Wireless Endoscope with Folded Optics and Axial Tool Bore
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face challenges in minimally invasive surgery due to the need for multiple ports, instrument 'sword fighting,' excessive torque and stiction during tool manipulation, cord clutter, and the risk of infection from reusable devices, which complicates procedures and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design with folded optics maintaining a 0° angle between the imaging axis and the tool bore, allowing for direct visualization and simultaneous tool access without relocating the endoscope, integrated components for self-contained operation, and wireless connectivity to reduce cord entanglement and improve safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional endoscopes are used with separate ports for endoscope and surgical tools, then visualization is maintained, but multiple ports are required increasing surgical complexity and instrument interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the endoscope and surgical tool channels into a single integrated access port. The endoscope housing contains both the imaging optics and a tool bore that accepts surgical instruments, allowing both visualization and tool delivery through one port rather than requiring separate ports for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a visualization instrument and a delivery system for surgical tools. The tool bore within the endoscope housing allows surgical instruments to pass through the same port used for imaging, making the device universal for both diagnostic and therapeutic functions.
2Ease of operation
If surgical tools enter the endoscope from the side, then tool access is achieved, but excessive torque and stiction forces occur causing tool breakage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having tools enter from the side as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the approach by having tools enter axially from the distal end of the endoscope. The tool bore extends through the endoscope housing, allowing instruments to be pushed or pulled through in a straight line, eliminating the torque and stiction problems associated with side-entry configurations.
3Reliability
If multiple equipment components are used for imaging systems, then imaging functionality is achieved, but cord clutter and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple imaging components including the light source, camera, and processing electronics into a single handheld endoscope unit. The light source and camera are housed together with their associated electronics, eliminating the need for separate equipment boxes and reducing cord clutter in the operating room.
4Ease of manufacture
If reusable endoscopes are used, then cost effectiveness is improved, but infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes embodiments where the entire endoscope unit or key components can be disposed of after a single use. This disposable approach eliminates reprocessing and sterilization requirements, thereby eliminating infection risks associated with reusable devices while maintaining cost effectiveness through reduced sterilization infrastructure needs.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic surgical device used for minimally invasive procedures comprises a handheld component and a power control module. The handheld component consisting of a handle, and a conduit houses a wireless imaging module and a single LED light source. The imaging module comprises a wired or wireless camera coupled to an optically folded assembly or imaging assembly. A battery-operated power module can control both the intensity of the LED and the camera action. The handle and conduit are designed to accommodate surgical tools, wherein the imaging model is parallel offset to the tool, or the tool are parallel offset to the imaging. In alternative embodiments, the handheld component is self-contained.