POLYP TRAP

Abstract

The present invention relates to a polyp trap, configurable for connection to an endoscope and a vacuum system during endoscopic procedures, comprising: a hollow main body (312) having an inlet (316) and an outlet (318), said main body, inlet, and outlet being in fluidic communication; and a tube (322) having a first end (322A) adapted to be removably connected to said inlet and a second end (322B) adapted to be removably connected to the endoscope, and a first support (320) positioned peripherally with respect to said main body for receiving said second end of said tube (322), such that said tube can be selectively connected to said first support when said polyp trap is in its packaging condition or connected to the endoscope when said polyp trap is used during endoscopic procedures. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 4A

Description

Title of the invention: POLYP TRAP FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a specialized device designed to capture and retrieve polyps or tissue samples removed during endoscopy. More specifically, the present invention relates to a polyp trap used during endoscopy to capture and retrieve polyps or tissue samples removed during the endoscopic procedure.

[0002] CONTEXT OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses a long, flexible tube with a camera and light source at its tip, called an endoscope, to examine the inside of the human body. This procedure allows healthcare professionals to view and assess various organs and structures without resorting to invasive surgery. Endoscopies can be performed for different purposes, such as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (EGD): Examines the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine; colonoscopy: Examines the colon and rectum; bronchoscopy: Examines the airways in the lungs; capsule endoscopy: Involves swallowing a small, capsule-sized camera to view the small intestine; and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): Combines endoscopy with ultrasound to examine organs such as the pancreas and bile ducts.During an endoscopy, the endoscope is carefully inserted through a natural opening in the body, such as the mouth or rectum. The camera at the tip of the endoscope captures images of internal structures, which are displayed on a monitor for real-time viewing by the healthcare professional. Endoscopies are commonly used for diagnostic purposes to investigate symptoms such as abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, or difficulty swallowing. They can also be used for therapeutic procedures, such as removing polyps, taking tissue samples for biopsy, or treating certain conditions.

[0004] During an endoscopy, for example a colonoscopy, if a polyp is detected, it is standard practice to remove it for further examination or to prevent potential complications. The polyp trap serves as a receptacle or mechanism integrated into the endoscope to retain and collect polyps or tissue samples when they are grasped or excised by the endoscopist. This ensures their safe retrieval without risk of loss in the colon, thus guaranteeing their shipment to the pathology laboratory for analysis. The use of a polyp trap is standard practice in modern endoscopy to facilitate removal. efficient and safe collection of polyps or tissue samples during colonoscopies and other procedures requiring sample collection for diagnostic purposes.

[0005] Figure 1 illustrates a prior art assembly 100 for performing endoscopy. The assembly 100 comprises a suction pump 102, a collection reservoir 104, a light source 106, an endoscope 108 including an insertion section 108A, a control section 108B and a connection section 108C, as well as a polyp trap 110 essential for capturing and filtering polyps and / or tissue samples removed during endoscopic procedures. These components are fluidly connected as illustrated in Figure 1, an arrangement well known to specialists in the field; therefore, their connection method and operation are not described in detail for the sake of clarity. Also for the sake of clarity, an image management system commonly used during endoscopic procedures is not shown in the drawings.

[0006] Figure 2 presents a close-up view showing the state and orientation of the polyp trap 110 during the endoscopic procedure. As illustrated, the polyp trap 110 comprises an inlet 110A connected to the connection section 108C of the endoscope 108 by a tube 202 and an outlet 110B connected to the collection reservoir 104 by a tube 204. The tubes 202 and 204 are generally made of silicone, polypropylene, or rubber, materials known for their flexibility, non-toxicity, and biocompatibility, making them suitable for medical applications such as endoscopy. However, the inherent flexibility of the tube materials always causes it to maintain a straight profile, which results in the polyp trap tilting during endoscopic procedures. In [Fig.2], the illustration shows the inclined orientation of the polyp trap 110, where the outlet 110B is located in a higher position than the inlet 110A.This configuration leads to the accumulation or pooling of tissue fluid 110C extracted from the body near or at the door 110D of the polyp trap 110. Consequently, the collected material may not flow properly from the polyp trap 110 to the collection reservoir 104, which can affect the efficiency of the endoscopic procedure since aspiration is obstructed. Furthermore, a critical problem arises when a healthcare professional performing the endoscopic procedures opens the door 110D of the polyp trap 110 to extract polyps or tissue samples. At this time, the tissue fluid 110C accumulated inside the polyp trap 110 is likely to splash, as illustrated in [Fig. 3].This scenario presents a major challenge, as potential splashes of the collected material not only pose a risk to the operator but also compromise the cleanliness and sterility of the procedure. Such splashes can lead to contamination risks. and disrupt the smooth running of the endoscopy, affecting the overall effectiveness of the medical intervention.

