Steerable Endoscopic Tissue Cutter With Integrated Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for cutting tissue endoscopically lack maneuverability and steering capabilities, leading to increased procedural times, costs, and risks of damaging surrounding tissue during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a steerable cutting mechanism integrated into its distal end, equipped with high-frequency electrical cutting capabilities, illumination, and imaging, allowing for precise tissue cutting and reduced device manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional non-steerable cutting devices are used, then device structure is simple, but maneuverability is poor and tissue damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into multiple segments with articulation joints, allowing each segment to be independently controlled. This segmentation enables the distal portion to be steered in multiple directions while keeping the proximal portion simple for manipulation through the delivery device.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation portion is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the operator to change the bending angle and direction of the distal shaft portion during the procedure. This dynamic capability improves maneuverability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Productivity
If multiple device manipulations are performed, then tissue cutting can be achieved, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting electrode, imaging device, and lighting element are merged into a single integrated distal assembly that can be positioned precisely using the steerable shaft. This integration allows all functions to be performed with one device manipulation sequence, eliminating the need for multiple separate manipulations and reducing procedural time.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device and lighting element are pre-positioned on the distal end of the shaft during device assembly, allowing the operator to visualize the tissue and plan the cutting path before actually performing the cutting maneuver, thereby streamlining the overall procedure.
3Manufacturing precision
If non-steerable cutting devices are used, then device structure is simple, but precision and safety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is segmented into controllable portions with articulation joints, enabling precise positioning of the distal end at the target tissue location. This segmentation provides the precision needed for accurate cutting while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical steering capability provided by the articulation portion allows for precise positioning without requiring complex external mechanical manipulation systems. The integrated electrically-controlled articulation mechanism provides precision while minimizing external complexity.
4Ease of operation
If steerable articulation is added, then maneuverability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into multiple segments with articulation joints, allowing the steerable function to be implemented through simple mechanical joints rather than a complex continuous mechanism. This segmentation approach provides maneuverability while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation portion is nested within the shaft structure, with the bending mechanism contained within the segmented shaft design. This nesting allows the steerable functionality to be integrated into the existing device architecture without adding significant external 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 cutting device improves procedural efficiency, reduces tissue damage, and minimizes the need for multiple device manipulations, enhancing surgical precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode may be configured to cut tissue using high-frequency electrical currents
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device may include a handle and an insertion portion extending from the handle. The insertion portion may include a shaft and a cap. The shaft may have a proximal end and a distal end. A distal portion of the shaft may include an articulation portion. The articulation portion may be configured to bend the distal portion of the shaft in at least two directions. The cap may be fixed to the distal end of the shaft. The cap may include an imaging device, a lighting element, and an electrode. The electrode may be configured to cut a material using a high-frequency electrical current.