Extension Mechanism of a Flexible End for Colonoscopy

INTRODUCTION: The significance of the distal tip extension mechanism (DTEM) arises when the insertion tube of the colonoscope is no longer able to move further inside the colon, and when a longer insertion tube is needed. The main focus of this research is to investigate the development of a novel distal tip extension mechanism (DTEM). METHODS: To characterize the performance of the DTEM, the ability of the DTEM to extend the distal tip of the colonoscope 16 cm is investigated. To determine the maximum number of turns that the extension knob needs to make in order to move the distal tip 16 cm, the DTEM is used to displace the distal tip in different colon configurations using the silicon tube of a colonoscopy training model (CTM). The experimentally collected data was presented and discussed to characterize the performance of the DTEM. RESULTS: The results showed that the DTEM is able to extend the distal tip 16 cm while the colon is in various configurations. Additionally, the impact of implanting the DTEM on the flexibility of the insertion tube was determined. DISCUSSION: The results of this research suggest that the DTEM will be an effective tool to help colonoscopists performing better colonoscopies.