Overtube Device Segmentation for Esophageal Food Impaction Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic devices are inadequate for efficiently removing large food impactions from the esophagus, particularly semi-digested food, due to limited suction capacity and risk of patient trauma, and often require multiple insertions and prolonged procedures.
Innovation Solution
An overtube device with a larger suction channel and integrated endoscope passage allows for single-pass removal of esophageal food impactions, enabling effective visualization and suction while minimizing trauma through a purpose-built overtube attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a standard endoscope suction channel is used to remove food impaction, then the procedure can be performed with standard equipment, but the suction capacity is inadequate and requires multiple insertions
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the suction function from the endoscope by using a separate overtube with its own suction channel. The overtube handles the bulk food impaction removal while the endoscope maintains visualization, allowing simultaneous operation and eliminating the need for repeated insertions.
Solution Approach 2:
The overtube acts as an intermediary device between the patient's esophagus and the endoscope. It provides a dedicated suction pathway that handles the food impaction while allowing the endoscope to pass through and maintain visual contact with the treatment area.
2Productivity
If multiple endoscope insertions are performed to remove food impaction, then the impaction can be gradually removed, but patient trauma and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the trauma-causing suction action from the visualization function. The overtube with large-bore suction channel handles the food removal in a single pass, while the endoscope passes through the overtube to maintain visualization without requiring repeated insertions into the esophagus.
Solution Approach 2:
The overtube is inserted first to establish a protective barrier and suction pathway before the endoscope is introduced. This preliminary positioning allows subsequent food impaction removal to occur through the overtube's suction channel rather than requiring repeated endoscope manipulations.
3Productivity
If a larger suction channel is used to remove food impaction more efficiently, then removal capacity increases, but the ability to maintain visualization may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device assigns separate functions to separate components: the overtube with its large suction channel handles food impaction removal, while the endoscope passes through the overtube's lumen to maintain visualization. This functional segmentation allows both high-capacity suction and clear visualization to occur simultaneously without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope is nested within the overtube structure. The endoscope passes through the lumen of the overtube, allowing the smaller endoscope to coexist with the larger overtube suction channel. This nesting arrangement enables both devices to function simultaneously in the same anatomical space.
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
The overtube device facilitates efficient and safe removal of esophageal food impactions, reducing patient discomfort and procedural time by providing enhanced suction capacity and maintaining visualization throughout the process.
Implementation Method 1
suction applied via the suction system through the suction port and thus the secondary and primary lumens formed within the body of the overtube device applies suction to the overtube
Data Source
AI summary
An overtube device is disclosed as comprising, in at least one embodiment, a body having a proximal opening and an opposing distal opening in fluid communication with one another via a primary lumen formed within the body, the primary lumen configured for selective receipt and passage therethrough of an endoscope, and a secondary lumen formed within the body so as to intersect and be in fluid communication with the primary lumen and, thus, the distal opening. The secondary lumen is configured for selective engagement with a suction system and defines a suction port. With the distal end of the overtube device attached to the overtube and the suction system engaged with the suction port of the overtube device, suction applied via the suction system through the suction port is, in turn, capable of being applied to the overtube.