Rear-Viewing Endoscope with Segmented Rigid-Flexible Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes typically provide only forward views, limiting the ability of surgeons to obtain a clear rear view during minimally invasive surgical procedures, especially in cranial surgeries, where additional incisions may be detrimental and flexible endoscopes are unsuitable due to large radius bends and difficulty in determining viewing orientation.
Innovation Solution
A rear-viewing endoscope system with a rigid section and flexible section, equipped with scissor-type handles or a joystick for adjusting the viewing direction, and an objective lens assembly featuring a complementary multiband bandpass filter pair for stereoscopic imaging, allowing for a wide range of motion and improved spatial orientation within the surgical field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed-type endoscope is used, then the device structure is simple and stable, but it can only provide forward views and cannot obtain rear views without additional incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into a rigid section and a flexible section with different functions. The rigid section provides structural stability, while the flexible section enables rearward viewing capability through bending, allowing both forward and rear views without additional incisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging unit is configured to capture images from the rearward direction opposite to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope. This inverted viewing capability allows surgeons to see behind structures without inserting a second endoscope through another incision.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible endoscope is used, then rear views can be obtained, but the large radius bends make it unsuitable for cranial surgeries and viewing orientation is difficult to determine
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is segmented into a rigid section for stable positioning and a flexible section for controlled bending. This segmentation allows the flexible portion to achieve sharp bends suitable for cranial surgery while the rigid portion maintains stable orientation reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes orientation indicators that provide visual feedback to the surgeon about the current viewing direction and spatial orientation. This feedback mechanism enables precise determination of viewing orientation during the procedure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional endoscopes are used, then the device structure is simple, but additional incisions are required for rear views which increases surgical trauma and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is designed with multi-functionality to provide both forward viewing and rearward viewing capabilities through a single device inserted through one incision. This eliminates the need for additional incisions and reduces surgical trauma while maintaining comprehensive viewing capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If flexible endoscopes are used, then some viewing flexibility is achieved, but the large radius bends are ill-suited for cranial MIS procedures requiring sharp angles
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible section is divided into multiple link pairs that can be independently controlled. This segmentation enables precise control of bend radius and angle, allowing sharp bends for cranial surgery while maintaining overall flexibility for navigating surgical paths.
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 standardized endoscopy procedures, reducing surgical time, medical costs, and enhancing the quality of care by providing clear rear views without the need for additional incisions, suitable for complex surgeries like cranial procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an objective lens assembly featuring a complementary multiband bandpass filter pair for stereoscopic imaging
Data Source
AI summary
A rear-viewing endoscope includes a rigid section having first and second ends, and a cavity situated between the first and second ends. The rigid section has a longitudinal length and defining a longitudinal axis (LAR). The endoscope further includes a flexible section having proximal and distal ends, where the proximal end is coupled to the second end of the rigid section; and an imaging unit having first and second ends and a cavity situated between the first and second ends, the second end of the imaging unit coupled to the distal end of the flexible section. An objective lens assembly of the endoscope includes a complementary multiband bandpass filter (CMBF) pair situated within the cavity of the imaging unit. The CMBF filter collimated image rays passing therethrough so as to output filtered image rays. A camera or detector receives the filtered image rays and forms corresponding video information for stereoscopic imaging.