Surgical Tool Positioning Device for Endoscope Advancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an endoscope positioning device that can traverse deep into a body vessel without damaging it, as existing devices face challenges due to the curvature of the vessel in natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device comprising a housing, a sleeve with an inverted distal portion, and a source of pressurized fluid, where the sleeve is advanced using pressurized fluid to navigate through the body vessel, with an annular support mechanism and clamps to control advancement, allowing the endoscope to reach deep within the vessel safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the endoscope is advanced deep into the curved body vessel, then the ability to access target tissue is improved, but the risk of damaging the body vessel increases
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning device with a housing, sleeve, and pressurized fluid system is introduced as an intermediary between the endoscope and the body vessel. The device delivers the endoscope to the target site and uses controlled pressurization to advance the sleeve, thereby mediating the interaction to prevent direct damage to the vessel while achieving deep access
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter of the fluid within the sleeve to control advancement. By adjusting the pressurized fluid parameters, the device can advance the endoscope through curved vessels in a controlled manner that adapts to vessel geometry without causing damage
2Length of moving object
If the endoscope is advanced through curved body vessels, then access to deep target tissue is improved, but the ability to control positioning accurately deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device incorporates feedback mechanisms including markers visible through the endoscope and a positioning system that provides real-time information about the device's location. This feedback loop enables accurate positioning control as the device navigates through curved vessels to reach deep target tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct manual mechanical manipulation with a pressurized fluid delivery mechanism. The fluid pressure system provides more precise and controllable advancement compared to manual pushing, enabling better positioning accuracy through curved anatomical pathways
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a positioning device is introduced to deliver the endoscope, then the safety of the body vessel is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device employs a nested structure where the endoscope is contained within the sleeve, which is contained within the housing. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple components into a single integrated delivery system, reducing operational complexity while maintaining safety features
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device performs multiple functions: it protects the body vessel during insertion, delivers the endoscope to the target site, provides controlled advancement through pressurization, and enables positioning feedback. This multi-functionality consolidates several separate devices into one, managing complexity through integration
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 device effectively advances the endoscope deep into the body vessel, enabling precise visualization and treatment while minimizing damage to the vessel, facilitating procedures like colonoscopy and other endoscopic surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
when pressurized fluid is directed into the pressure chamber, the pressurized fluid enters the cavity of the inverted distal portion of the sleeve to advance the inverted distal portion of the sleeve away from the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning device is provided for delivering or guiding a surgical device into a lumen of a body vessel to a position adjacent target tissue. The device includes a housing, an elongate sleeve, and a source of pressurized fluid. The sleeve has a first end coupled to a delivery side of the housing, a second end positioned on a return side of the housing, and an inverted distal portion positioned between the first and second ends. One second end of the sleeve can be furled about a support member supported on the housing. A distal portion of the sleeve defines a cavity that communicates with a pressure chamber within the housing. When pressurized fluid is directed into the pressure chamber, the pressurized fluid flows into the cavity of the distal portion of the sleeve to advance the sleeve away from the housing.