Reversible Stiffening Device for Flexible Nephroscopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing kidney stones, such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy, require either rigid or flexible nephroscopes, limiting versatility and necessitating different techniques and training for surgeons depending on stone location and size.
Innovation Solution
A reversible extraction device that can switch between rigid and flexible configurations, allowing a single device to be used with conventional appliances, maintaining familiar working methods and reducing risk by adapting to different surgical needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid nephroscope is used, then the device provides structural stability and ease of operation for removing large stones, but it lacks versatility for exploring other calyces and removing smaller stones
Solution Approach 1:
The nephroscope incorporates a transformable shaft that can dynamically switch between rigid and flexible states. The shaft includes a proximal rigid portion and a distal flexible portion, with a transformation mechanism allowing the distal portion to be positioned in different configurations (coiled, straight, angled) to adapt to various surgical needs while maintaining overall device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple functions into a single nephroscope by combining rigid and flexible capabilities in one instrument. This allows the same device to be used for both rigid nephroscopy (removing large stones) and flexible nephroscopy (exploring calyces and removing smaller stones), eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible nephroscope is used, then the device can explore other calyces and remove smaller stones, but it requires different techniques and training for surgeons
Solution Approach 1:
The transformable shaft allows the surgeon to switch between rigid and flexible modes depending on the surgical task. When dealing with large stones requiring precise control, the shaft can be positioned in a rigid configuration. When exploring calyces or removing smaller stones, the distal flexible portion can be activated, all while maintaining familiar handling characteristics throughout the transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is divided into distinct segments (proximal rigid portion and distal flexible portion) that can independently function or work together. This segmentation allows the surgeon to engage only the flexible portion when needed while maintaining control through the rigid proximal portion, reducing the learning curve for flexible manipulation.
3Reliability
If multiple separate instruments are used for rigid and flexible nephroscopy, then each instrument is optimized for its specific function, but it necessitates different techniques and training
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionalities of separate rigid and flexible nephroscopes into a single integrated device. The transformable shaft mechanism allows the same instrument to provide both rigid structural support and flexible exploration capabilities, maintaining the functional optimization of each mode while achieving versatility that eliminates the need for multiple instruments and associated training requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A stiffening device is disclosed that is adapted to cooperate with a flexible kidney stone extractor. The stiffening device includes a tube having a lumen sized to receive a part of flexible kidney stone extractor; a diversion member having a channel that is configured to receive a part of the flexible kidney stone extractor; and a connector coupled between the tube and the diversion member. The connector allows the channel of the diversion member to communicate with the lumen of the tube. A proximal portion of the connector is connected to the diversion member and a distal portion of the connector is connected to the tube.