Patent Application
20200367729
The present disclosure relates to an endoscope device and, more particularly, relates to the endoscope device with a disposable flexible tube, which can be replaced after each use and resterilization of the endoscope.
Endoscopy or use of an endoscope device for providing medical treatment to patients has been proliferated in recent years, mainly due to its non-invasive nature. As such, the patients subjected to the endoscopic procedures suffer negligible trauma, recuperate rapidly and experience minimal discomfort, which are typically associated with conventional surgical or medical procedures.
The endoscope device is typically an elongated tubular member, which is insertable into a hollow internal organ of the patient via a cavity, for enabling a medical practitioner to diagnose the internal organ. The elongated tubular member includes sophisticated optics for illuminating the internal organ and channels to route medical fluids into the internal organs. Typically, the endoscope device is selected based on the internal organ that is required to be diagnosed. As such, different types of endoscope devices are available based on the internal organ that is required to be diagnosed. As an example, for diagnosing internal organs such as but not limited to esophagus, stomach, and duodenum upper endoscope devices are employed. Similarly, a colonoscope is employed for diagnosing a colon of the patient, angioscopes for diagnosing blood vessels, bronchoscopes for examining bronchi and laparoscopes for examining the peritoneal cavity. Due to such versatility and complex construction of the endoscope device, they are generally expensive. For such expenses to be justified, these endoscopes must be reused with other patients.
To enable reusability, the endoscope device is sterilized or at least disinfected after each use with the patient, prior to use with a subsequent patient. One of the techniques employed for sterilizing, is the immersion of the endoscope into a disinfectant solution for a specific period of time, while also flushing the channels with the disinfectant solution. However, due to long channels in the endoscope, clean up of biological debris and bacteria is a hassle and incomplete at best. Also, due to the urgency of reuse, the endoscope may not be immersed within the disinfectant solution for the specific period of time nor the channels are flushed. This leads to formation of a bacterial biofilm over the endoscope, which makes the devices vulnerable to infections. Additionally, skilled personnel may be required for thoroughly sterilizing the endoscope using disinfectant solution, which adds on costs to the already expensive endoscope.
Another technique to sterilize the endoscope device is heat sterilization. In heat sterilization, the endoscope device is placed in an autoclave and subjected to heat for a predetermined time. However, the optics and electronics of the endoscope may malfunction during use when subjected to the heat sterilization, due to dysfunction of sophisticated parts within the endoscope, which is undesirable.
Therefore, there is a need for techniques which can overcome one or more limitations stated above in addition to providing other technical advantages.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an endoscope device. The endoscope device includes an optical tube including a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end is connectable to a light source and the distal end is insertable into an internal organ of a subject via a cavity. The optical tube is configured to transmit light from the proximal end to the distal end for illuminating the internal organ of the subject. A portion of a peripheral surface of the optical tube is configured with a first profile along a longitudinal direction. A disposable flexible tube is connectable to the optical tube and at least partially insertable into the internal organ along with the optical tube. The disposable flexible tube includes one or more channels for administering a medical treatment to the subject,. A portion of an outer surface of the disposable flexible tube is configured with a second profile. The second profile is configured complementary to the first profile and adapted to engage with the first profile, for coupling the disposable flexible tube with the optical tube.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the endoscope device is disclosed. The device includes the optical tube including the proximal end connectable to the light source via a joystick and a distal end insertable into the internal organ of the subject via the cavity. The optical tube is configured to be a closed tube and includes at least one light-transmitting element for transmitting light from the proximal end to the distal end. A portion of the peripheral surface of the optical tube is configured with the first profile along a longitudinal direction. The first profile is configured to be an arcuate profile extending outwardly from an axis of the optical tube. At least one guide lens is configured at the distal end of the optical tube and located adjacent to the light-transmitting element for improving illumination. An image sensor is positioned to the distal end of the optical tube and communicably coupled to a display device, wherein the image sensor is configured to transmit images of the internal organ to the display device in real time. Further, the disposable flexible tube is connectable to the optical tube and at least partially insertable into the internal organ along with the optical tube. The disposable flexible tube is configured with a second profile on a portion of its outer surface, complementary to the first profile and adapted to engage with the first profile, for coupling the disposable flexible tube with the optical tube. The second profile is a curved profile extending inwardly towards an internal axis of the disposable flexible tube. The curved profile is configured to latch onto the arcuate profile for coupling the disposable flexible tube with the optical tube. The disposable flexible tube also includes one or more channels for administering a medical treatment to the subject. The one or more channels includes a suction channel, an air insufflation channel, a water insufflation channel and a biopsy channel. The suction channel is connectable to a suction device and configured to induce suction at the distal end, wherein the suction channel is configured to collect fluid settled on the distal end during insertion of the endoscope device into the internal organ. The water insufflation channel is connectable to a water container for supplying water to the distal end and is configured to clean the fluids settled on at least one guide lens during insertion of the endoscope device into the internal organ. The air insufflation channel is connectable to an air pump and configured to supply air into the internal organ for insufflation. The biopsy channel is configured to receive an operative instrument and therapeutic fluids for administering medical treatment to the subject. Further, the one or more channels are configured with a port, which is configured to be selectively controlled by the user via the joystick for controlling the operations of each of the one or more channels.
