Endoscope Overtube Hub With Inflatable Elastic Seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic procedures face challenges in maintaining secure and controlled access through natural orifices, particularly in gastrointestinal endoscopy, where repeated insertion and removal of endoscopes can cause trauma and risk aspiration, and existing valve mechanisms are not effective in preventing fluid leakage or ensuring a reliable seal.
Innovation Solution
A flexible overtube with a reinforced tubular member and a hub assembly featuring a snap-fit engagement system and an elastic sleeve that forms a fluidtight seal around the endoscope when inflated, allowing for secure passage and insufflation within the body cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid overtube is used to provide structural support, then longitudinal stiffness is improved, but lateral flexibility and ability to navigate natural orifices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The overtube employs a composite construction combining a flexible tubular member with an embedded reinforcement element (such as a wire mesh or spiral ribbon) within its wall structure. This composite design provides longitudinal stiffness to prevent collapse while maintaining lateral flexibility for navigation through natural orifices.
Solution Approach 2:
The overtube utilizes a flexible tubular member with thin-walled construction that can bend and conform to anatomical structures while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible shell design allows the tube to navigate curves and natural orifices without rigid deformation.
2Device complexity
If no sealing mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid leakage and aspiration risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The overtube incorporates an inflatable sealing balloon or cuff that can be expanded with fluid pressure to create a seal against the esophageal or gastrointestinal wall. This pneumatic sealing mechanism prevents fluid leakage and aspiration while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism utilizes a flexible elastic sleeve or membrane that can deform to conform to the surrounding tissue and create an effective seal. This flexible film approach provides sealing functionality without requiring complex mechanical components.
3Productivity
If repeated insertion and removal of endoscope is allowed, then diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are improved, but trauma to gastrointestinal mucosa and aspiration risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The overtube is inserted and positioned in the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract before the endoscope is introduced. This preliminary placement creates a protective conduit that remains in place during repeated endoscope insertions and removals, preventing direct contact between the endoscope and vulnerable mucosal tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The overtube serves as an intermediary protective barrier between the endoscope and the gastrointestinal mucosa. It facilitates repeated endoscopic procedures by providing a stable access pathway that eliminates the need for repeated direct insertion into vulnerable tissue.
4Ease of operation
If the overtube is made completely flexible, then ease of insertion through natural orifices is improved, but ability to maintain patent lumen and resist collapse deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The overtube wall is constructed as a composite material system combining flexible polymer layers with embedded reinforcement structures (wire mesh, spiral ribbons, or fibrous elements). This composite construction provides both flexibility for insertion and structural strength to resist collapse under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement elements are strategically positioned within the tube wall at specific locations where structural support is most needed, such as along the length of the tube or at curvature points. This localized reinforcement maintains patent lumen while preserving overall flexibility.
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 provides a secure, leak-proof seal for endoscope access, reducing trauma and aspiration risks while enabling repeated procedures with controlled pressure maintenance, facilitating efficient intraluminal access and procedures like biopsy and instrument exchange.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic and flexible sleeve extending about the inner surface of a body member of the hub. The proximal and distal ends of the flexible sleeve are coupled in a fluidtight manner to the body member... When fluid is provided under pressure through the inflation line and between the inner surface of the body member and outer surface of the flexible sleeve, the flexible sleeve is distended radially inward away from the inner surface of the body member into an expanded configuration that reduces the size of the opening through the port. More particularly, when an endoscope is received through the hub and the flexible sleeve is expanded under pressure, the flexible sleeve forms a seal about the endoscope.
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An endoscope overtube includes a flexible tubular member and a hub assembly provided at the proximal end of the tubular member. The hub assembly includes an elastic sleeve seal cuff extending about the inner surface of a body member of the hub. The ends of seal cuff are coupled to the body member. An inflation line extends into the body member in communication with the outer surface of the seal cuff. When fluid is pressurized through the inflation line, the cuff is distended inward to reduce the size of the opening through the port such that the cuff forms a seal about an endoscope received through the hub. The body member is preferably coupled to each of the flexible tubular member and to the elastic seal cuff using a snap-fit engagement of parts such that no fasteners, welds, glues, etc. are necessary for securing the hub assembly together.