Nested Visualization Scope for Non-Invasive Fallopian Tube Examination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for endometriosis and ovarian cancer are unreliable and invasive, often requiring laparoscopic surgery, and there is a lack of effective screening tools for high-risk women.
Innovation Solution
A visualization scope system is introduced through the vagina and cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes, allowing for non-invasive examination of the pelvic cavity, including the use of fluid distension, biopsy tools, and light conduits for imaging and therapeutic applications, enabling detection of abnormalities and sampling without the need for general anesthesia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional imaging methods are used to diagnose endometriosis, then the diagnostic process is non-invasive, but the reliability of diagnosis is poor because lesions are not visible
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs nested scopes where an outer hysteroscope is introduced through the vagina and cervix into the uterus, and an inner fallopian scope is advanced through the fallopian tube into the abdominal cavity. This nested configuration allows the system to access deep pelvic structures through natural orifices, achieving reliable visualization of endometriosis lesions without requiring external incisions or punctures.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid is used as an intermediary substance to distend the fallopian tube and pelvic cavity, creating a clear medium that enhances visualization of lesions. The fluid distension allows light to penetrate and reflect off endometriosis deposits, making them visible to the scope's camera while maintaining a non-invasive approach.
2Reliability
If laparoscopic surgery is performed to diagnose endometriosis, then definitive diagnosis is achieved, but the procedure requires general anesthesia and operating room resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the gynecologist to perform both hysteroscopy and fallopian tube visualization independently without requiring a surgeon or operating room. The device integrates illumination, visualization, and diagnostic capabilities in a single system that can be operated in an office setting, eliminating the need for complex surgical infrastructure and general anesthesia.
3Reliability
If no screening method is used for ovarian cancer, then high-risk women receive no early detection, but surgical removal is offered as the only option
Solution Approach 1:
The visualization system serves multiple diagnostic functions: it can detect endometriosis lesions on the fallopian tube surface, examine the pelvic cavity for ovarian abnormalities, and visualize the uterine cavity. This multi-functional capability allows a single device to perform both endometriosis diagnosis and ovarian cancer screening, making screening accessible in office settings rather than requiring specialized surgical centers.
4Measurement precision
If exploratory surgery is performed to examine pelvic structures, then accurate diagnosis is obtained, but patient safety is compromised and healthcare costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making external incisions to visualize internal structures, the system inverts the approach by introducing the scope through natural orifices (vagina, cervix) and navigating through existing passages (uterus, fallopian tube) to reach the pelvic cavity. This inverted methodology achieves surgical-level diagnostic accuracy while avoiding the harmful effects of external surgery.
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 method provides a non-invasive, office-based diagnostic and screening tool for endometriosis and ovarian cancer, reducing the need for exploratory surgery and enabling repeated examinations to track treatment progress, thus improving patient safety and reducing healthcare costs.
Implementation Method 1
The visualization scope can include a fiber optic element for transmitting a signal of incoming light to a photodetector elsewhere in the scope or to a device connected to the scope.
Implementation Method 2
directing liquid through the visualization scope when the distal end of the visualization scope is in said fallopian tube to distend said fallopian tube
Implementation Method 3
The visualization scope can include an electronic photodetector, such as a photodetector chip, disposed proximate to the distal end of the visualization scope for receiving incoming light.
Implementation Method 4
The method can further include directing a laser light signal through the visualization scope to treat tissue inside of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative method in accordance with the disclosure includes introducing a visualization scope having a proximal end and a distal end into a patient's uterus by way of the vagina and cervix, advancing the distal end of the visualization scope into one of the fallopian tubes from the uterus, and advancing the distal end of the visualization scope out of said fallopian tube into an abdominal cavity of the patient.