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The following detailed description of illustrative embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to a specific device or a tool and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers:
The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.
In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of the phrase “in an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.
Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, although many of the features of the present disclosure are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present disclosure is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the present disclosure.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an endoscope device. The device includes an optical tube and a disposable flexible tube, which are coupled to each other.
The optical tube is an elongated tubular member including a proximal end connectable to a light source and a distal end insertable into an internal organ of a subject via a cavity. The optical tube is configured to be a closed tube and includes at least one light-transmitting element for transmitting light from the proximal end to the distal end for illuminating the internal organ. The distal end is connected to a joystick via a connecting mechanism, which facilitates the user to navigate the distal end within the internal organ of the subject. The distal end also includes an image sensor communicably coupled to a display device. The image sensor is configured to transmit images of the internal organ to the display device in real-time, so that the user can diagnose the internal organ. The optical tube also includes a peripheral surface, wherein a portion of the peripheral surface is configured with a first profile along a longitudinal direction. The first profile may be an arcuate profile extending outwardly from an axis of the optical tube.
The disposable flexible tube includes a first end connectable to the distal end and a second end connectable at a vicinity of the proximal end. The first end being connected to the distal end is also insertable into the internal organ along with the optical tube. The flexible tube includes one or more channels configured for administering a medical treatment to the internal organ, while also facilitating cleaning of biological debris on the distal end accumulated during insertion of the device or during diagnosis of the internal organ. The medical treatment may be one of administering therapeutic fluids, inserting an operative or a surgical instrument and the like for treatment. The one or more channels may be an air insufflation channel, a water insufflation channel, a suction channel and a biopsy channel. Further, the optical tube also includes an outer surface configured with a second profile. The second profile may be a curved profile extending inwardly towards an internal axis of the flexible tube, resembling an annular stud. The first profile and the second profile are configured to engage with each other, for facilitating coupling of the optical tube and the flexible tube. The coupling forms a unitary structure or a seamless construction of the optical tube and the flexible tube. This configuration of the endoscope device ensures that the flexible tube is detachable and disposed-off after use, thereby mitigating the need for cumbersome sterilization process for the flexible tube for reuse. Moreover, it is effortless to sterilize the optical tube or achieve high-level disinfection as it is a closed tube and thus, a new flexible tube may be attached to the optical tube for reuse on another subject.
Various embodiments of an endoscope device are explained below in a detailed matter, herein with reference to
The device 100 includes an optical tube 102 and a disposable flexible tube 104, coupled to each other. The optical tube 102 and the flexible tube 104 are coupled to each other due to configuration of their peripheral surfaces, which will be described in detail in subsequent sections of the present disclosure. This configuration of the device 100 ensures that the flexible tube 104 is detached and disposed-off after use, thereby mitigating the need for cumbersome sterilization process of the device 100 for reuse.
Referring to
The optical tube 102 is also configured with at least one guide lens 210 at the distal end 202b and adjacent to the light-transmitting element 206 of the optical tube 102. The at least one guide lens 210 improves the vision of the medical practitioner on the area of the internal organ 106 at which the light is illuminated. The guide lens 210 may be connected to an eye piece (not shown in the Figures) that may extend from the joystick 216, to enable the medical practitioner to directly view the area of the internal organ 106 under illumination. The guide lens 210 may be selected to be one of a concave lens, a convex lens or any other configuration of lens as per design feasibility and requirement. In one implementation, the light transmitting element 206 may be a bundle coupled to the guide lens 210 (not shown in Figures) for transmitting the captured image. An image sensor 212 is also configured at the distal end 202b for capturing images of the area under illumination. The image sensor 212 may be communicably coupled to a display device 312 for displaying the captured images in real-time. The image sensor 212 may be coupled to the display device 312 by a wired connection (not shown in Figures), which may extend from the joystick 216. In another configuration, the image sensor 212 may be coupled to the display device 312 via a wireless connection, via a wireless module (not shown in Figures) configured in the joystick 216. In another implementation, the image sensor 212 may transmit the captured image via a bundle of fiber via a wired means or wireless means or any other means as per feasibility and requirement. In an embodiment, the joystick 216 may include a control knob (not shown in Figures) for controlling the light intensity or color or properties of the light transmitted through the element 206 for varying the image quality. The control knob may also be operated suitably for freezing the image captures by the image sensor 212 for examination or may operated suitably for recording video of the endoscope procedure.
