Powered Drill Endoscope for Obstruction Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for clearing obstructions in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as foreign object ingestion and food bolus impactions, are inadequate as they often require a 'pull' and 'push' technique, which is not suitable for firmly impacted objects or those that cannot be digested, and medication-based solutions are not consistently effective.
Innovation Solution
A medical device featuring a flexible tubular housing with a power transfer device and tool elements, such as drill bits or lasers, that allows for the mechanical disruption and removal of obstructions by drilling through them to clear the blockage, enabling safe passage into the stomach for digestion or excretion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current endoscopic instruments are used to clear obstructions, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the technique requires repeated pulling and pushing which increases procedure time and is ineffective for firmly impacted objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual pull-push mechanical technique with a powered drill bit system that rotates at high speed to drill through obstructions. The power transfer device delivers rotational energy to the drill bit, eliminating the need for repeated manual manipulation and significantly reducing procedure time while increasing clearance efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill bit rotates in periodic cycles to drill through the obstruction, creating efficient material removal through repeated rotational impacts. This periodic rotational action allows rapid penetration of firmly impacted objects compared to the linear pull-push motion of traditional instruments.
2Reliability
If medication such as Glucagon is used to passively clear food bolus impaction, then the procedure is non-invasive, but the approach is often not successful for firmly impacted obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive medication-based clearance with an active mechanical drilling system. The powered drill bit directly mechanically disrupts the obstruction, providing reliable clearance for firmly impacted objects that medication cannot dissolve or move, thereby significantly increasing the success rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill bit can be rotated at various speeds and applied with different pressures to match the firmness of the obstruction. This adjustable mechanical energy delivery allows the system to effectively clear obstructions of varying degrees of impaction that medication cannot address.
3Ease of operation
If traditional pull-push technique is used to displace obstructions, then the instruments are simple to operate, but the technique is not desirable for objects that cannot be digested or safely excreted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual manipulation technique with a controlled powered drilling system. The drill bit rotates at controlled speeds and can be precisely positioned, reducing the risk of uncontrolled movements that could damage the GI tract. The system provides more precise control over the clearance process while maintaining ease of operation through the endoscopic delivery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope serves as an intermediary delivery system that guides the powered drill bit to the obstruction while protecting the surrounding GI tract structures. The flexible catheter housing and retainers act as intermediaries to contain and control the drilling action, preventing damage to adjacent tissues while effectively clearing the obstruction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If current endoscopic instruments are used to grasp and remove obstructions, then the instruments can be passed through the endoscope, but each instrument is limited to specific uses and requires multiple different tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal powered drill system that can clear various types of obstructions (food boluses, foreign objects, tumors) through a single endoscopic delivery system. The drill bit can be adjusted in speed and pressure to handle different obstruction types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized instruments while increasing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill bit rotation speed and drilling pressure can be dynamically adjusted during the procedure to match the specific characteristics of the obstruction. This dynamic control allows a single instrument to effectively handle diverse obstruction types that would otherwise require multiple specialized tools.
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 approach enables rapid, safe, and efficient removal of obstructions with reduced need for anesthetic and lower risk of damaging the GI tract, while minimizing procedure time and improving patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
drilling through the obstruction to rupture or displace the obstruction
Implementation Method 2
laser power transfer device includes a coherent beam of light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a system and methods to clear obstructions including foreign objects and food boluses during an EGD procedure. The medical device according to the present invention includes a flexible tubular housing, power transfer device, clamp, tool element, power source, and optional hood. The present invention drills through the obstruction to rupture it into pieces. Displaced obstructions, and/or pieces thereof, can be collected within the housing. The remainder of the obstruction can then be passed into the stomach where it can be digested, safely excreted, or actively removed by an endoscopist.