Vibrating Endoscope Sheath for Ureteral Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscope surgery devices often cause ureteral injury during insertion due to the larger diameter of the external sheath compared to the ureter, leading to complications like ureteral stricture, with existing technologies failing to adequately address this issue.

Innovation Solution

An endoscope surgery device equipped with a vibration unit that generates ultrasonic vibrations to reduce friction between the sheath and the ureter, featuring a pressure sensor to stop vibrations when a threshold pressure is reached, thereby minimizing ureteral damage and preventing excessive insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the external sheath diameter is increased to accommodate surgery members, then the structural strength and functionality are improved, but the ureteral injury risk increases due to larger diameter compared to ureter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidureteral injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies ultrasonic vibration to the external sheath surface during insertion. The vibration unit generates high-frequency vibrations (20-100 kHz) that reduce friction between the sheath and ureter wall, enabling easier passage of the larger-diameter sheath through the ureter while minimizing mechanical damage to the ureteral tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the sheath surface by applying vibrational energy, temporarily altering surface properties during insertion. The vibration intensity and frequency are controlled to optimize the reduction of friction coefficients, allowing the sheath to pass through the ureter with minimal resistance and damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the sheath is inserted deeper into the ureter for effective surgery, then the surgical effectiveness is improved, but the excessive insertion causes increased ureteral damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical effectivenessVSAvoidureteral damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor the contact pressure between the sheath and ureter wall during insertion. When the pressure exceeds a predetermined safety threshold, the system provides feedback to stop further insertion or reduce vibration intensity, preventing excessive depth insertion that would cause ureteral damage while allowing sufficient insertion for effective surgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the vibration intensity and insertion depth dynamically adjustable based on real-time conditions. The vibration unit can modulate its output based on tissue resistance and pressure feedback, allowing the system to adapt to varying ureteral conditions during the procedure to maximize surgical effectiveness while minimizing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the friction between sheath and ureter is reduced for easier insertion, then the insertion ease is improved, but the ureteral damage prevention mechanism must be added

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion easeVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the external sheath structure: the sheath serves as both the structural conduit for surgery members and the vibration-transmitting element. The vibration unit is integrated with the sheath assembly, and pressure sensors are incorporated into the same structure, reducing the need for separate components and minimizing overall device complexity while achieving friction reduction and damage prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The device effectively decreases the risk of ureteral injury by reducing friction and preventing excessive pressure, allowing for easier insertion and minimizing long-term complications such as ureteral stricture.

Implementation Method 1

the vibration unit may generate an ultrasonic vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a vibration is applied to a sheath of an endoscope surgery device, and thus a friction force between the ureter and the sheath may be decreased

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction through vibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

a pressure sensor disposed between the vibration member and the surgery unit, to measure an inserting pressure of the surgery unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11628035B2Endoscope surgery device

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 IND ACADEMIC COOP FOUND YONSEI UNIV

AI summary

An endoscope surgery device includes a vibration unit and a surgery unit. The vibration unit generates a vibration. The surgery unit includes a sheath and a surgery member. The sheath has a tube shape with a hollow extended in a longitudinal direction, and is entirely vibrated due to the vibration from the vibration unit with inserted into the ureter. The surgery unit passes through the hollow of the sheath, and is extended to an end of the sheath for an surgical procedures on the ureter.