Steerable Micro-Endoscope With Bending-Activated Electrode Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steerable catheters and endoscopes require access to the proximal end of a guidewire or other guiding means, complicating their insertion and navigation in body vessels and cavities.
Innovation Solution
A steerable micro-endoscope with a remotely controlled, axially rotatable elongated member featuring a tensioning wire system that allows bending of the distal end without exposing the electrode wire, combined with a catheter design that does not require access to the proximal end of a guidewire, utilizing a torque braid and durometer differential for flexibility and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a catheter is introduced using a straightening guide wire or outer sleeve assembly, then the catheter can be guided to the desired position, but the procedure requires access to the proximal end of the guidewire which complicates insertion and navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the proximal end access requirement from the catheter insertion process by introducing the catheter through the distal end of the guidewire. This eliminates the need to access and manipulate the proximal end of the guidewire, simplifying the overall procedure while maintaining effective catheter delivery and positioning capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional catheter delivery approach by passing the catheter through the distal end of the guidewire rather than sliding it over the proximal end. This reverse approach maintains guidewire functionality while eliminating the complexity of proximal end access and manipulation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distal end of the elongated member is made flexible for navigation, then it can bend to follow body vessels, but the electrode wire may unintentionally protrude or become compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different durometer values to different portions of the elongated member, creating a gradient of flexibility. The distal portion has lower durometer for enhanced flexibility and navigation capability, while the proximal portion maintains higher durometer to provide structural support and prevent electrode wire protrusion, thus locally optimizing both flexibility and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of durometer along the length of the elongated member to achieve different mechanical properties in different regions. This parameter gradient allows the distal end to be sufficiently flexible for navigation while the proximal end remains rigid enough to protect the electrode wire from unintended protrusion
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the elongated member is made highly flexible for minimal invasion, then it can navigate body vessels easily, but the structural control and steering precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the elongated member into multiple portions with different durometer values, creating distinct functional zones. The proximal portion provides structural control for precise steering, while the distal portion provides flexibility for minimal invasion and navigation, with each segment optimized for its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different mechanical properties (durometer values) to different local portions of the elongated member. The proximal portion has higher durometer for structural integrity and steering control, while the distal portion has lower durometer for flexibility and minimal tissue disruption, achieving both control precision and minimal invasion simultaneously
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
Enables minimally invasive surgery with precise control over the distal end, allowing for easy insertion and navigation within body vessels and cavities while maintaining the integrity of the guidewire path.
Implementation Method 1
a tensioning wire running in the first lumen and attached at the distal end of the elongated member; the first lumen being arranged such that the distal portion of the elongated body bends when the tensioning wire is pulled
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a torque braid and durometer differential for flexibility and control
Implementation Method 3
the elongated member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, having respectively a first durometer and a second durometer lower than the first durometer
Data Source
AI summary
A steerable micro-endoscope comprising a cylindrical elongated member having at least a first lumen, a tensioning wire running in the first lumen and attached at the distal end of the elongated member;the elongated member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, having respectively a first durometer and a second durometer lower than the first durometer; the first lumen being arranged such that the distal portion of the elongated body bends when the tensioning wire is pulled;wherein the elongated member comprises a second lumen; an electrode wire being arranged in the second lumen such that the distal end of the electrode wire does not protrude from the distal portion of the elongated member when the elongated member is not bent, and such that the distal end of the electrode wire protrudes from the distal portion of the elongated member when the elongated member is bent.