Sheathed Duodenoscope With Liquid Optical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Duodenoscopes used in medical procedures face challenges with inadequate disinfection due to the intolerance of charge-coupled device (CCD) components to high temperatures and pressures, and existing disposable covers compromise image quality due to stray light interference.
Innovation Solution
A sheathed endoscope design utilizing a disposable component with an end cap and transparent liquid-filled capsule to protect the endoscope from contamination and minimize stray light interference, featuring windows, a cuff, and a biopsy channel, with a mechanism to break the capsule and fill the space between the end cap and the distal end portion of the shaft with transparent liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a disposable cover is used to protect the endoscope, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to stray light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical coupling medium (transparent liquid or gel) as an intermediary substance between the disposable cover and the endoscope lens. This coupling medium fills the gaps and interfaces to eliminate air pockets that cause stray light reflection and refraction, thereby maintaining image quality while preserving the disinfection benefits of the disposable cover
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable endoscope cover that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for complex sterilization of the endoscope itself. This approach protects the expensive endoscope from contamination while using a low-cost, single-use component
2Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope structure is made more complicated to include additional components, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases and risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the endoscope system into distinct functional modules: a reusable endoscope body and a disposable cover assembly. The disposable cover itself is segmented into multiple layers including an outer protective layer, an optical coupling layer, and sealing elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall system management
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cover is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing physical protection, ensuring disinfection isolation, eliminating optical interference through the coupling medium, and maintaining sealing integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
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
Effectively prevents cross-contamination and stray light interference, ensuring effective disinfection and maintaining image quality by covering all contacting surfaces and optimizing light transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the transparent liquid contained in the capsule filling a space between the end cap and the plurality of windows located in the distal end portion of the shaft of the endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is for an endoscope assembly comprising an endoscope and a disposable sheath cover. The endoscope comprises an illumination window adjacent to an observation window situated along a lateral side of a distal end portion, and an elongated slot to accommodate biopsy instruments. The sheath further comprises an end cap fitted around the end portion of the endoscope with a capsule secured to its inner wall. When the end cap engages the endoscope, the capsule is ruptured to release a transparent liquid immersing the illumination window and the observation window. A soft connector is bonded to the end cap covering the elongated slot, and to an outer surface of a biopsy channel. The soft connector further comprises an opening allowing the biopsy channel to pass through. The sheath can accommodate air/water tubes, and is secured onto the shaft of the endoscope via a cuff.