Endoscope Periscope Extending Viewing Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current visualization catheter techniques, such as the mother-baby scope and slim-scope approaches, face challenges including limited anatomical access, difficulty in use due to requiring multiple operators and equipment, and issues with maintaining position within the anatomy due to size and weight constraints.
Innovation Solution
A periscope device with a tapered cylindrical body, fiber optic cables, and a lens stack, designed to attach to an endoscope, extending its viewing range and accessory reach, allowing for direct visualization and access to previously unreachable areas with improved rigidity and reduced diameter for passage through endoscopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mother-baby scope system is used to achieve direct visualization of bile and pancreatic ducts, then visualization capability is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase due to requiring two sets of operators and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the mother scope and baby scope into a single integrated periscope device. The periscope includes a distal end for insertion through the endoscope's working channel, a proximal end for attachment to the endoscope's viewing port, and integrated optical components (lens stack, fiber optic cables) that merge visualization and illumination functions into one unit, eliminating the need for separate mother-baby scope systems
Solution Approach 2:
The periscope device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides direct visualization through the endoscope's viewing port, delivers illumination through integrated light sources and optical fibers, and allows passage of therapeutic instruments through its working channel. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate mother and baby scopes, reducing equipment complexity while maintaining visualization capability
2Area of moving object
If a slim scope with smaller outer diameter is used to access smaller anatomical portions, then anatomical access is improved, but the scope cannot be passed through the accessory channel of a duodenoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The periscope is designed to be inserted through the working channel of a duodenoscope (similar to a baby scope) while also being attachable to the viewing port. Its outer diameter is specifically engineered to pass through standard endoscope channels, yet it provides sufficient viewing capability when attached to the viewing port, effectively nesting the periscope within the endoscope system
3Strength
If an overtube is used to provide structure for a slim scope, then structural support is improved, but the overtube cannot bend where the slim scope exits and the distal end cannot be held in a fixed position
Solution Approach 1:
The periscope incorporates a flexible distal portion that allows bending and navigation through tortuous anatomy, while the proximal portion provides structural support for attachment to the endoscope. This dynamic design enables the device to adapt its shape as needed - flexible during navigation, rigid when positioned for visualization
Solution Approach 2:
The periscope body includes flexible segments that allow the device to bend and conform to anatomical structures during insertion and positioning, while maintaining sufficient rigidity when attached to the endoscope for stable visualization. The flexible construction eliminates the need for a rigid overtube while providing both structural support and positional stability
4Area of moving object
If the periscope has a reduced diameter for passage through endoscopes, then ease of passage is improved, but structural rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The periscope construction likely employs composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratios, enabling the device to maintain structural rigidity despite a reduced overall diameter. The combination of flexible and rigid segments uses materials optimized for each function while keeping the overall device diameter small enough for passage through standard endoscope channels
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
Enables better direct visualization and access to small anatomical areas without the need for multiple operators or equipment, maintaining position within the anatomy and allowing for therapeutic interventions, such as biopsy, with reduced diameter and enhanced flexibility for navigation.
Implementation Method 1
a first fiber optic cable disposed within the cylindrical body and extending from the proximal portion of the cylindrical body to the distal portion of the cylindrical body
Implementation Method 2
a lens stack in communication with the cylindrical body; and a second fiber optic cable in communication with the lens stack
Data Source
AI summary
The exemplary embodiments illustrated provide the discovery of methods and apparatuses for periscope devices that couple to a viewing end of a visualization catheter or endoscope to extend the viewing range and accessory range of the endoscope or visualization catheter so as to provide for greater viewing and reach into multiple areas of the anatomy.