube. This allows multiple treatment functions to be integrated in a compact configuration, maintaining treatment capability while minimizing the outer diameter for patient comfort and ease of insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a multi-lumen cross-sectional arrangement where functions are distributed in different spatial dimensions within the tube wall and core. This dimensional optimization allows comprehensive treatment capability without increasing the external diameter, facilitating easier insertion and better patient comfort.
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
Enables office-based endoscopic procedures without sedation by reducing the need for sterilization, lowering costs, and simplifying the treatment process with a single catheter for both visualization and treatment, while maintaining effectiveness in reaching and treating areas like the esophagus.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a liquid freezing agent into the proximal end of the tube for delivery via at least one of the multiple parallel lumen to exit a fluid spray means at the distal end of the tube, whereas a gaseous form of the liquid freezing agent that expands on warming
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopy device is configured with a flexible cannula or tube for nasal insertion and has multiple parallel and adjacent lumens that provide sub-chambers configured to provide means to diagnose and treat Barrett's esophagus, such as by spray cryo-therapy with no further insertion of tubes. The lumens are configured to impart a small diameter with sufficient flexibility for nasal insertion into a patient's esophagus and accommodate a means any treatment modality. In the case of cryo-therapy, a lumen provides gas pressure relief, and is along the tube, with separate lumens for the delivery of a liquid freezing agent and an imaging means, which includes a source of illumination. Outer lumens may support guide wires used to steer the tube tip and aim the camera to determine the where to immobilize tip before the start of the treatment and/or to correct strictures formed in prior procedures.