Ultrasonic Endoscope Observation Window Repositioning for Tool Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic endoscopes with existing treatment tool erecting bases have low accuracy in positioning tools like puncture needles or stents due to the observation portion being on the same side as the treatment tool lead-out, making it difficult to observe the proximal end of the tool and requiring field view changes when the ultrasonic transducer is in contact with tissue.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic endoscope design includes a treatment tool lead-out portion with an opening direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the distal end rigid portion, an observation window on the proximal end side of the opening forming surface, and a treatment tool erecting base that adjusts the lead-out direction, allowing the treatment tool to be led out on the distal end side relative to the observation window, reducing blind areas and enabling observation of the treatment tool within the field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the observation portion is disposed on the same side as the treatment tool lead-out portion, then the device structure is simplified, but the positioning accuracy of the treatment tool is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the observation window from the lateral side to the proximal end side of the opening forming surface, creating a new spatial dimension for observation. This dimensional change allows the observation portion to view the treatment tool from a different angle, eliminating the blind spot problem while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the treatment tool is led out from the side of the ultrasonic transducer, then the lead-out direction can be adjusted, but the treatment tool enters from the periphery of the monitor screen reducing positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the lead-out geometry by positioning the opening on the proximal end side rather than the lateral side. This dimensional repositioning allows the treatment tool to enter the field of view from the center of the monitor screen while still maintaining adjustable lead-out directions through the erecting base mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If the ultrasonic transducer is in contact with the tissue surface, then observation accuracy is improved, but the proximal end portion of the treatment tool cannot be observed requiring field of view changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the observation window to the proximal end side of the opening forming surface, creating a new viewing dimension. This allows the proximal end portion of the treatment tool to be observed directly without requiring field of view changes or pulling the insertion section, while maintaining accurate tissue surface observation through the ultrasonic transducer.
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
This design enhances the accuracy of tool positioning and allows reliable treatment by ensuring the treatment tool is within the observation window's field of view, reducing horizontal displacement and facilitating precise insertion, even when the ultrasonic transducer is in contact with tissue.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer 50 that is disposed in the distal end rigid portion 34
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic endoscope includes a distal end rigid portion that is located at a distal end of an insertion section; a treatment tool lead-out portion that is disposed on a proximal end side of an ultrasonic transducer and that includes an erecting base housing portion that has an opening whose opening direction is toward one side in a first direction, an opening forming surface in which the opening is formed, and a treatment-tool erecting base that is disposed in an inside of the erecting base housing portion and that changes a lead-out direction of a treatment tool; and an observation window that is disposed in an observation means forming surface located on the proximal end side of the opening forming surface. The position of the observation window in the first direction is located on one side in the first direction relative to a one-side opening position of the opening.