Multidirectional Endoscopic Imaging Attachment for Colonoscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic imaging systems have limitations in providing a multidirectional field of view, leading to missed detections of important areas during procedures like colonoscopy, which increases the risk of missing polyps or cancers, and existing solutions either do not significantly improve adenoma detection or complicate the procedure with additional equipment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a distal imaging attachment with integrated optical elements that provide continuous and simultaneous forward and multidirectional views, using a combination of radiation sources and optical arrangements to transmit and reflect light with different characteristics, allowing for a 4π solid angle view without obstructing the accessory channel, thereby enhancing the field of view and efficiency of endoscopic procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a transparent cap is placed on the distal aspect of colonoscopes, then the field of view is improved, but the adenoma detection rate still has significant miss rate
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple independent imaging channels (first imaging channel for forward view, second imaging channel for retrograde view, third imaging channel for side view), each capturing different portions of the colon. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the entire colon surface, addressing the limitation of single-directional caps by providing multiple viewing angles simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional forward viewing to three-dimensional multidirectional imaging by adding retrograde and side viewing capabilities. The optical elements are arranged to capture light from multiple directions (forward, backward, and lateral), creating a volumetric understanding of the colon surface that significantly improves detection reliability.
2Reliability
If an auxiliary imaging device is coupled with traditional endoscope via accessory channel, then continuous retrograde view is provided, but procedure time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple imaging functions (forward viewing, retrograde viewing, and side viewing) are merged into a single integrated imaging system at the distal tip. The optical elements are combined to simultaneously capture multiple views through coordinated operation of the imaging channels, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary devices and reducing procedure time while maintaining high detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal imaging attachment serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides forward viewing, retrograde viewing, and side viewing capabilities through a single integrated structure. This multi-functionality allows the system to perform comprehensive imaging without requiring additional auxiliary devices, thereby reducing procedure time while improving detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If auxiliary imaging device is placed within accessory channel, then retrograde field of view is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system employs a nested structure where multiple optical elements and imaging channels are integrated within a compact distal attachment that fits over the endoscope tip. The optical elements are arranged in concentric and layered configurations, allowing multiple imaging functions to be nested within a single unified structure, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy.
4Device complexity
If conventional forward field of view is used, then endoscope structure is simple, but important areas are missed during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system provides dynamic multidirectional viewing capabilities while maintaining a relatively simple base endoscope structure. The distal attachment can be easily attached and detached, and the optical elements are configured to dynamically capture multiple views (forward, retrograde, side) as needed during the procedure, allowing the system to adapt to different imaging requirements without permanently complicating the endoscope design.
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
This solution enables improved detection and removal of adenomatous polyps by providing a comprehensive view of anatomical structures, reducing the adenoma miss rate and procedure time, while maintaining the functionality of the endoscope's accessory channel for sampling and retrieval instruments.
Implementation Method 1
optical arrangement which transmits a first radiation and reflects a second radiation
Implementation Method 2
integrated optical elements that provide continuous and simultaneous forward and multidirectional views
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary apparatus for imaging at least one anatomical structure can be provided. For example, the apparatus can include an endoscopic first arrangement, a radiation source second arrangement which provides at least one electro-magnetic radiation, and a third arrangement attached to at least one portion of the endoscopic arrangement. The third arrangement can contain an optical arrangement which, upon impact by the at least one electro-magnetic radiation and based thereon, may transmit a first radiation and reflects a second radiation. The first radiation can impact at least one first portion of the anatomical structure(s), and the second radiation can impact at least one second portion of the anatomical structure(s). The first and second portions can be at least partially different from one another. Further, the first and second radiations can have characteristics which are different from one another.