Removable Duodenoscope Distal Tip and Working Channel Reprocessing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The distal tip of duodenoscopes and working channels are difficult to clean thoroughly during reprocessing, necessitating a design that allows for easy detachment and disposal to avoid reprocessing.
Innovation Solution
The distal tip and working channel are designed to be removable from the duodenoscope, with features facilitating connection and rotation relative to the shaft, including motors for elevator control and rotatable elements, and lumens for wires and cables to control viewing and lighting elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distal tip and working channel are integrated into the duodenoscope shaft, then the device structure is more stable and reliable, but the cleaning and reprocessing becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The distal tip assembly is segmented into separable components including the distal tip itself, the working channel, and the shaft. This segmentation allows the distal tip and working channel to be detached from the shaft for separate processing, enabling thorough cleaning and disposal while maintaining device functionality when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The working channel is extracted as a separate removable component from the distal tip assembly. This extraction allows the working channel to be removed independently for cleaning or disposal, solving the reprocessing difficulty while maintaining its functional integration with the distal tip during use through detachable coupling mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the distal tip and working channel are made removable for easy disposal, then the reprocessing is simplified, but the device complexity increases due to additional connection features
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional features are merged into integrated components. The distal tip includes integrated motors for elevator control and rotatable elements, while the working channel incorporates lumens for wires and cables. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and connection interfaces needed, simplifying the overall assembly process despite the removable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable coupling mechanisms are designed with universal features that serve multiple functions: mechanical connection, electrical connection via aligned contacts, and alignment guidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized connection features, thereby reducing complexity while enabling easy detachment for reprocessing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distal tip includes integrated motors and rotatable elements for elevator control, then the device functionality is improved, but the cleaning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distal tip is segmented as a separate removable assembly from the main shaft and working channel. This segmentation isolates the motors and rotatable elements within the distal tip module, allowing the entire assembly to be detached and disposed of as a unit, thereby eliminating cleaning difficulties associated with these complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal tip assembly containing the motors and rotatable elements is designed as a disposable component. After use, the entire distal tip is removed and discarded rather than cleaned and sterilized, eliminating the cleaning difficulty while maintaining full functionality during the procedure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
A medical device may comprise a distal tip having a viewing element, a lighting element, and at least one feature configured to removably couple the distal tip to a shaft. The medical device may also comprise a working channel coupled to the distal tip and defining a central lumen configured to receive a tool. A wall of the working channel may define at least one additional lumen. The working channel may be configured to be removably inserted into the shaft. The medical device may also comprise at least one of a wire, a cable, or a conduit passing through the at least one additional lumen.