Tendon-Steered Flexible Endoscope for Distorted Brain Pathways

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopic procedures for treating hydrocephalus, such as endoscopic third ventriculostomy, face challenges due to the rigid nature of endoscopes, making it difficult to find a linear pathway through the brain that avoids important structures and distorted anatomy, leading to potential complications.

Innovation Solution

A steerable probe assembly with elastic members and tendons that allow bending in multiple directions, coupled with a tendon phase-shifting unit, enabling the probe to navigate complex brain anatomy and avoid obstacles, and a robotic system for intuitive control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid endoscope is used to maintain structural stability and control, then the endoscope can maintain its shape and positioning accuracy, but it cannot navigate through distorted brain anatomy and avoid obstacles effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to navigate complex brain anatomyVSAvoidstructural rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope shaft is divided into multiple rigid segments connected by flexible joints, allowing the instrument to bend and navigate complex pathways while maintaining structural integrity. Each segment can be independently positioned to navigate around obstacles while the overall structure remains stable for precise operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscope transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure with movable joints. The flexible segments can be actively positioned during the procedure to adapt to varying brain anatomy, while locking mechanisms maintain stability when a target position is reached

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a linear pathway is required to reach the third ventricle, then the procedure path is simple and direct, but it cannot avoid important blood vessels, functional areas and cranial nerves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of hemorrhaging and damage to important structuresVSAvoidprocedure path complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope is designed with curved and articulated capabilities, allowing it to follow non-linear pathways through the brain. The flexible segmented structure enables the instrument to bend at multiple angles to reach the third ventricle while circumventing critical structures that would be encountered in a direct linear approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the brain anatomy is distorted due to the disease process, then the disease can be treated, but finding an optimal linear pathway becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to adapt to distorted anatomyVSAvoiddifficulty of finding optimal pathway

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible articulated endoscope allows the surgeon to preliminarily explore the distorted brain pathways before committing to a specific route. The instrument can be gently maneuvered to test different trajectories and identify safe pathways to the third ventricle without forcing a linear route through distorted anatomy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscope's flexible segments allow changes in the pathway parameters (angles, curvature, depth) to adapt to the distorted anatomy. The instrument can dynamically adjust its configuration to match the altered brain geometry caused by the disease process while maintaining access to the target

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 probe assembly enhances the ability to safely and effectively reach target locations in the brain, reducing the risk of complications and improving the success rate of endoscopic procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a first elongated elastic member having a first side and an opposite second side, including a near end secured to the base member and extending therefrom to a far end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12557970B2Steerable and flexible robotic endoscopic tools for minimally invasive procedures

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 GEORGIA TECH RES CORP

AI summary

A probe part includes a base member defining a first bore. A first elongated elastic member includes a near end secured to the base member and extends therefrom to a far end and defines a channel in communication with the first bore and that runs lengthwise with the first elongated elastic member. A first tendon has a first end and an opposite second end that is secured to the first elongated elastic member adjacent to the far end. The first tendon runs through the channel adjacent the first side and exits through the first bore exiting outwardly therefrom. Applying tension to the first tendon causes the first elongated elastic member to bend in the direction of the first side.