Endoscope Accessory With Reclosable Overtube for Acoustic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic procedures face challenges such as air interference with ultrasound imaging, inadequate acoustic coupling, and maneuverability issues due to balloon-based approaches, leading to discomfort, aspiration risks, and limited examination capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic device featuring a flexible overtube with a reclosable seam, positioning ring, sealing bands, and an occlusion catheter, allowing for a movable examination compartment that maintains acoustic coupling and seals the endoscope tip, enabling advanced maneuverability and fluid management without deflation and re-inflation of balloons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If water is infused to create acoustic coupling between the transducer and gastrointestinal structures, then ultrasound imaging quality is improved, but the risk of aspiration and gastrointestinal over-distention increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the gastrointestinal tract into a sealed examination compartment (distal to the overtube) and the rest of the tract. Water is confined to this compartment for acoustic coupling, preventing it from moving to other regions and causing aspiration or over-distention.
Solution Approach 2:
The overtube acts as an intermediary structure that creates a sealed compartment between itself and the gastrointestinal wall. This compartment serves as the acoustic coupling medium space, isolating the water from the rest of the gastrointestinal tract.
2Measurement precision
If balloons are used to enclose the transducer and create acoustic coupling, then ultrasound imaging is improved, but the maneuverability of the endoscope is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The overtube is designed to be movable along the endoscope shaft, allowing dynamic adjustment of the examination compartment position. The reclosable seam enables the overtube to be opened for insertion and closed for sealing, providing flexibility during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device separates the overtube (containing the examination compartment) from the endoscope shaft, allowing independent movement and positioning of each component. This segmentation maintains endoscope maneuverability while enabling acoustic coupling.
3Reliability
If a sealed compartment is created around the endoscope tip for water infusion, then acoustic coupling is maintained and aspiration risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overtube serves multiple functions: it creates the sealed examination compartment, provides acoustic coupling through water infusion, prevents aspiration by sealing the compartment, and allows maneuverability through its reclosable design. The occlusion catheter adds the function of isolating the distal end of the compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines the overtube, reclosable seam mechanism, and occlusion catheter into an integrated system that works together to create and maintain the sealed examination compartment, simplifying the overall structure despite the multiple functions.
4Illumination intensity
If air is used to insufflate the gastrointestinal tract for easier visualization, then endoscopic viewing is improved, but it causes bloating and discomfort to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the air insufflation function from the main gastrointestinal lumen by confining it to the sealed examination compartment. Air is introduced only into this localized area for visualization, preventing widespread bloating and discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The examination compartment acts as a segmented space where air can be introduced for optimal visualization without affecting the rest of the gastrointestinal tract. The overtube and occlusion catheter create this isolated compartment.
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 device enhances luminal view and examination efficiency by creating a sealed compartment for air or water infusion, reducing patient discomfort and aspiration risks, while maintaining maneuverability and accuracy during endoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
inflating the positioning ring to create a seal between the outer surface of the overtube and a body cavity proximal to the endoscope tip
Implementation Method 2
inflating the at least one sealing band to create a seal between the internal surface of the overtube and endoscope shaft
Implementation Method 3
inflating the occlusion balloon to create seal between the occlusion catheter balloon and the body cavity
Implementation Method 4
the key components of the transducer are the piezoelectric crystals that vibrate to produce ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 5
The ultrasonic waves travel through the gastrointestinal wall and beyond the visceral wall into the surrounding organs. The reflection of these ultrasound waves is detected by the same crystals at the transducer
Data Source
AI summary
This invention generally relates to a method for performing an endoscopic procedure. According to some aspects of the invention, the method comprises placing an endoscope shaft within a body cavity at a desired examination point, the endoscope shaft having a proximal end, mid shaft and a distal end, the distal end terminating in an endoscope tip, wherein the endoscope tip is proximal to the desired examination point, positioning a segment of a longitudinally opened overtube over the endoscope mid shaft, wherein the overtube including a longitudinal reclosable seam along an entire length of the overtube, an inner surface, an outer surface, a proximal end and a distal end, a positioning ring adjacent the distal end on the outer surface, at least one sealing band on the inner surface, and an independently positionable occlusion catheter terminating in an asymmetrical occlusion balloon; at least one handle at the proximal end and on the outer surface for grasping and manipulation of the overtube within the body cavity. The method further comprises closing the seam of the segment of the overtube positioned over the endoscope mid shaft to form a longitudinally closed overtube and move the closed overtube over the endoscope shaft as guide within the body cavity and repeat the closing and moving till the overtube reaches the desired examination point, inflating the positioning ring to create a seal between the outer surface of the overtube and a body cavity proximal to the endoscope tip, wherein when inflated the positioning ring expanded asymmetrically around the overtube, inflating the at least one sealing band to create a seal between the internal surface of the overtube and endoscope shaft, passing the independently positionable occlusion catheter terminating in the asymmetrical occlusion balloon through a passageway along the overtube to enter the body cavity at the end of the overtube, manipulating the independently positionable occlusion catheter to a selected point within the body cavity distal to the endoscope tip, inflating the occlusion catheter balloon to create seal between the occlusion catheter balloon and the body cavity, and creating a sealed examination compartment between the positioning ring, the asymmetrical occlusion balloon and the sealing band surrounding the distal end of the endoscope shaft.