[0007] The present invention aims at least to solve these problems, or at least to offer an alternative to the public. Summary of the invention

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a polyp trap, configurable to be connected to an endoscope and a vacuum system during endoscopic procedures, comprising: a hollow main body having an inlet and an outlet, said main body, said inlet and said outlet being in fluidic communication; and a tube having a first removable end connectable to said inlet and a second removable end connectable to the endoscope, said polyp trap further comprises a first support positioned peripherally with respect to said main body for receiving said second end of said tube, so that said tube can be selectively connected to said first support when said polyp trap is in packaging condition or connected to the endoscope when said polyp trap is used during endoscopic procedures.

[0009] In some embodiments, the main body is made from a transparent material.

[0010] In some embodiments, the main body includes an opening giving access to the internal cavity of said main body and the polyp trap includes a door having a first hinged end to said main body and a second end profiled as a handle, said door being configured to open and close said opening using said handle by lowering vertically and raising vertically, respectively.

[0011] The door can be supplied with a peripheral wall on one of its surfaces, in which said peripheral wall can be dimensioned and shaped so as to fit perfectly inside said opening of said main body.

[0012] Optionally, at least one sealing edge surrounds the perimeter of said peripheral wall to improve the sealing capacity of said door when said opening is closed. Advantageously, said sealing edge is made of an elastic material.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the polyp trap according to the first aspect further comprises at least one second support positioned peripherally with respect to said main body, and at least one removable hook received by said second support; and / or a tray received in said main body and designed as a receptacle having a peripheral wall and a perforated bottom, said perforated bottom being configured in a concave shape with the curved surface oriented towards said entrance; and / or at least a stop erected inside said main body. Preferably, said main body is made of a transparent material and / or said main body includes an opening providing access to the internal cavity of said main body; and said polyp trap includes a door having a first hinged end attached to said main body and a second end shaped into a handle, said door being configured to open and close said opening with said handle by lowering vertically and raising vertically, respectively. Preferably, said door is provided with a peripheral wall on one of its surfaces, said peripheral wall being dimensioned and formed to fit perfectly within said opening of said main body. Even more preferably, at least one sealing edge surrounds the perimeter of said peripheral wall to improve the sealing capacity of said door when closing said opening.Advantageously, said sealing edge is made from an elastic material.

[0014] The second aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the polyp trap according to the first aspect for endoscopic procedures, which ensures that the fluid present inside the polyp trap remains at a constant level and can be efficiently evacuated during endoscopic procedures. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] [Fig-1] is a perspective view showing a general assembly for performing an endoscopy in which a prior art polyp trap is used;

[0017] [Fig.2] is a close-up view showing the state of the polyp trap during endoscopic procedures;

[0018] [Fig.3] illustrates that the fluid or tissue liquid accumulated inside the polyp trap is likely to splash;

[0019] [Fig.4A], [Fig.4B], [Fig.4C], [Fig.4D] illustrate a polyp trap 310 according to the presents the invention from different angles;

[0020] [Fig.5A], [Fig.5B], [Fig.5C] show the orientation of the polyp trap 310 when it is used from different angles;

[0021] [Fig. 6A], [Fig. 6B] illustrate the use of a hook according to the present invention to remove a polyp collected from a tray of the present invention from different angles; and

[0022] [Fig.7A], [Fig.7B] illustrate the use of a hook to remove a collected polyp from a state-of-the-art platform from different angles.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT MODES OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The present invention is now presented by way of example with reference to the figures in the following paragraphs. The objects, features, and aspects of this disclosure are revealed or become clear from the following description. It should be understood by a person skilled in the art that the following description relates only to exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of this disclosure, which are represented in the exemplary configurations.

[0025] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in embodiments of the present invention have the meanings commonly understood by a person skilled in the art. The expressions "first," "second," and the like used in embodiments of the present invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but serve only to distinguish different elements. The terms "front," "back," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower," as well as other orientational terms, are used solely to describe the relative positional relationship illustrated in the drawings to facilitate understanding. They do not in any way limit the elements disclosed in the present invention with respect to a specific positional relationship.

