Endoluminal Tissue Manipulation Assembly with Off-Axis Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes and laparoscopic instruments face limitations in accessing small body lumens due to their rigid structure and 2-dimensional visual field, which restricts the introduction of complex diagnostic or therapeutic tools and hinders effective triangulation and tissue manipulation during procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of an endoluminal tissue treatment assembly with a flexible and elongate body that can transition between flexible and rigidized configurations, featuring multiple articulatable sections for off-axis visualization and tool manipulation, allowing for complex procedures through a small delivery profile and enabling single-port laparoscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional endoscopes use a rigid structure to maintain stability, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to access small body lumens deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope body is divided into multiple articulation sections that can be independently controlled. Each section contains articulation mechanisms with links and joints that allow the scope to bend and navigate through small body lumens while maintaining overall structural integrity through controlled segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated system. The articulation sections can be actively controlled to change the configuration of the endoscope body, allowing it to adapt its shape for navigation through complex anatomical pathways while maintaining stability during procedures.
2Device complexity
If conventional endoscopes provide a 2-dimensional visual field, then device complexity is reduced, but triangulation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The visualization system is enhanced by adding a third dimension through off-axis imaging capability. The endoscope can capture images from multiple angles and depths, providing three-dimensional visualization that enables effective triangulation for complex surgical procedures while maintaining manageable system complexity through integrated imaging sensors.
3Length of moving object
If conventional endoscopes use a small delivery profile to access small body lumens, then access to small lumens is improved, but the ability to introduce complex tools deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope design allows nested configuration where the articulation sections and tool channels are integrated within a compact delivery profile. Complex tools can be advanced through the working lumens of the articulated endoscope, and the nested structure enables the endoscope to maintain a small delivery profile for access while providing sufficient working space for complex tool manipulation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional endoscopes maintain a flexible structure for navigation, then ability to navigate body lumens is improved, but structural rigidity for tissue manipulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope body is segmented into multiple articulation sections that can be independently controlled. Each section maintains flexibility for navigation while the overall articulated structure provides rigidity when needed for tissue manipulation through coordinated positioning of the segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural properties of the endoscope are dynamically changed through articulation control. The endoscope can transition between flexible navigation mode and rigid manipulation mode by adjusting the configuration of its articulation sections, allowing it to optimize both navigation capability and structural rigidity as needed during different phases of the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for off-axis visualization are described herein. An endoluminal tissue manipulation assembly is disclosed which provides for a stable endoluminal platform and which also provides for effective triangulation of tools. Such an apparatus may comprise an optionally shape-lockable elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and adapted for endoluminal advancement in a patient body, at least one articulatable visualization lumen disposed near or at a distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulating visualization lumen being adapted to articulate off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, and at least one articulatable tool arm member disposed near or at the distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulatable tool arm member being adapted to articulate off-axis and manipulate a tissue region of interest.