Movable Accessory Channel Irrigation for Endoscope Lens Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional endoscope systems face challenges during ERCP procedures due to occlusion of the camera lens or light source by residues in the GI tract, and accessing narrow bile duct regions while maintaining endoscopic vision and instrument use is difficult.
Innovation Solution
The scope system features an elongate tube with movable accessory channels that include a camera channel and irrigation system, allowing for fluid to be directed to a distal irrigation opening to clean the camera lens and light source, and a stop feature for precise alignment of accessories, enabling effective navigation and diagnostics in narrow anatomical regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the endoscope is used in GI tract procedures, then endoscopic vision can be provided for navigation and instrument use, but the camera lens or light source becomes occluded by residues
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation system is activated before and during imaging to prevent residues from occluding the camera lens or light source. Fluid is delivered through the accessory channel to the distal end of the scope, cleaning the optical components proactively before contamination can interfere with endoscopic vision.
Solution Approach 2:
Irrigation fluid serves as an intermediary substance between the residues and the camera lens/light source. The fluid flows over the optical components, carrying away contaminants and maintaining clear vision without requiring direct contact between the residues and the lens.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the scope travels in the liver direction to access narrow bile duct regions, then access to disease areas is achieved, but the inner diameter of lumens becomes progressively smaller making navigation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory channel with irrigation system is nested within the scope structure, allowing the irrigation catheter to be advanced through the scope's lumen to the distal end. This nested configuration enables fluid delivery to narrow regions while maintaining a compact overall structure that can navigate tight anatomical spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic principles are used to deliver irrigation fluid through the accessory channel to the distal end of the scope. The fluid flow provides both cleaning function and potential hydrostatic pressure to facilitate navigation through narrow bile duct regions, enabling access to disease areas despite reduced lumen diameters.
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
This design enhances the reliability of endoscope systems by effectively clearing occlusions and allowing access to narrow bile duct regions, ensuring continuous endoscopic vision and instrument use during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The accessory channel may be moveable relative to the distal portion of the elongate tube and may be configured to direct fluid to an irrigation opening located at a distal end of the accessory channel.
Data Source
AI summary
A scope system may comprise an elongate tube having a lumen extending therethrough. The elongate tube may have a distal portion. The scope system may further comprise at least one accessory channel extending at least partially through the lumen. The accessory channel may comprise a tubular structure having an accessory lumen extending therethrough. The accessory channel may be moveable relative to the distal portion of the elongate tube and may be configured to direct fluid to an irrigation opening located at a distal end of the accessory channel.