[0026] Figures 4A-4D illustrate a polyp trap 310 according to the present invention from different angles. Figure 4A is a side view of the polyp trap 310, which comprises a hollow main body 312. The main body 312 has an opening 324 (see Figure 4B) providing access to the internal cavity of the polyp trap, an inlet 316 (see Figures 4C-4D), and an outlet 318, both located on the peripheral wall of the main body. Advantageously, the main body, the inlet, and the outlet are in fluidic communication. Even more advantageously, the main body, the opening, the inlet, and the outlet are in fluidic communication.

[0027] The polyp trap 310 includes a door 314 in the closed position to seal the opening 324, a first support 320 positioned peripherally with respect to the main body 312, a tube 322 having a first end 322A intended to connect removably to the inlet 316 and a second end 322B intended to connect removably to the first support 320.

[0028] It is important to note that the second end 322B of the tube 322 is intended to be connected to the first support 320 when the polyp trap 310 is in its packaging condition. It is also important to note that when the endoscopic procedure is performed, i.e., when the polyp trap 310 is used, the second end 322B of the tube 322 is intended to be connected to the connection section 108C of the endoscope 108. Advantageously, the main body 312 is made of a transparent material, which improves visibility and allows forFaster identification and more effective intervention regarding collected polyps and / or tissue samples. It should be understood that when door 314 is closed, the polyp trap 310 is in a closed configuration. It should also be understood that the inlet of a polyp trap is the point where materials such as tissue samples, polyps, or fluids enter the trap. During an endoscopic procedure, when polyps or tissue samples are removed, they are directed to the polyp trap through the inlet. The inlet is designed to allow easy access of these materials into the trap for collection and isolation. It should also be understood that the outlet of a polyp trap is where fluids or materials leave the trap after being collected or separated.In the context of a polyp trap, the outlet is the point through which fluids flow, leaving behind the collected tissue or polyp samples. This allows for the efficient removal of fluids while preserving solid materials for later examination or analysis. The first support 320 is sized and shaped to be received in the second end 322B of the tube 322. In some embodiments, the first support 320 is designed to provide a clip, for example, to receive the second end 322B. The purpose of the first support 320 is to maintain the tube 322 in a curved profile, particularly when the polyp trap is in its packaging condition prior to use.This practice is particularly advantageous and explained in Figures 5A-5C, which illustrate an assembly 300 for performing endoscopy, in which the polyp trap 310 is used, the tube 322 connects the inlet of the polyp trap to the endoscope connection section, and the tube 323 connects the outlet of the polyp trap to the collection reservoir 104. As can be seen, the polyp trap 310 in Figures 5A-5C is maintained in a parallel or horizontal orientation by the tube 322, which is kept in a curved profile. This mitigates the problem illustrated in [Fig. 2] and discussed in the BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION section. This solves the problem arising from the inherent flexibility of the tube materials, which generally tends to maintain a straight profile, causing the polyp trap to tilt during endoscopic procedures. As illustrated in [Fig. 5C], the fluid or liquid contained in the main body 312 is maintained at a constant level.Furthermore, the fluid or liquid contained in the main body 312 can be efficiently drawn into the collection tank 104.

[0029] Although the advantages of a curved tube are recognized in the art, current practices often rely either on auxiliary clips to maintain the tube's curvature during use or on special packaging designed to preserve this curvature during storage. However, these solutions present their own challenges and drawbacks. The use of auxiliary clips, intended to support the curved profile of the tube, can cause inconvenience for medical personnel performing the procedure. Endoscopy. The need to manipulate and adjust these clips during delicate procedures can compromise the efficiency and precision of the medical intervention. Furthermore, the use of special packaging designs to maintain the curved tube during storage can lead to logistical problems. The bulk of this packaging occupies significant space, posing difficulties for storage and transport, particularly in space-constrained environments. In addition, both approaches increase material consumption. Whether through the use of auxiliary clips or specialized packaging, additional resources are required, thus increasing production costs. This increased material usage not only impacts product costs but also raises environmental concerns.Excessive consumption of materials can lead to increased waste production, potentially harming the environment due to resource depletion and difficulties in waste management.

