Removable Endoscopic Sleeve with Folded Distal Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective sleeves for endoscopes are non-removable, leading to interference and contamination risks during intracorporeal introduction, and their excess length or diameter can distort images and complicate surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A removable protective sleeve with a folded or tapered design and tear lines, allowing for easy detachment from the endoscope once positioned within the body cavity, ensuring optimal protection and minimizing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional non-removable protective sleeve is used to protect the endoscope, then the optic system is protected from contamination during introduction, but the excess sleeve length interferes with the surgical procedure and may cause contamination or infection
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sleeve is divided into two functional segments: a sealed distal portion that remains on the endoscope to protect the optic system, and a proximal excess portion that can be removed after introduction. This segmentation allows the sleeve to provide continuous protection while eliminating the harmful excess material that interferes with surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The excess proximal portion of the sleeve is pre-configured with removal features (tear lines, perforations, or breakable sections) that allow for easy detachment after the endoscope is introduced into the body cavity. This preliminary preparation enables the excess material to be removed without complicating the surgical procedure.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional protective sleeve of proper length is used, then interference with the surgical procedure is minimized, but the sleeve may bunch up and interfere with the procedure or lead to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful excess proximal portion of the sleeve is extracted or removed after the endoscope is properly introduced into the body cavity. This removal eliminates the risk of bunching and contamination while maintaining the protective function of the sealed distal portion during the critical introduction phase.
3Reliability
If a conventional sleeve of excess diameter is used, then the optic system is protected, but the folding or bunching of the sleeve affects the ability to manipulate the endoscopic device and negatively affects the seal integrity and viewing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is designed with different diameters at different locations: a larger proximal diameter for protection during introduction, and a smaller distal diameter that fits tightly around the endoscope to prevent bunching and maintain seal integrity. This local variation in diameter allows the sleeve to provide protection without interfering with manipulation or viewing quality.
4Illumination intensity
If the sleeve is made optically transparent for viewing, then the viewing quality is maintained, but the risk for optical distortion and interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sleeve is designed as a disposable component that is removed after introduction. This allows the use of optically transparent material without long-term concerns about distortion, as the sleeve is discarded after its protective function is complete. The temporary nature of the sleeve minimizes optical interference while maintaining viewing quality during the critical introduction phase.
Data Source
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AI summary
A protective sleeve apparatus for protecting an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument includes an elongated tubular member having an open proximal end and an open distal end. The elongated tubular member is sized and configured to receive a laparoscopic or endoscopic instrument therethrough. The tubular member has a folded section adjacent the distal end in releasable engagement with an intermediate section of the tubular member to define a substantially enclosed sleeve to receive the instrument and substantially prevent entry of contaminants within an interior of the tubular member. The folded section is releasable from the intermediate section upon exertion of a proximal force to the tubular member to facilitate removal of the tubular member along the instrument.