Trans-Nasal Endoscope Fluid Control and Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trans-nasal endoscopy procedures for assessing esophageal mucosa are uncomfortable for patients due to the size of the endoscopes used, which can cause physical and mental distress, and are not suitable for pediatric or small adult patients, necessitating a more adaptable and comfortable solution.
Innovation Solution
A trans-nasal endoscope with a minimized outer diameter and enhanced steering capabilities, along with a larger working channel, designed for both sedated and unsedated use, to reduce patient discomfort and anxiety, and suitable for pediatric and small adult patients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the outer diameter of the endoscope is minimized to reduce patient discomfort, then patient comfort and safety are improved, but the working channel diameter is reduced, limiting tool introduction capability
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into multiple functional segments including a distal section with working channel, intermediate section with fluid control mechanisms, and proximal section with control interfaces. This segmentation allows optimization of each section independently - the distal section can have minimal outer diameter for comfort while the intermediate section houses fluid control mechanisms that manage irrigation and suction to maintain clear visualization through the working channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested fluid control mechanisms where irrigation and suction channels are positioned concentrically within the endoscope structure. The irrigation channel can be positioned inside or adjacent to the suction channel, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously through the minimized outer diameter without compromising tool introduction capability through the working channel.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope diameter is reduced for pediatric and small adult patients, then adaptability to different patient populations is improved, but steering capabilities and visualization functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope incorporates dynamic steering mechanisms with control wires that run longitudinally through the shaft, allowing the distal tip to be steered in multiple directions (up, down, left, right) despite the minimized diameter. The fluid control mechanisms are designed to be actuable from the proximal section, providing real-time adjustment of irrigation and suction to maintain visualization during dynamic steering operations in pediatric and small adult patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope shaft utilizes flexible materials and thin-walled construction to achieve minimized outer diameter while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength for steering. The flexible construction allows the thin shaft to bend and steer through anatomical structures without compromising structural integrity, while the fluid control mechanisms compensate for any visualization challenges arising from the reduced diameter.
3Ease of operation
If the working channel diameter is maximized for tool introduction, then procedural capability is improved, but the outer diameter increases, causing patient discomfort and anxiety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pneumatic and hydraulic fluid control mechanisms that use pressurized irrigation fluid to maintain clear visualization through the working channel during tool introduction. The hydraulic system allows efficient flushing of debris and maintenance of optimal viewing conditions, enabling adequate working channel diameter for tool introduction while keeping the outer diameter minimized to reduce patient anxiety and discomfort.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for an endoscope for use in a surgical procedure, e.g., a pediatric trans-nasal endoscopy procedure. The endoscope may include a handle for gripping by a user, and a shaft extending from the handle. The shaft may have a working channel extending longitudinally therethrough and a distal region configured to be inserted into a patient. A fluid control mechanism on the handle may be actuatable by a user to selectively control the flow of at least one of air, suction or water through the working channel. The working channel may include a bifurcation region that splits the working channel into a first channel through which a surgical instrument can be introduced into the working channel, and a second channel configured to selectively convey at least one of air, suction or water into the working channel. A tubing set may be connected to the handle, the tubing set including a second air tube that may be configured to convey air from an air source to a water source so as to pressurize the water source and thereby push water from the water source towards the working channel.