Title: Endoscope with disposable camera shaft and reuseable handle
Patent Number: 12702273
Company: PSIP2 LLC
Swanson Reed is pleased to announce that the “Endoscope with disposable camera shaft and reuseable handle” has been selected as the Patent of the Month for the New Hampshire state for the month of September 2026. This patent won the award because it represents a substantial step forward in medical device engineering that effectively balances patient safety with cost efficiency, reflecting the high caliber of innovation coming out of New Hampshire’s technology sector.
This invention is highly innovative because it bridges the gap between surgical performance and strict hygiene requirements. The endoscope design incorporates a reusable proximal handle containing the complex electronics necessary for illumination and image processing. Meanwhile, the insertion shaft, which houses solid state illumination and imaging circuitry, is designed to be fully disposable. The core of this innovation lies in the specialized joint that connects these two components. This joint not only allows the physical transfer of mechanical force from the surgeon to the shaft but also seamlessly provides electrical connectivity between the handle and the imaging circuitry. By making the patient contact portion disposable and the electronic handle reusable, the invention mitigates the risk of cross contamination, reduces the need for harsh sterilization processes on sensitive electronics, and lowers overall operational costs for healthcare facilities.
The practical applications of this patent are highly relevant for companies seeking the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit in the USA. Developing an electromechanical joint that reliably connects a disposable shaft to a reusable handle requires significant applied research and iterative prototyping. Engineering teams must conduct testing to eliminate technical uncertainties related to the mechanical load transfer, electrical signal fidelity, and sterilization durability of the handle. Designing such intricate medical devices to improve product performance and patient safety aligns directly with the criteria for qualified research activities. Medical device manufacturers investing in this type of technological advancement can utilize the R&D tax credit to offset the substantial costs associated with engineering and commercializing safer and more efficient surgical instruments.
