Overtube Ventilation Hole Positioning for Gas Exhaust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overtubes face difficulties in maintaining open ventilation holes during endoscopy due to closure by the digestive tract wall, leading to residue infiltration and impaired sliding operations, especially when balloons are inflated or deflated, which complicates the insertion and withdrawal of the endoscope.
Innovation Solution
The overtube design features ventilation holes strategically positioned between 5 mm and 100 mm from the second position towards the proximal end, allowing communication between the outer surface and the endoscope insertion passage, with multiple holes and a selective gas-permeable film to prevent closure and residue ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If ventilation holes are provided in the overtube body to exhaust accumulated gas, then gas can be vented during pulling operation, but the ventilation holes may be closed by the inner wall surface of the digestive tract, causing residue infiltration and impairing sliding operation
Solution Approach 1:
A one-way valve mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the ventilation hole and the digestive tract. This valve allows gas to pass through during the pulling operation but prevents closure by the inner wall surface, thereby maintaining ventilation functionality while preventing residue infiltration and ensuring smooth sliding operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometry and positioning of the ventilation hole are optimized by changing parameters such as hole size, location, and orientation. By carefully selecting the position and dimensions, the design ensures that the ventilation hole remains open during operation while still effectively venting accumulated gas, thus avoiding closure by the digestive tract wall.
2Ease of operation
If the overtube is forcibly pulled when ventilation hole is closed, then pulling operation can be performed, but the opening edge portion of the ventilation hole slides on the inner wall surface, causing residue infiltration and deteriorating sliding operation
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way valve acts as a mediator that decouples the pulling operation from the ventilation hole closure. It allows the overtube to be pulled smoothly while preventing the inner wall surface from closing the ventilation hole, thereby eliminating residue infiltration without compromising pulling ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potential harmful effect of ventilation hole closure into a beneficial feature by using the one-way valve mechanism. The valve is designed to open during pulling to allow gas escape but automatically closes to prevent residue entry, transforming a potential problem into a protective function.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If ventilation holes are positioned closer to the balloon, then gas can be vented more effectively, but the deflated balloon may be caught inside the overtube body from the ventilation hole and sandwiched between overtube and endoscope insertion part
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way valve serves as an intermediary that controls gas flow while preventing balloon entrapment. It allows gas to escape effectively from positions close to the balloon but prevents the deflated balloon from being drawn into the overtube body, eliminating the sandwiching risk while maintaining gas venting efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation hole is positioned and designed to perform gas venting before the balloon can be deflated and potentially trapped. The one-way valve is pre-configured to allow gas escape in the forward direction while blocking reverse movement, preventing balloon entrapment before it can occur.
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
This configuration ensures smooth operation by preventing ventilation hole closure and residue infiltration, enhancing the ease of inserting and withdrawing the overtube, thereby improving the overall endoscopy process.
Implementation Method 1
a ventilation hole that allows the outer circumferential surface and the endoscope insertion passage to communicate with each other is provided in the ventilation hole-formed region
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an overtube capable of suppressing closing of a ventilation hole provided in an overtube body during endoscopy. An overtube (10) of the present invention includes an overtube body (70) and a balloon (78) that is disposed between a first position (P1) in a direction of a central axis (A) of the overtube body (70) and a second position (P2) positioned on a proximal end (74) side of the overtube body (70) from the first position (P1). The overtube body (70) is provided with a ventilation hole (94) that allows an outer circumferential surface (70A) and an endoscope insertion passage (71) to communicate with each other. The ventilation hole (94) is provided in a ventilation hole-formed region (70D) provided on the proximal end (74) side from the second position (P2). The ventilation hole-formed region (70D) is in a region within a range of 5 mm or more and 100 mm or less from the second position (P2) toward the proximal end (74) side of the overtube body (70).