Remote Endoscope Handle Manipulation via Foot Pedal Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic technology requires two to three doctors to perform procedures, and the high cost of robotic endoscopes limits their widespread adoption, hindering the implementation of complex surgeries through Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES).
Innovation Solution
Development of a remote endoscope handle manipulation system that includes a control housing with a manipulator and actuator to operate endoscope controls, allowing for wireless communication and control via a foot pedal, enabling single or reduced operator control of endoscope functions like irrigation, suction, and camera operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If remotely or robotically controlled endoscopes are designed to reduce the number of personnel involved in endoscopic procedures, then the number of operators required is reduced, but the economic costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a control housing that attaches to the existing endoscope, a manipulator mechanism with actuator, and a controller. This segmentation allows the remote control functionality to be added as an attachment rather than requiring a completely new robotic endoscope system, thereby reducing costs while achieving reduced operator requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control housing acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the endoscope. It includes a manipulator that engages with the endoscope's control device and an actuator that moves the manipulator to operate the control device remotely. This intermediary mechanism enables remote operation of existing endoscopes without requiring expensive fully robotic systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If current endoscopic technology is used to perform complex surgeries, then existing equipment can be utilized, but two to three doctors are required to perform procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator mechanism is designed to automatically translate actuator movement into control device operation. The actuator moves the manipulator, which engages with and operates the endoscope's control device, enabling the system to perform complex surgical tasks with reduced human intervention and fewer operators.
3Ease of operation
If remotely controlled endoscope systems are implemented, then single operator control is enabled, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control housing is designed to attach to existing endoscopes and provide remote control functionality through a manipulator and actuator system. The controller can operate the manipulator to control various endoscope functions including irrigation, suction, and camera operation, enabling single operator control of complex procedures while utilizing the existing endoscope infrastructure rather than requiring a completely new robotic system.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods permit remote control of the operation of an endoscope. The system includes a control housing that removably attaches to an endoscope, with the housing including actuators and manipulators that engage with a control device of the endoscope in order to operate the control device. The system includes an axial roller that may be used to control the depth of the endoscope shaft within a patient's body.