Trans-Nasal Endoscope with Distraction Goggles for Pediatric Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic devices are inadequate for assessing esophageal and other mucosal conditions in pediatric and small adult patients, as they are too large, lack necessary features, and require sedation, making them uncomfortable and costly, while existing alternatives like trans-nasal endoscopy are not suitable for these populations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a trans-nasal endoscope with a distraction device that includes goggles with a display to occlude the patient's vision, allowing for unsedated procedures, and sensors to detect the endoscope's position, enabling effective assessment of esophageal, gastric, and bronchial mucosa with reduced anxiety and discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional endoscopic devices are used for pediatric and small adult patients, then adequate mucosal assessment can be achieved, but the devices are too large and require sedation making them uncomfortable and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscopic system is divided into separate functional modules: a trans-nasal scope for visualization, a separate biopsy forceps system for tissue sampling, and an integrated imaging system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling adequate mucosal assessment with smaller, more comfortable components suitable for pediatric and small adult patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions into a unified platform that can perform trans-nasal endoscopy, real-time imaging, biopsy sampling, and procedural guidance across different patient populations and anatomical sites. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate devices, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining adequate assessment capability.
2Ease of operation
If traditional sedated endoscopy is used, then adequate procedural control can be achieved, but it increases cost and patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time imaging feedback and positional monitoring that provides continuous information to the operator about scope location and mucosal conditions. This feedback loop enables precise procedural control without sedation, as the operator can visually guide the procedure and make immediate adjustments based on live imagery, eliminating the need for pharmacological control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be operator-controlled without requiring patient compliance through sedation. The intuitive controls and real-time visual feedback enable the operator to guide the procedure independently, with the patient remaining conscious and cooperative. This self-service approach transfers control from pharmacological management to operator skill and real-time visual guidance.
3Length of moving object
If trans-nasal endoscopy is used for pediatric patients, then device size is reduced, but the procedure becomes more challenging and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs nested components where the trans-nasal scope can be inserted through the patient's nasal passage, and biopsy forceps can be passed through the scope's working channel. This nesting arrangement allows adequate mucosal assessment and tissue sampling through a single small access point, simplifying the overall procedural approach despite the reduced device size and challenging anatomy of pediatric patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time imaging as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the small trans-nasal scope and the larger external imaging systems. This intermediary visual feedback mechanism translates the microscopic views from the pediatric scope into actionable information for the operator, reducing procedural complexity by providing clear visual guidance despite the challenging access route.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If smaller endoscopic devices are used for pediatric patients, then patient comfort is improved, but functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functional capabilities into the trans-nasal endoscopic platform: high-resolution imaging, real-time video feedback, biopsy sampling through integrated forceps, and positional monitoring. This combination ensures that despite the smaller device size improving patient comfort, the integrated functionality maintains adequate mucosal assessment capability across different patient populations and clinical indications.
Data Source
AI summary
A system having a scope with a longitudinal length extending between a proximal end and a distal end includes a plurality of markers spaced along the longitudinal length. The system also includes a disassociation and positioning device that is configured to enhance unsedated transnasal endoscopic procedures by at least partially occluding the vision of a patient while enabling body cavity access, and optionally record and sense body functions such as temperature, heart rate and oxygenation of the blood stream. The system further includes a sensor integrated into the distraction device, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the markers on the longitudinal length of the scope.