Endoscopic Overtube Interlocking Member for Visual Field Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic surgery systems face challenges in easily changing the visual field of an endoscope without assistance, with existing interlocking mechanisms being complex, costly, and prone to tissue or blood entry through overtube openings, leading to prolonged surgeries and compromised image stability.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic surgical device with an overtube featuring a movable interlocking member that couples with both the endoscope and treatment tool, allowing for independent forward and backward movement, and a side surface opening that can be opened or closed to prevent tissue or blood entry while maintaining a compact structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a treatment tool and endoscope are inserted into an integral sheath (guide member) for interlocking control, then the treatment tool can be moved while following the fluctuation of the visual field of the endoscope, but the mechanism for performing interlocking control becomes enlarged and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: an overtube that can be inserted independently, and an interlocking member that couples the endoscope and treatment tool. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler while achieving the overall interlocking function through their interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking member is inserted into the overtube, and the endoscope and treatment tool are coupled to this interlocking member. This nested structure allows the interlocking mechanism to be compact and integrated within the existing device architecture without requiring a complex external mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope and treatment tool are mechanically coupled to integrally move them, then the visual field of the endoscope follows the movement of the treatment tool, but the structure becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking member serves as an intermediary between the endoscope and treatment tool. It provides the mechanical coupling necessary for coordinated movement without requiring direct mechanical coupling between the endoscope and treatment tool, thereby simplifying the overall structure.
3Productivity
If a side opening is provided in the overtube for sending pneumoperitoneum gas, then gas can be supplied into the body cavity, but tissue or blood easily enters the inside of the overtube through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The side opening is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be opened when gas supply is needed and closed when not in use. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between states of openness and closure, enabling gas supply while preventing tissue or blood entry when the opening is closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The side opening can be discarded (opened) for gas supply and then recovered (closed) to prevent contamination. This allows the system to temporarily utilize the opening for its beneficial function while minimizing exposure time to harmful factors.
4Ease of operation
If an assistant operates the endoscope to change observation position, then the surgeon's hand is not blocked, but surgery time is prolonged and the operation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking mechanism enables the endoscope to automatically follow the movement of the treatment tool, allowing the surgeon to control both instruments simultaneously without requiring an assistant. This self-service capability eliminates the need for serial instructions and reduces surgery time.
Data Source
AI summary
The overtube includes an interlocking member which is configured to be movable forward and backward inside an overtube body—and has an endoscope-coupled part and a treatment tool-coupled part. A side hole that is formed to pass through a side wall of the overtube body in communication with a passage in the overtube body for sending a fluid into a body cavity, and a side wall is configured to be openable and closable by the forward and backward movement of the interlocking member.