Nested Overtube Guide for Endoscope Dilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing medical procedures for lumens require repeated insertion and removal of endoscopes and overtubes of different diameters, leading to prolonged operation times and increased workload due to the need for multiple exchanges when switching between deep imaging and dilation tasks.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a first endoscope and overtube, followed by a second overtube with a larger channel, allowing the first endoscope and overtube to be removed from the second's channel, and then using the second overtube as a guide to insert a larger endoscope for dilation, eliminating the need for repeated overtube insertion operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a small-diameter overtube and endoscope are replaced with a large-diameter overtube and endoscope, then the dilation treatment can be performed, but the operation time increases due to repeated insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The first overtube is inserted into the second overtube, creating a nested configuration where the smaller-diameter overtube is contained within the larger-diameter overtube. This allows both overtubes to be introduced simultaneously into the lumen without requiring separate insertion operations, thereby reducing the time required for overtube replacement while maintaining the capability to perform both deep imaging and dilation treatment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If endoscopes and overtubes are repeatedly inserted and removed for task switching, then different functions (imaging and dilation) can be performed, but the workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first overtube and second overtube are combined in a nested arrangement, allowing both deep imaging and dilation treatment functions to be performed without requiring separate insertion and removal operations. The first endoscope remains in place within the first overtube, which is itself contained within the second overtube, enabling seamless function switching and reducing operational workload.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large-diameter endoscope is used for dilation, then the strictured area can be dilated, but deep imaging of portions deeper than the strictured area becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two distinct components: the first endoscope within the first overtube for deep imaging, and the second endoscope within the second overtube for dilation treatment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while both can coexist in the same lumen through the nested overtube configuration, eliminating the need to choose between imaging and dilation capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical method for a lumen of a body includes, introducing a first endoscope and a first overtube up to a strictured area inside the lumen, the first overtube having a first channel having an inner diameter such that the first endoscope can be introduced into the lumen, introducing a second overtube into the lumen by using the first overtube as a guide, the second overtube having a second channel having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the first overtube such that a second endoscope can be introduced into the lumen, the second endoscope having an outer diameter larger than an outer diameter of the first endoscope, removing the first endoscope and the first overtube from an interior of the second channel, inserting the second endoscope into the lumen by using the second channel as a guide, and dilating the strictured area by using the second endoscope.