Two-Stage Bronchoscope with Nested Distal Stage for Narrow Airway Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bronchoscopes, including robotic ones, are limited by their diameter and flexibility, making it difficult to access and treat lung lesions in the outer third of the lungs, where 70% of lung lesions are located, due to their minimum diameter of 3.5 to 4.2 mm and limited articulation radius, which restricts their ability to navigate the narrow and twisting bronchial tree.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage bronchoscope design with a distal stage capable of extremely narrow diameters, allowing for precision-driven navigation through the bronchial tree, combined with a steerable introducer sheath and robotic control, enabling access to previously inaccessible areas without damaging vascular structures, and equipped with tools for biopsy and therapy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If prior art bronchoscopes with minimum diameter of 3.5 to 4.2 mm are used, then structural strength and stability are maintained, but access to narrow bronchial passages in the outer third of the lungs is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The bronchoscope is divided into two stages: a larger proximal stage (3.5-4.2 mm diameter) that provides structural strength and stability, and a smaller distal stage (sub-3 mm diameter) that enables access to narrow bronchial passages. The distal stage can be advanced through the proximal stage to reach inaccessible areas while the proximal stage maintains overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal stage is nested within the proximal stage, allowing the smaller diameter distal stage to pass through the larger proximal stage. This nested configuration enables the system to combine the structural advantages of a larger bronchoscope with the access capabilities of a smaller one, resolving the contradiction between diameter and strength.
2Ease of operation
If prior art bronchoscopes with limited articulation radius are used, then device complexity is reduced, but maneuverability through twisting bronchial tree is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bronchoscope incorporates dynamic articulation capabilities with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the distal stage to bend and rotate independently relative to the proximal stage. This dynamic configuration enables the device to navigate twisting bronchial passages by adapting its shape in real-time, significantly improving maneuverability through complex anatomical pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation system adds rotational and bending dimensions to the bronchoscope's movement capabilities. Instead of limited linear advancement, the distal stage can articulate in multiple planes and rotate around the proximal stage axis, creating additional degrees of freedom that enable navigation through three-dimensional twisting bronchial tree structures.
3Ease of operation
If wire tips with limited flexibility are attached to bronchoscope, then biopsy capability is provided, but flexibility and maneuverability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The biopsy capability is merged with the flexible distal stage rather than using separate rigid wire tips. The distal stage itself is designed with both flexibility for navigation and integrated biopsy tools, combining the advantages of flexible maneuverability and effective biopsy capability in a single unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal stage serves multiple functions: navigation through narrow passages, articulation to reach targets, and performing biopsies. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate rigid wire tips, as the distal stage itself can execute biopsy procedures while maintaining flexibility and adaptability throughout the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-stage catheter device configured to navigate through complex narrow tissue openings such as lung bronchi pathway openings of 3 millimeters or less. The device comprises a proximal catheter portion containing a hollow torque shaft, with a distal catheter portion connected to the proximal portion by a rotatable coupler connected to this hollow shaft. The distal position of the proximal catheter can be controlled by up to four independently controlled proximal stage steering cables positioned outside of the shaft, and the shaft itself can be used to rotate the distal catheter about the rotatable coupler. The position of the distal end of the distal catheter can be further controlled by up to four independently controlled distal stage steering cables positioned inside of the hollow shaft. The device is tipped by a tool plate, which can be equipped with various sensors and other instruments, connected to the outside via other conduits.