Remote User Interface for Endoscope Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices, such as steerable endoscopes and catheters, are ergonomically difficult to control for a single physician, especially when performing interventional and therapeutic procedures that require managing valves and articulating tools simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a remote user interface that allows for the control of valves and fluid flow through an endoscope, featuring a central control section, elongate shaft, and a remote user interface with buttons, tethers, or a wireless remote to operate air/water and suction valves from a distance, reducing the need for manual finger operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single physician operates all valves and articulating tools manually on the endoscope handle, then direct control is achieved, but ergonomic difficulty and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into separate functional modules: a first user interface for controlling articulating tools and a second user interface for controlling valves. This segmentation allows each interface to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall complexity of operating all controls simultaneously while maintaining ease of operation through dedicated control zones.
Solution Approach 2:
A processor acts as an intermediary that receives control signals from multiple user interfaces (buttons, knobs, foot pedals) and coordinates the corresponding actions on the endoscope's articulating tools and valves. This intermediary system simplifies the operator's task by automatically managing the coordination between different control mechanisms rather than requiring manual synchronization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves and articulating tools are controlled simultaneously by one user, then complete control is achieved, but the difficulty of managing multiple controls increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system divides operations into distinct segments: a first user interface for articulating tools and a second user interface for valves. This segmentation allows operators to specialize in one function at a time, making each control task easier while maintaining the versatility to perform all functions through the appropriate interface selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides multiple user interfaces (buttons, knobs, foot pedals) that can be used interchangeably for their respective functions. This multi-functionality allows operators to choose the most comfortable interface for each task, enhancing ease of operation while maintaining complete adaptability to various procedural requirements.
3Ease of operation
If a second user interfaces with the endoscope controls, then ergonomic burden on primary operator is reduced, but coordination complexity between multiple users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor provides feedback to both users about the current state of the endoscope's articulating tools and valves, enabling coordinated control. This feedback mechanism allows the second user to understand what actions are being performed by the first user's interface, reducing coordination complexity while maintaining ease of operation through shared situational awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor serves as a mediator between multiple users and the endoscope controls, managing the complexity of coordinating multiple user inputs. It automatically resolves potential conflicts and ensures smooth operation when both users are controlling different functions simultaneously, thereby reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
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 solution simplifies the control of endoscope functions, allowing a second user to manage fluid flow and valve operations remotely, thereby reducing the ergonomic challenges faced by the primary operator during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the wireless remote is configured to control a polarity of the one or more fixed magnets such that the one or more fixed magnets may include a first polarity in which the one or more fixed magnets attract the one or more floating magnets to a first position, and the one or more fixed magnets may include a second polarity in which the one or more fixed magnets repel the one or more floating magnets to a second position
Data Source
AI summary
An example medical device includes an endoscope. The endoscope includes a handle including a central control section, one or more valves coupled to the central control section, an elongate shaft extending distally from the handle to a distal tip, wherein the elongate shaft is configured to be inserted into a body cavity, and a remote user interface operatively coupled to the central control section. The remote user interface is configured to operate the one or more valves to control a flow of fluid through the elongate shaft.