Multifunctional Endoscopic Connector for Simultaneous Instrument Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic treatment instruments require multiple insertions and replacements of catheter products, leading to inefficiency, increased time, staff fatigue, and risk of contamination and tissue damage during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional connector allows simultaneous insertion of multiple endoscopic treatment instruments through a single cannula, utilizing a branched auxiliary conduit with a guide portion and operation member for precise control of instruments like a hollow needle and electrode, enabling efficient and safe treatment without removing the cannula.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple catheter products are inserted and replaced repeatedly through the endoscope, then different treatments can be performed, but the treatment time increases and staff fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope system is segmented into multiple independent channels: a main conduit for treatment instruments and an auxiliary conduit for injection needles. This segmentation allows different treatments to be performed simultaneously through separate pathways, eliminating the need to remove and replace catheters repeatedly, thus reducing treatment time while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope is designed with multi-functionality by integrating both treatment instrument passage and injection needle passage through the same endoscopic instrument path. This universal design enables various treatments (resection, injection, irrigation) to be performed without removing the endoscope from the patient, reducing time loss and staff fatigue
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple catheter products are inserted and replaced repeatedly, then different treatments can be performed, but the risk of contamination and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the treatment instrument pathway from the injection needle pathway into distinct conduits (main conduit and auxiliary conduit), the system prevents cross-contamination between different treatment types. Each conduit can be independently managed and cleaned, reducing the risk of contamination during repeated insertions and replacements
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope remains continuously inserted in the patient without removal between different treatments. This continuous presence eliminates the contamination risk associated with removing and reinserting catheters, while the multi-conduit design allows different treatments to be performed sequentially or simultaneously through separate pathways
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are built into each insert pipe, then treatment options are available, but the device complexity increases and treatment efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides treatment instruments into separate categories: treatment instruments (snare, knife, electrode) are placed in the main conduit while injection needles are placed in the auxiliary conduit. This segmentation reduces the complexity of any single insert pipe by separating different instrument types into dedicated pathways, making the overall system more manageable while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple instrument types through its multi-conduit structure. Rather than building specific instruments into each insert pipe, the system provides universal access points (main conduit and auxiliary conduit) that can be configured for different treatments as needed, reducing device complexity while maintaining treatment options
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a multifunctional connector. The multifunctional connector includes an auxiliary conduit which is branched from a main conduit and has a guide portion; and an operation member provided detachably from the auxiliary conduit, wherein the operation member includes an intubation portion inserted into the auxiliary conduit; sliding guide formed to move forward and backward while being guided by the guide portion; a fixing cap fixing the sliding guide so as not to be separated from the guide portion; and a first port through which a fluid is injected or discharged, thereby improving the efficiency of treatment, mitigating the fatigue of medical staffs, and reducing contamination of affected areas and a risk of damage to tissues around an endoscope.