Endoscope Instrumentation Drive System
Patent Number: US 12239289 Grant Date: 2025-03-04 Filing Date: 2022-10-21
Overview
This patent describes a compact instrument drive system that mounts directly to an endoscope’s instrument channel to manage precise insertion and retraction of surgical instruments. Filed on October 21, 2022 and granted on March 4, 2025, the disclosure combines robust mechanical feed control with integrated sensing and on‑device software to improve procedural safety and ergonomics. Inventors based in Amarillo, TX and Fairfax Station, VA developed a solution that uses a pair of driven wheels arranged around a working channel, an optical data reader that reads machine‑readable signatures on the instrument, and a controller running a device application that interprets those signatures to determine relative feed position. Design details include adjustable tensioners, a clutch‑brake assembly, removable drive wheels, a clear removable cover for inspection, sealed construction for sterilization, and battery/charging and communication ports for data transfer and power. The device application can alter speed, reverse motion, or engage brakes automatically when markers indicate the instrument tip is approaching sensitive anatomy, and the controller retains usage and health data for lifecycle management.
Key Features
- Direct attachment to endoscope instrument channel for proximal control and improved ergonomics
- Optical marker decoding for real‑time position awareness
- Adjustable mechanical drive with clutch‑brake and tensioner
- On‑device application and memory for safety logic and data logging
This invention advances endoscopic instrument handling by integrating sensing, control, and mechanical feed in a sterilizable, ergonomically compatible unit, supporting safer and more efficient minimally invasive procedures.
Invention Details
Abstract: An instrument drive system configured to attach to an instrument channel of an endoscope assembly and manage a relative feed position of an instrument using two drive wheels and a device application in a controller. The instrument drive system is attached directly to the instrument channel of the endoscope assembly. operation of the instrument drive system is proximate to the endoscope assembly and an inputs-controls and a deflection control thereof.
Summary of the Invention: An instrument drive system configured to attach to an instrument channel of an endoscope assembly and manage a relative feed position of an instrument using two drive wheels and a device application in a controller. Said instrument drive system is attached directly to said instrument channel of said endoscope assembly. operation of said instrument drive system is proximate to said endoscope assembly and an inputs-controls and a deflection control thereof.
Said instrument drive system configured to attach to said instrument channel of said endoscope assembly and manage a relative feed position of said instrument using said two drive wheels and said device application in said controller. Said instrument drive system is configured to work in conjunction with said instrument comprising a plurality of machine-readable signatures. Said instrument drive system further comprises an optical data reader configured to read a portion of said plurality of machine-readable signatures as said instrument is feed into and removed from said instrument drive system. Said device application is configured to decode said plurality of machine-readable signatures and thereby determine a relative feed position of said instrument within said instrument drive system and said endoscope assembly.
Patent Document
Related: Computer Science & Software | Mechanical Engineering | Medical Devices & Surgical Instrumentation | Electrical Engineering | Software And Electronics | Amarillo, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney