Wire Guide Positioning in Biliary Biopsy Forceps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biliary biopsy sampling methods face challenges in accessing and obtaining samples from bile ducts, particularly in difficult situations, where existing technologies may cause separation of guide wires and interfere with the operation of biopsy forceps.

Innovation Solution

A wire-guided device with a sheath and working assembly, featuring a wire guide that allows a guide wire to pass through without interfering with the operation of the working portion, enabling consistent biopsy sampling and easy traversal through a duodenoscope, with the wire guide positioned to minimize separation and maintain operational functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wire guide is added to the working assembly to prevent guide wire separation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguide wire stabilityVSAvoidworking assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wire guide is nested within the working assembly, specifically integrated into the connector structure. The wire guide forms a channel within the connector body, allowing the guide wire to pass through while being held securely. This nested design prevents guide wire separation without requiring a separate external guiding mechanism, thus improving reliability while minimizing additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The wire guide acts as an intermediary element between the guide wire and the working assembly. It provides a dedicated pathway that mediates the interaction between these components, ensuring the guide wire remains properly positioned during biopsy procedures. This intermediary structure resolves the conflict by providing explicit guidance functionality without fundamentally altering the core working assembly design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the wire guide is positioned closer to the distal end to prevent separation, then reliability is improved, but it may interfere with the operation of the working portion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguide wire positioningVSAvoidworking portion functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wire guide is positioned at a specific location within the working assembly - integrated into the connector structure rather than at the extreme distal end. This localized positioning provides the necessary guide wire stability while maintaining clear separation between the wire guide function and the working portion operation. The connector serves as an optimal location because it is structurally distinct from the biopsy forceps working portion, allowing both functions to operate independently without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a fixed wire guide is used to maintain operational integrity, then reliability is improved, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The working assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the sheath, the connector with integrated wire guide, and the working portion (biopsy forceps). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system integrity. The wire guide is specifically integrated into the connector segment, which serves as a transitional element between the sheath and working portion, allowing the working portion to operate with full adaptability while the wire guide provides stable guide wire positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3984467B1Wire guided device
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 UNITED STATES ENDOSCOPY GROUP INC
  • EP3984467B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3984467B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3984467B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~6c

AI summary

The present subject matter discloses a wire guided device, including a sheath, a working assembly, and a wire guide. The working assembly includes a working portion, configured to contact an intended tissue, and the connector, connecting the working portion and the sheath. The wire guide is disposed at and connected to the working assembly. The wire guide is configured to allow a guide wire to pass through, wherein the wire guide is disposed at a predetermined distance from a distal end of the working assembly. The wire guide and the guide wire do not interfere with an operation of the working portion.