Rotating Hysteroscope Shaft for Larger Tool Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hysteroscopes face limitations in accommodating large interventional tools, camera and light source connections on rotatable shafts, and fluid flow through stationary handles due to the restricted size of the working channel, which is constrained by the need to pass through the cervix.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a rotating shaft assembly with a detachable single-use endoscope component that allows for a larger working channel, flexible electrical connections via flex circuits, and fluid pathways that accommodate rotation, enabling the introduction of tools and sensors through a low-profile shaft configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the shaft diameter is reduced to pass through the cervix, then the insertion capability is improved, but the working channel size is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is designed to be rotatable relative to the handle, allowing dynamic repositioning of the camera and light source during procedures. This rotation capability enables the system to maintain a low-profile insertion configuration while providing access for larger tools through the working channel when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera and light source are positioned within the shaft structure, with the camera located in the distal portion and the light source in the proximal portion. This nested arrangement allows these components to be accommodated within the limited shaft diameter while still providing functional access through the working channel.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft is made rotatable to accommodate camera and light source connections, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible circuit board is used to provide electrical connections between the camera, light source, and handle components. This flexible connection method accommodates the rotation of the shaft while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity, avoiding the need for complex rigid connectors or rotary joints.
3Area of moving object
If the working channel size is increased to accommodate larger tools, then the tool introduction capability is improved, but the shaft profile becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into distinct functional segments: a distal portion containing the camera, a proximal portion containing the light source, and a working channel extending through both portions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling larger tool access while maintaining a compact overall profile.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An endoscope includes a shaft assembly having proximal and distal ends and a longitudinal axis therebetween. A handle is coupled to the proximal end of the shaft assembly, and an elastomeric body housing an image sensor and at least one LED is comprises a distal end of the shaft. The elastomeric body is deformable between a repose straight insertion profile and a deflected offset profile by the insertion of a tool shaft through the shaft assembly and an expandable-collapsible working channel in the elastomeric body. The viewing angle of the image sensor is moved from a first selected angle to a second selected angle when the elastomeric body is actuated from the repose profile to the deflected offset profile.