Pre-biased Distal Nephroscope for Integrated Stone Fragmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures for removing kidney stones, such as PCNL, require multiple instruments for breaking and visualizing stones, which are time-consuming and costly due to the need for repeated instrument exchanges and sterilization of flexible cystoscopes.
Innovation Solution
A nephroscope that combines the functions of stone-breaking and visualization instruments into a single device with a flexible and rigid distal portion, allowing for adjustable flexibility and integrated imaging capabilities, reducing the need for multiple instruments and simplifying the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple instruments are used for stone breaking and visualization, then the procedure can be performed with specialized tools, but the procedure time increases and sterilization costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple instruments (nephroscope for visualization and lithotripter for stone breaking) into a single integrated device. The distal portion of the rigid nephroscope can receive and be manipulated by a lithotripter, allowing both visualization and stone fragmentation functions to be performed through one instrument, thereby reducing procedure time and eliminating repeated instrument exchanges
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: the nephroscope provides visualization through its optical system, while the same device can accommodate a lithotripter for stone breaking. This multi-functional design allows a single instrument to perform both diagnostic (visualization) and therapeutic (stone fragmentation) roles, reducing the need for multiple specialized tools
2Reliability
If multiple instruments are used for stone breaking and visualization, then specialized functions are available, but sterilization costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the nephroscope and lithotripter into a single integrated device, the number of instruments requiring sterilization is reduced. The rigid construction of the integrated device facilitates easier and more cost-effective sterilization compared to multiple flexible instruments, while maintaining all necessary specialized functions
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid nephroscope is used, then stable visualization is achieved, but the ability to navigate curved paths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a rigid proximal portion (providing stability for visualization) and a flexible distal portion (enabling navigation through curved paths). This segmentation allows the different sections to fulfill their respective functions: the rigid portion maintains structural integrity and optical stability, while the flexible portion can bend and adapt to the anatomical curvature of the urinary tract
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
The nephroscope streamlines the procedure by allowing a single device to perform both stone fragmentation and visualization, saving time and reducing costs associated with sterilization, while providing effective visualization and manipulation of kidney stones.
Implementation Method 1
The elongate viewing instrument can include a distal portion that is pre-biased to assume a curved shape when the distal portion is unconfined, such that the distal portion of the elongate viewing instrument can curve when the distal portion of the elongate viewing instrument is advanced distally to exit the visualization channel and can generally straighten when the distal portion of the elongate viewing instrument is retracted proximally to enter the visualization channel
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope can include a substantially rigid elongate body. A visualization channel can extend through the elongate body. An elongate viewing instrument that can advance distally and retract proximally through a visualization channel of the elongate body. The elongate viewing instrument can include a distal portion that is pre-biased to assume a curved shape when the distal portion is unconfined. The distal portion can curve when the distal portion is advanced distally to exit the visualization channel and can straighten when the distal portion is retracted proximally to enter the visualization channel. A distal end of the elongate viewing instrument can further include a light port that is configured to illuminate a target and provide an image of the illuminated target.