Viscoelastic Composition for Endoscope Field-of-View Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face difficulties in maintaining a clear field of view when opaque dark-colored liquids or semi-solid materials obstruct the view, particularly during procedures like hemostasis, due to ineffective methods of liquid removal which often result in suspension or diffusion, making it hard to identify hemorrhage sites.
Innovation Solution
A viscoelastic composition with specific properties of hardness, viscosity, and loss tangent, along with controlled electrical conductivity, is injected through the endoscope to physically push aside obstructing materials and secure a clear field of view, facilitating simplified hemostasis treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If water is injected to wash away obstructing liquid or semi-solid material, then the field of view is temporarily cleared, but the removed material mixes with the injected water and diffuses throughout the canal, obstructing the field of view again
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the flushing medium by using a viscoelastic composition instead of water. This composition has specific viscosity (200-2000 mPa·s), hardness (≤550 N/m²), and loss tangent (≤0.6) values that enable it to push obstructing materials without causing suspension or diffusion, thereby maintaining field of view clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite viscoelastic composition containing a thickening substance (0.01-5% by weight) and water. This composite material combines the benefits of water-based flushing with the advantageous properties of viscoelasticity, creating a medium that effectively clears obstructions without the harmful mixing and diffusion effects of pure water.
2Illumination intensity
If gas is blown to remove liquid or semi-solid material, then the field of view is temporarily secured, but blood removal is particularly difficult at hemorrhage sites, making it hard to identify and treat the hemorrhage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the flushing medium from liquid (water) or gas (air) to a viscoelastic composition with specific rheological properties. The viscosity range (200-2000 mPa·s) and hardness (≤550 N/m²) enable effective blood removal from hemorrhage sites without the limitations of gas or water-based methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hydrogel composition is used to treat urinary or rectal incontinence, then the composition is crosslinked and cured with a buffer solution becoming sticky, but this crosslinking process may not be suitable for endoscopic applications where field of view clarity is critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the viscoelastic composition locally at the site of obstruction without requiring crosslinking or curing reactions. The composition maintains its functional properties in its current state, allowing it to be used specifically for endoscopic field of view clearance without the side effects of crosslinking agents or buffer solutions.
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 viscoelastic composition effectively maintains a clear field of view by not mixing with obstructing materials, allowing for precise observation and enabling electrocoagulation treatments by minimizing electrical interference.
Implementation Method 1
the inventors found that the use of a viscoelastic composition having elasticity together with viscosity is useful
Implementation Method 2
the viscoelastic composition having elasticity together with viscosity
Implementation Method 3
the viscoelastic composition having elasticity together with viscosity
Implementation Method 4
by adjusting the electrical conductivity of the viscoelastic composition, assistance of a simplified hemostasis treatment is possible
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a viscoelastic composition having excellent operability, which is suitable for use in securing the field of view of an endoscope when opaque dark-colored liquid accumulates inside a canal and obstructs the field of view of the endoscope, the viscoelastic composition securing the field of view by pushing the liquid aside, and to provide a method for securing the field of view of an endoscope using the viscoelastic composition. The viscoelastic composition for securing the field of view of an endoscope comprises a substance having viscoelastic properties and water, preferably has a hardness of 550 N/m2 or less, a viscosity (25° C.) of 200 to 2,000 mPa·s, and a loss tangent of 0.6 or less, and more preferably has an electrical conductivity of 250 μS/cm or less. The method for securing the field of view of an endoscope comprises feeding the viscoelastic composition from a proximal part of the endoscope, through a channel, into a distal part of the endoscope.