Wireless Endoscope with Flexible Guide for Nasal Procedures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for nasal procedures, such as balloon sinuplasty, face challenges in maintaining patient comfort and stability due to the need for multiple medical professionals and the risk of equipment abrasion or irritation within the nasal cavity.
Innovation Solution
A wireless endoscope system with a cylindrical, flexible design that includes a light, camera, and rechargeable battery, allowing for single-professional operation and minimizing equipment size and complexity, along with a nasal guide that stabilizes instruments and expands nostrils for easier access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional nasal procedure equipment is used, then multiple medical professionals are required for proper guidance and placement, but this increases device complexity and operational difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (illumination, imaging, navigation guidance) into a single integrated endoscope device. The endoscope includes an illumination source, camera, and positioning system all integrated into one unit that can be inserted through the nose, eliminating the need for separate equipment and multiple professionals to operate them.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides illumination of the nasal cavity, captures images/video of the procedure, and includes positioning elements for navigation guidance. This multi-functional design allows one device to replace what traditionally required multiple specialized tools and operators.
2Reliability
If traditional nasal procedure equipment is used, then proper guidance and placement can be achieved, but this causes unnecessary abrasion of the scope and irritation of the nostrils and nasal passages
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope features a flexible, thin design that can navigate the nasal passages without causing abrasion. The flexible construction allows the device to conform to the natural anatomy of the nasal cavity rather than forcing its way through, preventing irritation to the nostrils and nasal passages while maintaining reliable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a nasal guide as an intermediary device that facilitates the insertion and positioning of the endoscope. The guide provides a protective pathway through the nasal passages, mediating between the rigid endoscope and the soft nasal tissues, thereby preventing direct contact and potential damage between the scope and sensitive nasal structures.
3Measurement precision
If larger equipment is used for nasal procedures, then proper visualization and access can be achieved, but this increases the size and awkwardness of the equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope employs a nested structure where the illumination source, camera, and other functional components are arranged concentrically or in a compact bundled configuration within the thin endoscope shaft. This nesting allows multiple components to coexist in a minimal space, providing comprehensive visualization capabilities without increasing the overall diameter or bulk of the insertable portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional bulky external imaging systems to a miniaturized endoscopic approach where the imaging sensor and processing are integrated within the endoscope itself. This dimensional reorganization moves the heavy imaging components from an external dimension (separate equipment) to an internal dimension (within the thin scope), achieving high-quality visualization without external bulk.
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 system enables more efficient and comfortable nasal procedures by reducing the need for multiple professionals, minimizing equipment size, and preventing abrasion, while providing stable visualization and access to the nasal cavity.
Implementation Method 1
a light integrated in a first portion
Implementation Method 2
a lens positioned proximate the light in the first portion
Implementation Method 3
a rechargeable battery connected to and powering the light, camera, and wireless transceiver
Implementation Method 4
a wireless transmitter transmits the video content to a receiver associated with a displaying device
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a device, method, and wireless endoscope. The wireless endoscope includes a light integrated in a first portion. The wireless endoscope also includes a lens positioned proximate the light in the first portion. The light and the lens are inserted into a body. The wireless endoscope also includes a connector physically securing the first portion to the second portion. The second portion is not inserted into the body. The wireless endoscope also includes a camera capturing video content received through the lens. The wireless endoscope also includes a wireless transmitter transmits the video content to a receiver associated with a displaying device. The first portion and the second portion are cylindrically shaped and flexible for shaping the wireless endoscope.