Steerable Endoscope Non-Axial Deflection for Tortuous Anatomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steerable endoscopes face difficulties in maneuvering into desired locations and orientations within a patient's anatomy due to conventional axial force application requiring high power and being unpredictable in tortuous paths.
Innovation Solution
A steerable endoscope system with non-axial deflection-based steering, utilizing a controller to activate mechanical, pneumatic, or electromagnetic elements that deflect wires in a non-axial direction, allowing for efficient 360-degree steering with reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If axial force is applied to steer the endoscope, then the endoscope can be directed, but high power is required and the steering becomes unpredictable in tortuous paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from axial force application (one-dimensional steering along the scope axis) to non-axial deflection at the distal tip (three-dimensional steering in multiple directions). By applying forces perpendicular to the scope axis at the distal end, the system achieves predictable steering in tortuous paths with reduced power requirements, as the deflection mechanism creates leverage rather than requiring direct axial force transmission through the entire scope length.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope is divided into functionally distinct segments: a flexible tubular body for navigation, and a steerable distal tip with independent control. The distal tip can be deflected independently from the main body through separate wire mechanisms, allowing precise directional control without moving the entire scope, thereby reducing power consumption and improving steering predictability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distal tip is made steerable to navigate complex anatomy, then navigation capability is improved, but the device becomes more complex to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
Control wires serve as intermediaries between the operator's manual input at the proximal end and the distal tip deflection. These wires transmit mechanical force through the flexible scope body to the distal tip, where they attach to a deflection mechanism. This intermediary system allows simple manual manipulation at the handle to produce precise, controlled deflection at the distal end, improving ease of operation while maintaining high navigation capability.
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 precise and efficient steering of the endoscope distal tip in three dimensions with lower total force, facilitating navigation through complex anatomical paths.
Implementation Method 1
activate a wire deflector to apply a non-axial deflection force to deflect one or more wires of a plurality of wires disposed within an endoscope, wherein the non-axial deflection force applied to the one or more wires is transferred to the endoscope distal end to change the orientation of the endoscope distal end
Implementation Method 2
the instructions activate the at least one clamp to clamp the one or more wires, wherein the one or more wires, when clamped, are deflected in the non-axial direction to conform to a contoured surface of the at least one clamp
Data Source
AI summary
A steerable endoscope is provided that includes a tubular body with a plurality of wires that, when deflected in a non-axial direction, cause a distal end of the endoscope to change orientation. A controller for the endoscope generates instructions to cause the deflection of one or more of the plurality of wires according to a steering input.