The disposable flexible tube 104 coupled to the optical tube 102 is also an elongated tubular member, wherein its outer surface 214 extends longitudinally about its internal axis B-B′. The flexible tube 104 is also insertable into the internal organ 106 along with the optical tube 102. The flexible tube 104 is configured to facilitate the medical practitioner to administer a medical treatment to the internal organ 106. The flexible tube 104 includes a first end 214a connectable to the distal end 202b and a second end 214b connectable to a vicinity of the proximal end 202a. In one configuration, the second end 214b of the flexible tube 104 is connected to the proximal end 202a. As such, the second end 214b and the proximal end 202a are jointly connected to the joystick 216. This configuration ensures that the joystick 216 can control operations of the optical tube 102 and the flexible tube 104 simultaneously. A plurality of control knobs 304 (for e.g. as shown in
The suction channel 302a is connected to a suction device 310 located external to the device 100 and is configured to induce suction at the first end 214a. The suction induced at the first end 214a in turn induces suction at the distal end 202b of the optical tube 102. This configuration clears the fluids that settle and clog the guide lens 210 on the distal end 202b, thereby ensuring unobstructed vision to the medical practitioner during diagnosis. A control knob 304a located on the joystick 216 controls the operation of the suction device 310. The medical practitioner can therefore actuate the knob 304a when the vision is obstructed by the fluids.
The water insufflation channel 302b is connected to a water container 306 located external to the device 100 and is configured to spray water through the first end 214a during insertion of the device 100 into the internal organ 106 via the cavity 110. The water insufflation may lead to reduced post-procedural pain to the subject 108, improved recovery rate and discomfort during the procedure. A control knob 304b located on the joystick 216 controls the operation of the water insufflation into the subject 108, as and when required. In another implementation, the water insufflation may also be controlled via a foot pedal (not shown in Figures) coupled to the water container 306 via an external pump. Further, the air insufflation channel 302c is connected to an air pump 308 located external to the device 100 and is configured to blow air through the first end 214a into the internal organ 106 upon insertion of the device 100. The air insufflation may enhance visual inspection of the medical practitioner during diagnosis. The control knob 304b located on the joystick 216 may be linked to the air insufflation channel 302c for controlling the operation of the air insufflation into the subject 108 as and when required.
The biopsy channel 302d may be located at a central portion of the joystick 216. The biopsy channel 302d may be dimensioned for receiving and directing the operative instrument into the internal organ 106 via the first end 214a. The operative instrument may be a tissue collecting instrument or a surgical instrument or any other instrument as per feasibility and requirement. Further, the biopsy channel 302d may also be connectable to a fluid container for administering a fluid into the internal organ 106.
The connecting mechanism 400 may be a wire-pulley mechanism. The wire-pulley mechanism includes a wire 402 configured to loop about the joystick 216 and the first end 214a. The wire 402 has one end 402a looped about a plurality of pulleys 404 in the joystick 216 and another end 402b connected to the first end 214a. The plurality of pulleys 404 are coupled to an actuator (not shown in Figures), which operates upon actuation of a button (not shown in Figures). The actuator is configured to operate the wire 402 in a push-pull manner, so that the first end 214a can bend towards its left side or the right side as per requirement. Based on these movements, the medical practitioner can maneuver the device 100 suitably within the internal organ 106. In another configuration, the connecting mechanism 400 may be a mechanism other than the wire-pully mechanism as per design feasibility and requirement.
In one configuration, the lateral surface 502 of the optical tube 102 in combination with the peripheral surface 208 conform to a cross-section which resembles a sector of a circle. In another implementation, the lateral surface 502 in combination with the peripheral surface 208 may conform to other geometric cross-sections as per feasibility and requirement.
In one configuration, the first profile 504 may be a notch member projecting inwardly or extending outwardly as per design feasibility and requirement. In another configuration, the first profile 504 may be a dovetail protrusion 602 (as shown in
In one configuration, the portion of the outer surface 214 with the second profile 506 may be the engaging surface 506a of the flexible tube 104. The second profile 506 may extend along the internal axis B-B′ of the flexible tube 104 or may be configured intermittently about the length of the flexible tube 104. Similar to configuration of the optical tube 102, the combination of the engaging surface 506a and the outer surface 214 resembles a recessed section of the circle. In another implementation, the outer surface 214 and the engaging surface 506a may conform to other geometric cross-sections as per feasibility and requirement.
In an embodiment, the first profile 504 and the second profile 506 may be configured such that the structural integrity of either of the optical tube 102 and the flexible tube 104 is maintained.
In another embodiment, the first profile 504 and the second profile 506 may be configured with a thread profile,
In an embodiment, the axis A-A′ and the internal axis B-B′ may be a central axis of the optical tube 102 and the flexible tube 104, respectively. In another configuration, the axis A-A′ and the internal axis B-B′ may be any axis defined on the optical tube 102 and the flexible tube 104 for configuring the first profile 504 and the second profile 506.
In one configuration, the second profile 506 may be a notch member projecting inwardly or extending outwardly as per design feasibility and requirement. In another configuration, the second profile 506 may be a dovetail groove 604 (as shown in
Referring to
Thus, the coupling of the first profile 504 and the second profile 506 forms the unitary structure or the seamless construction of the optical tube 102 and the flexible tube 104, so that there is minimal discomfort to the subject 108 during use. This configuration of the endoscope device 100 ensures that the flexible tube 104 is detached and disposed-off after use, thereby mitigating the need for cumbersome sterilization process for the flexible tube 104 for reuse. Moreover, it is effortless to sterilize the optical tube 102 as it is a closed tube and thus, a new flexible tube 104 may be attached to the optical tube 102 for reuse on another subject 108.
The benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages.
The above description is given by way of example only and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this specification.
