Reversible Endoscope Imaging Member for Narrow Body Lumens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic, bronchoscopic, or ureteroscopic procedures face challenges in navigating narrow body lumens due to the large outer diameter of traditional devices, limiting visualization and increasing procedure time, especially in diagnosing and treating conditions in the periphery of lungs or urological organs.
Innovation Solution
Development of medical devices with a member that transitions between configurations, allowing an imaging device to face either distally or proximally, and a tether mechanism for securing tools, enabling navigation and visualization in narrow body lumens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional endoscopes with large outer diameter are used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but the ability to navigate narrow body lumens and visualize peripheral areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into separate functional modules: a rigid insertion portion for structural strength, a flexible member with imaging device for visualization, and a handle portion for control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the rigid portion maintains strength while the flexible member with camera enables peripheral visualization that was previously impossible with monolithic designs.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible member acts as an intermediary between the rigid insertion portion and the imaging device. This flexible member can be advanced through narrow body lumens where rigid traditional endoscopes failed, while still transmitting control signals and providing imaging capability through its integrated camera system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional endoscopes with large outer diameter are used, then structural stability is improved, but procedure time increases due to inability to access peripheral areas
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the flexible member can be advanced, retracted, and positioned dynamically within narrow lumens. The imaging device can be rotated to different orientations (facing distally, proximally, or laterally) to access various anatomical regions, significantly reducing the time needed to locate and treat peripheral areas compared to traditional fixed-orientation endoscopes.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member with imaging device is pre-configured and ready for immediate advancement into narrow lumens during the procedure. This preliminary preparation of the flexible component allows the operator to quickly access peripheral areas without the time-consuming process of attempting to advance rigid endoscopes or perform blind biopsies.
3Device complexity
If traditional endoscopes are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to narrow body lumens and peripheral visualization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is segmented into distinct functional portions: a simple rigid insertion portion for structural integrity, a flexible member with integrated imaging for adaptability, and a handle portion for control. This modular segmentation maintains overall device simplicity while enabling adaptability to narrow lumens through the flexible member's independent capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a navigational element through narrow lumens, carries the imaging device for visualization, transmits control signals, and can be positioned in various orientations to access different anatomical regions. This multi-functionality in a single component provides adaptability without requiring multiple separate devices.
4Device complexity
If blind biopsy procedures are performed due to lack of visualization, then procedure simplicity is maintained, but diagnostic yield and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device integrated in the flexible member provides real-time visual feedback to the operator during the procedure. This feedback allows precise positioning of biopsy tools and identification of target lesions, eliminating the need for blind procedures. The operator can see exactly where the biopsy forceps are positioned and adjust accordingly, significantly improving diagnostic yield and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is pre-positioned and activated before the biopsy procedure begins, allowing the operator to visualize the target area and plan the biopsy approach in advance. This preliminary visualization enables precise targeting of lesions and avoids blind procedures, improving both diagnostic yield and procedural efficiency.
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
Facilitates improved visualization and access to previously inaccessible areas, reducing procedure time and enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in narrow body lumens.
Implementation Method 1
The member may transition from the first configuration to the second configuration due to a shape memory of the member.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device may comprise a handle portion; an insertion portion having a proximal end portion at the handle portion, wherein the insertion portion includes a lumen therein and a distal end having a distal opening in communication with the lumen; and a member disposed within the lumen, the member having a distal end portion with an imaging device. The member may be configured to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the imaging device may face distally, and, in the second configuration, the imaging device may face proximally. Extending the distal end portion of the member distally past the distal opening may cause the member to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration.