Variable-Exposure Endoscopic Needle for Controlled Tissue Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic procedures face challenges in controlling the depth of needle penetration into tissue, particularly during injections between tissue layers, risking unintended penetration of the peritoneum and complications such as infection.
Innovation Solution
A device with an elongate hollow member and end effector, where the distal portion flares outward from the working channel to control penetration depth, and an annular seal prevents gas leakage, allowing precise tissue engagement and fluid injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a needle is used for fluid injection between tissue layers, then the injection can be performed, but the needle may penetrate the entire thickness of tissue and enter the peritoneum
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: an insertion instrument with a working channel, an elongate hollow member with a distal portion that flares outward, and an end effector. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the insertion instrument provides access, the elongate hollow member with its flared distal portion defines the maximum penetration depth, and the end effector delivers the fluid injection.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate hollow member acts as an intermediary between the insertion instrument and the tissue target. Its distal portion, which flares outward to a diameter greater than the working channel, serves as a mechanical stop that prevents the needle from penetrating beyond the desired depth into the peritoneum, while still allowing fluid injection at the controlled depth.
2Reliability
If the distal portion diameter is made greater than the working channel diameter, then penetration depth is controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate hollow member is formed from a flexible biocompatible polymer that can be collapsed into a small diameter for insertion through the working channel, then expands to a larger diameter at the distal portion to define the penetration depth limit. This flexible structure provides the depth control function without requiring complex mechanical components, effectively resolving the contradiction between depth control and device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device controlling a penetration depth of an endoscopic instrument includes a member and an effector. The member includes a proximal portion extending from a proximal end to a distal portion having an open distal end. The distal portion is received within a working channel of an insertion instrument in Insertion Configuration. The distal portion flares laterally outward from the proximal portion so that Diameter of the open distal end is greater than Diameter of the proximal portion. The member moves the distal portion between Insertion Configuration and Operative Configuration in which the distal portion extends distally beyond a distal end of the channel. The effector moves between Retracted Configuration in which a distal end of the effector is received within the member and Extended Configuration in which the effector is moved distally beyond the distal end of the member to penetrate tissue to a desired depth.