Steerable Access Sheath with Deflection Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic and laparoscopic medical devices face challenges in accessing tortuous body passageways and cavities, requiring multiple instruments through a single access sheath, which is cumbersome and expensive due to the need for frequent maintenance of flexible endoscopes.
Innovation Solution
A steerable access sheath with deflection sections and reinforcement layers for enhanced stiffness, allowing navigation through tortuous anatomy, combined with a working lumen and additional lumens for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, and an inexpensive optical system for image transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single access sheath is used to pass multiple instruments through, then the number of access points is reduced, but the complexity of operating all instruments simultaneously through the same sheath increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access sheath is divided into multiple separate lumens (first lumen, second lumen, third lumen) that can independently receive different instruments. This segmentation allows multiple instruments to pass through the single sheath simultaneously without interfering with each other, reducing operational complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The access sheath is designed as a multi-functional device that can receive and accommodate multiple different types of instruments (endoscope, retrieval basket, laser, safety wire, operating wire, irrigation system) through its multiple lumens. This universal design allows a single sheath to perform multiple access functions that would otherwise require multiple separate access points.
2Ease of operation
If flexible endoscopes are used for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, then the ability to navigate tortuous body passageways is improved, but the cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A rigid or semi-rigid endoscope is used as an intermediary tool that can be passed through the access sheath to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This endoscope serves as a mediator between the surgeon and the target tissue, providing navigation capability through body passageways without requiring expensive flexible endoscopes for every procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simpler, more durable endoscope design that replicates the essential functions of expensive flexible endoscopes (illumination, imaging, instrument passage) but with a rigid or semi-rigid construction that is less prone to damage and requires minimal maintenance, effectively creating a cost-effective alternative.
3Adaptability or versatility
If expensive endoscopic equipment is used, then diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities are improved, but the frequency of required overhauls and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access sheath and associated rigid endoscope system are designed as disposable or single-use components that can be discarded after a limited number of uses or a single procedure. This eliminates the need for expensive overhauls and maintenance, as the entire system is replaced rather than repaired, significantly reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of endoscope flexibility from flexible to rigid or semi-rigid, which fundamentally alters the maintenance requirements. Rigid endoscopes are much more durable and resistant to damage during cleaning and sterilization processes, reducing the frequency of overhauls and extending the service life between maintenance intervals.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C(1)~1E(1)
AI summary
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, an access sheath for positioning in a patient's body is provided. The access sheath comprises an elongated member having a proximal portion extending to a distal portion and a plurality of lumens formed therethrough including a working lumen and a first additional lumen. The first additional lumen is configured to receive an optical system or an irrigation system. The proximal portion has a stiffening section that includes a first coil and one of a braiding and a second coil which are disposed about the working lumen in concentric relationship with each other. The distal portion has a tip and a first deflection section and a second deflection section. The first deflection section is proximal to the tip and distal to the second deflection section. The first deflection section is configured to be actuated to bend at a first angle to position the tip. The second deflection section is configured to bend at a second angle to reposition the tip.