Viscous Filler Insert for Endoscopy Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
During endoscopy procedures like colonoscopy, the difficulty in advancing the endoscope due to intestinal looping leads to patient discomfort, longer examination times, and potential inaccuracies, while manual pressure application by technicians is time-consuming and physically demanding.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that apply both broad, uniform lower abdominal pressure and location-specific pressure to the colon, using an insert with a density similar to adipose tissue to facilitate the advancement, withdrawal, and visualization of the endoscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pressure is applied by technicians to support the patient's colon, then the advancement of the colonoscope is improved, but the time consumption and physical demand on technicians increase
Solution Approach 1:
A support device with a support element is introduced as an intermediary between the technician and the patient's colon. The support element is positioned within the colon to provide internal support and reduce looping, eliminating the need for continuous manual pressure application by the technician. This mediator device maintains colon support passively throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is designed to automatically adapt to the patient's anatomy and provide self-supporting functionality. The support element self-adjusts within the colon to maintain proper positioning and reduce looping without requiring continuous manual intervention. The device serves itself by utilizing the colon's natural structure to provide support.
2Ease of operation
If manual pressure is applied by technicians to support the patient's colon, then the advancement of the colonoscope is improved, but the physical toll on technicians increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device acts as a mediator that transfers the support function from the technician's body to a dedicated device. The support element positioned within the colon provides the necessary mechanical support to reduce looping and facilitate scope advancement, eliminating the need for technicians to apply continuous manual pressure and thereby preventing musculoskeletal injuries.
3Ease of operation
If the patient is rolled from left side to supine or prone position to apply differential pressure, then the orientation of the colon is improved, but the difficulty of the task with sedated patients increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device automatically adapts to the patient's position and anatomy without requiring active repositioning. The support element self-adjusts within the colon to maintain effective orientation and support regardless of patient positioning, eliminating the need for complex manual maneuvers to change patient orientation.
4Productivity
If the colon becomes over-distended or flopped in unnatural directions, then loops are created that hinder advancement, but the examination time and accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is positioned within the colon before the endoscope advancement to prevent looping from occurring in the first place. By providing internal support and maintaining proper colon orientation ahead of time, the device prevents the formation of loops that would otherwise hinder scope advancement and reduce examination efficiency.
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 solution reduces intestinal looping, eliminates the need for manual pressure, improves patient safety and comfort, prevents musculoskeletal injury to healthcare providers, and enhances visualization and withdrawal efficiency during endoscopy procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an inner material within the outer housing, wherein the inner material has at least one property related to adipose tissue
Implementation Method 2
the insert may be configured with a density similar to adipose tissue to help communicate the compression applied by a support device to the colon of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for placement at an abdomen of a patient in connection with an endoscopy procedure, comprising: an outer housing having at least a portion comprising a flexible, pliable material; and an inner material within the outer housing, wherein the inner material has at least one property related to adipose tissue.