20240041303. STEERABLE ENDOSCOPES AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS simplified abstract (Malia Medical, LLC)
Contents
STEERABLE ENDOSCOPES AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Thomas William Winegar of Trumbull CT (US)
Ashley N. Holbrooks of New Haven CT (US)
Norman Joseph Labrecque of Trumbull CT (US)
Mark E. Prosachik of Farmington CT (US)
STEERABLE ENDOSCOPES AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240041303 titled 'STEERABLE ENDOSCOPES AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Simplified Explanation
The abstract describes an endoscope that consists of a handle, an actuator, and an elongated shaft. The shaft has a deflectable distal portion, an imaging assembly at its distal end, a tube with a lumen, and a guide positioned within the lumen. The guide has two grooves that cooperate with the tube to define two lumens for communication lines associated with the imaging assembly. The endoscope also includes a steering wire coupled to the deflectable distal portion, passing through the first lumen, and coupled to the actuator. Actuating the actuator causes the steering wire to deflect the distal portion of the shaft.
- The endoscope has a handle, actuator, and elongated shaft with a deflectable distal portion.
- The shaft includes an imaging assembly at its distal end and a tube with a lumen.
- A guide positioned within the lumen of the tube has two grooves that define two lumens for communication lines.
- A steering wire is coupled to the deflectable distal portion and actuator, allowing the actuator to deflect the shaft.
Potential Applications:
- Medical procedures: The endoscope can be used for various medical procedures, such as minimally invasive surgeries, diagnostic examinations, and therapeutic interventions.
- Industrial inspections: The endoscope can be utilized for inspecting and examining hard-to-reach areas in industrial settings, such as pipelines, machinery, and equipment.
Problems Solved:
- Improved maneuverability: The deflectable distal portion and steering wire allow for precise control and navigation of the endoscope within the body or other confined spaces.
- Enhanced visualization: The imaging assembly provides high-quality images of the internal structures or objects being examined, aiding in accurate diagnosis or inspection.
Benefits:
- Minimally invasive: The endoscope enables procedures to be performed with minimal incisions or invasiveness, reducing patient discomfort and recovery time.
- Versatile: The endoscope can be used in various medical and industrial applications, providing flexibility and adaptability.
- Accurate diagnosis/inspection: The high-quality imaging assembly and precise control of the deflectable distal portion allow for accurate visualization and examination of the target area.
Original Abstract Submitted
an endoscope can include a handle, an actuator coupled to the handle, and an elongated shaft coupled to the handle. the shaft can include a deflectable distal portion, an imaging assembly at a distal end of the shaft, a tube that defines a lumen, and a guide positioned within the lumen of the tube. the guide can include a first groove that cooperates with the tube to define a first lumen and a second groove that cooperates with the tube to define a second lumen through which communication lines associated with the imaging assembly pass. the endoscope can further include a steering wire coupled to the deflectable distal portion of the shaft, extending through the first lumen and coupled to the actuator, and coupled with the actuator such that actuation of the actuator causes the steering wire to deflect the distal portion of the shaft.
