Shaped Endoscopy Insert for Colon Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
During endoscopy procedures like colonoscopy, the difficulty in advancing the endoscope due to intestinal looping leads to patient discomfort, longer examination times, and potential inaccuracies, while manual pressure application by technicians is time-consuming and physically demanding.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that apply both broad, uniform lower abdominal pressure and location-specific pressure to the colon and small bowel, using a compression device with a primary wrap and secondary straps, and an insert that helps maintain colon position and guide the endoscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pressure is applied by technician to support the patient's colon, then the colonoscope advancement is facilitated, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and physically demanding for the technician
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic compression wrap is applied to the patient's abdomen before the colonoscopy procedure begins, pre-positioning the colon in a favorable orientation for scope advancement. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming manual pressure application during the procedure, as the colon is already supported and positioned optimally from the start
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic compression wrap provides continuous, automatic pressure to the abdomen without requiring ongoing manual intervention by the technician. The device serves itself by maintaining constant colon support throughout the procedure, eliminating the repetitive manual pressure application that consumes technician time and physical energy
2Ease of operation
If manual pressure is applied by technician to support the patient's colon, then the colonoscope advancement is facilitated, but the technician experiences physical toll and musculoskeletal injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic compression wrap is designed to automatically apply and maintain the necessary pressure to the patient's abdomen without requiring the technician to physically exert force. The device's elastic properties enable it to self-adjust and sustain compression throughout the procedure, completely eliminating the physical toll and musculoskeletal injury risk that would otherwise be experienced by the technician
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic compression wrap acts as an intermediary device between the technician and the patient's colon. Instead of the technician directly applying manual pressure to the patient's body, the wrap serves as a mediator that translates the need for abdominal compression into a safe, sustained, and adjustable mechanical force, protecting the technician from physical injury while still achieving the desired colon support
3Productivity
If the colon becomes over-distended or flopped in unnatural directions creating loops, then the colonoscope advancement is hindered, but patient discomfort increases and examination accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic compression wrap is applied before the procedure to prevent the colon from becoming over-distended or flopped into unnatural positions. By pre-positioning the colon and maintaining appropriate pressure, the device prevents loop formation before it can occur, ensuring smooth scope advancement and eliminating patient discomfort related to colonic distention and looping
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic compression wrap provides continuous feedback pressure to the patient's abdomen, automatically adjusting to maintain optimal colon positioning throughout the procedure. As the colon responds to the compression, the wrap's elastic properties allow it to dynamically adapt, preventing over-distention and unnatural flopping that would cause patient discomfort and hinder scope advancement
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 solution facilitates easier advancement and withdrawal of the endoscope, improves patient safety and comfort, reduces musculoskeletal injury risk for healthcare providers, and enhances visualization during the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
an insert that can be used in connection with an support device that applied pressure through compression
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for helping to direct endoscope movement and/or applying pressure to a patient's abdomen during an endoscopy procedure. An apparatus for placement at an abdomen of a patient in connection with an endoscopy procedure, includes a main body having a curved surface, wherein the main body is configured to extend across and curve along at least a portion of the abdomen of the patient. The apparatus also includes at least one contour in an exterior of the main body, wherein the at least one contour is shaped to guide movement of an endoscope during one or more of insertion or withdrawal of the endoscopy procedure.