Endoscope Overtube with Side Channels for Triangulated Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is slow to be adopted due to its technical challenges, particularly because gastroenterologists are accustomed to working on a two-dimensional platform without triangulation, which is essential for efficient and safe tissue retraction and dissection.
Innovation Solution
An overtube system with a central channel for the endoscope and side channels for retraction devices, allowing for independent sliding and adjustable triangulation, facilitating easier lesion retraction and dissection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gastroenterologists work on a two-dimensional platform without triangulation, then the operation is simpler and more familiar, but the procedure time increases and safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional endoscopic operation to three-dimensional triangulated operation by introducing multiple retraction devices positioned at different angles and depths. This allows tissue to be grasped and retracted from multiple directions simultaneously, creating a three-dimensional working space that improves both efficiency and safety while maintaining ease of operation through familiar endoscopic interfaces.
2Device complexity
If traditional endoscopic techniques are used without triangulation, then the device complexity is lower, but the dissection safety and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the retraction function into multiple independent retraction devices, each capable of operating separately through its own channel. This segmentation allows for controlled, multi-directional tissue retraction that improves dissection safety and efficiency. The modular design maintains manageable complexity by using standardized components that can be independently controlled.
3Productivity
If multiple retraction devices are introduced for triangulation, then dissection safety and efficiency improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overtube system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the endoscope, houses multiple retraction devices in separate channels, enables triangulated tissue retraction, and maintains a working space for dissection. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate systems into a single integrated device, improving dissection efficiency while managing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An overtube for use with an endoscope includes a tube body defining a longitudinal axis, a central channel defined in the tube body and extending along or parallel to the longitudinal axis between proximal and distal end portions of the tube body, and first and second side channels defined in the tube body and extending along or parallel to the longitudinal axis between the proximal and the distal end portions of the tube body. The central channel is sized and configured to receive an endoscope. The first and second side channels are circumferentially spaced part from each other and disposed between the central channel and an outer surface of the tube body. Each of the first and second side channels is sized and configured to receive a retraction device, and each has an elongated arcuate cross section or perimeter at the distal end portion of the tube body.