Steerable Endoscope with Auxiliary Channels for Pull Wires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopes used for intubation procedures face challenges in navigating complex patient anatomy, requiring enhanced flexibility and control for effective visualization and tube insertion, particularly in cases where traditional laryngoscopes fail due to anatomical or health-related issues.
Innovation Solution
A steerable endoscope is manufactured using a single extrusion with an inner working channel and auxiliary channels for pull wires and electrical conductors, allowing for articulation of the distal tip through a drive system, and an outer jacket for flexibility and protection, enabling improved navigability and visualization during intubation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional rigid laryngoscope is used, then structural strength is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability to complex anatomy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope shaft is divided into multiple segments that can articulate relative to each other, allowing the distal tip to navigate complex anatomical paths while maintaining overall structural integrity through the segmented construction
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope incorporates dynamic articulation capability where the distal tip can be steered and positioned at various angles through pull wires that apply controlled forces to change the orientation of the tip, enabling adaptation to different anatomical configurations
2Ease of operation
If the endoscope shaft is made flexible for navigation, then navigability is improved, but structural stability and control precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the endoscope shaft have different levels of flexibility - the distal tip is highly flexible for navigation while the proximal portion maintains greater rigidity for stable control, with the articulation mechanism providing localized flexibility only where needed for positioning
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple auxiliary channels are added for pull wires and conductors, then articulation control and electrical functionality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple auxiliary channels for pull wires and electrical conductors are integrated within the wall structure of the endoscope shaft, with channels nested or positioned adjacent to each other, allowing multiple functions to coexist within the compact shaft geometry without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
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
The steerable endoscope enhances the efficiency of intubation by providing better visualization and control over the insertion of breathing tubes, facilitating procedures in complex anatomical conditions and improving patient comfort through reduced discomfort and anxiety.
Implementation Method 1
extruding a cross-section to form an extrusion. The extrusion includes an inner wall defining a first lumen; an outer wall defining a second lumen between the inner wall and the outer wall
Implementation Method 2
a spring wrapped around the bendable region and positioned interior to the outer jacket
Implementation Method 3
thermally reflowing the posts to secure the pull wire to the mounting ring
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to articulating endoscopes and methods for manufacturing articulating endoscopes. An example endoscope includes an outer jacket extending a length of the endoscope; an outer wall, interior to the outer jacket, of an extrusion extending at least 80% of the length of the endoscope and ending at a bendable region of the endoscope; an inner wall, interior to the outer wall, extending at least 90% of a length of the endoscope and through the bendable region, the inner wall defining a working channel through the endoscope; a plurality of fins extending from the inner wall to the outer wall and defining a plurality of auxiliary channels between the inner wall and the outer wall; a first pull wire extending through a first auxiliary channel of the plurality of auxiliary channels; and a second pull wire extending through a second auxiliary channel of the plurality of auxiliary channels.