Overtube Assembly Tapered Cuff Seal Cap Intubation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional overtube designs cause mucosal tissue damage during intubation due to a small annular gap between the distal end of the overtube and the endoscope, leading to pinching and tearing of esophageal tissue, which has reduced the clinical use of overtubes.
Innovation Solution
An overtube assembly comprising an inner tube and an outer tube with a tapered cuff and seal cap design that prevents tissue pinching by forming a seal at the distal end, reducing friction and maintaining tissue integrity during intubation, and allowing for expandability to accommodate oversized objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional overtube design with a small annular gap between the distal end of the overtube and the endoscope is used, then the overtube can be inserted into the esophagus, but mucosal tissue becomes pinched or trapped in the gap causing severe damage to the esophagus
Solution Approach 1:
The overtube assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: an outer tube for initial insertion and protection, an inner tube that extends beyond the outer tube distal end to create a tissue-free gap, and a seal cap for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without causing tissue pinching.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tube acts as an intermediary element between the outer tube and the endoscope. By extending beyond the outer tube distal end, it creates a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the endoscope and outer tube, eliminating the harmful annular gap effect on mucosal tissue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If repeated insertions of the endoscope are performed during multiple intubation procedures, then diagnostic and therapeutic procedures can be performed, but damage to the esophagus is caused by repeated insertions
Solution Approach 1:
The outer tube is inserted into the esophagus first, creating a protective pathway before the endoscope is introduced. This preliminary action establishes a safe corridor that can be reused multiple times without causing damage during repeated endoscope insertions and removals.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer tube serves as a cushioning protective layer that absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses during multiple intubation procedures. This beforehand protection prevents direct trauma to the esophageal wall during repeated manipulations.
3Ease of manufacture
If the proximal end of the overtube does not maintain a seal, then insertion is simpler, but insufflation consistency is compromised and bodily fluids leak during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted as a separate, removable component (seal cap) rather than being integrated into the main tube structure. This allows the seal to be applied only when needed for insufflation procedures, maintaining simplicity during insertion while ensuring reliability when required.
Data Source
AI summary
An overtube device for use in intubation during an endoscopic procedure is disclosed. The device includes an outer tube and an inner tube. The outer tube includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a first handle disposed on the proximal end. The inner tube includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a second handle disposed on the proximal end. The inner tube is inserted through an entire length of the outer tube such that the inner tube extends beyond the outer tube. At the proximal end of the device, a proximal end of the first handle is connected to a distal end of the second handle. When the inner tube is co-axially inserted within the outer tube, a clearance exists between a length of the inner and outer tubes, and between a length of the inner tube and the endoscope. Methods of use are disclosed.