Optically Guided Ureteral Stent for Radiation-Free Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ureteral stents lack optical guidance and inspection capabilities, making them difficult to navigate and insert without additional equipment, and expose patients and operators to radiation during fluoroscopy procedures.
Innovation Solution
An optically-guided ureteral stent with an imager at its proximal end, featuring channels for illumination, urine drainage, and optional OCT or ultrasound probes for real-time imaging and navigation, allowing for precise steering around obstructions and branching within the ureter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used to guide ureteral stent insertion, then the stent can be inserted into position, but the patient and operator are exposed to radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fluoroscopy-based mechanical imaging system with an integrated optical imaging system (camera and light source) that provides radiation-free visualization. The camera is positioned at the distal end of the stent to capture images of ureteral structures, while light guides provide illumination, eliminating the need for external fluoroscopy equipment and radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ureteral stent is designed with multi-functionality by integrating both the urinary drainage function and the optical imaging function into a single device. The stent body incorporates channels for urine flow, while simultaneously housing the camera and light guide systems, allowing the device to perform both therapeutic and diagnostic functions.
2Ease of operation
If prior art ureteral stents are inserted through cystoscope with estimated distance, then insertion is possible, but the stent is difficult to guide into precise position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time optical feedback by positioning a camera at the distal end of the stent to capture images of the ureteral passage during insertion. These images are transmitted to the operator, providing visual feedback that enables precise navigation and positioning of the stent within the ureter, eliminating the need for distance estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of the camera and light guide that acts as a mediator between the operator and the ureteral structures. This intermediary provides direct visual information about the insertion path and target location, enabling accurate positioning without relying on external fluoroscopy or estimation.
3Device complexity
If prior art ureteral stents have no optical system, then the device structure is simple, but the stent lacks inspection capability within the ureter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the urinary drainage function and the optical inspection function into a single integrated device. The stent body combines the lumen for urine flow with the housing for the camera and light guide, allowing simultaneous performance of drainage and inspection functions without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The ureteral stent is designed with multi-functionality by integrating both the urinary drainage function and the optical imaging function into a single device. The stent body incorporates channels for urine flow, while simultaneously housing the camera and light guide systems, allowing the device to perform both therapeutic and diagnostic functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An optically-guided ureteral stent includes an elongate body and an imager. The elongate body has a plurality of channels therethrough and a curve near a proximal end of the elongate body. The imager is disposed at the proximal end of the elongate body in a first channel of the plurality of channels. A second channel second channel of the plurality of channels has an opening at one of the proximal end and a lateral surface of the elongate body for passage of urine.