[0030] Conversely, the present invention offers a distinct advantage. Thanks to its unique design, this innovation allows the tube to maintain its curved shape without requiring additional materials or elaborate packaging. By leveraging this particular design feature, the invention not only ensures that the tube remains in the desired curved profile but also achieves this goal efficiently and sustainably. This streamlined approach reduces reliance on additional materials and complex packaging solutions, thus distinguishing itself from conventional practices that tend to increase resource consumption and product costs. The inventive design not only simplifies maintaining the tube's shape but also addresses the challenges posed by existing methods.Healthcare professionals benefit from a more user-friendly and simpler solution, improving the efficiency of endoscopic procedures without introducing unnecessary complexity. Furthermore, by reducing material usage and optimizing packaging requirements, the invention aligns with an environmentally responsible approach. By minimizing waste production and resource consumption, it contributes to a more sustainable approach that is both economical and environmentally sound.

[0031] Figure 4B is a side view illustrating the main body 312 with the door 314 in the open position, revealing the opening 324 of the main body 312. It can be seen that the door 314 is designed with a flat shape comprising a first plane accessible from the outside and a second plane opposite the first. The second plane has a peripheral wall 314A in its central region, which is dimensioned and shaped to fit perfectly into the opening 324 of the main body 312. It should be understood that when the door 314 is open, the polyp trap 310 is located in an open configuration. Advantageously, the door 314 is hinged to one side of the main body 312 of the polyp trap 310, preferably on a side adjacent to the entrance of the polyp trap, and is designed with a first end 314C hinged to the main body 312 and a second end having an elongated handle 314D. During endoscopic procedures, the internal cavity of the main body is under negative pressure; therefore, it is advantageous for the door to be designed to open and close by pivoting vertically downward and upward, respectively, using the handle 314D. Furthermore, such an opening and closing mechanism provides the best viewing angle for medical personnel to observe the polyps and / or tissue samples collected by the polyp trap.Even more advantageously, the door 314 is provided with a tongue 314E which can engage with a projection 314F provided on the peripheral wall of the main body 312 to close the door 314 securely, preventing any accidental opening of the door 314.

[0032] Around the perimeter of the peripheral wall 314A is at least one sealing edge 314B, which improves the sealing capacity of the door when closed. Advantageously, several sealing edges 314B are provided. Even more advantageously, said edge is made of an elastic material such as silicone. It should be understood that improved sealing capacity ensures a better negative pressure environment during endoscopy, which is essential for clear visualization, reduced interference, better control, increased safety, and optimal conditions for medical personnel.By eliminating air and obstructions, a negative pressure environment ensures a clearer view of internal structures, minimizes image distortions, allows precise manipulation of the endoscope, reduces the risk of complications such as perforations, and creates an ideal setting for delicate procedures, thus contributing to the success and safety of endoscopic examinations.

[0033] Referring again to [Fig. 4A], the polyp trap 310 further comprises at least one second support 326, as well as at least one hook 328 for installation on the second support 326. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the second support is positioned peripherally relative to the main body of the polyp trap 310. Even more advantageously, the size of the second support 326 is dimensioned to match the internal diameter of the hook 328, so that medical personnel can easily grasp the hook 328 during endoscopic procedures. The hook 328 is intended for medical personnel to remove polyps and / or tissue samples collected and trapped in the polyp trap 310. Preferably, the hook 328 is made of a flexible material. Preferably, the second support 326 extends upwards from the bottom of the body Main 312. However, it should be understood that the representation of the second support in the figures is provided only by way of example. The essence of the present invention lies in the fact that the polyp trap is equipped with a support for receiving the hook 328. In some embodiments, the number of second supports may be two, three, four, or any integer. Preferably, the number of hooks is the same as the number of second supports.

[0034] Figures 4C-4D are perspective views illustrating the polyp trap 310 in which the door 314 is open, and a tray 330 of the polyp trap 310 is removed from its hollow main body. It can be seen that the first support 320 extends upwards from the bottom of the main body 312. In some embodiments, the first support is positioned peripherally with respect to the main body of the polyp trap. However, it should be understood that the representation of the first support in the figures is provided only by way of example. The essence of the present invention lies in the fact that the polyp trap is equipped with a support for receiving the second end 322B of the tube 322. Advantageously, the tray 330 is made of transparent material. The tray 330 is used to collect polyps and / or tissue samples removed during endoscopic procedures.The tray 330 is sized to fit into the opening 324 and is designed as a receptacle comprising a peripheral wall 330A, a perforated base 330B, and a handle 330C. The perforated base 330B is configured in a concave shape with its curved surface facing the inlet 316. The perforated base 330B allows for the collection and isolation of polyps and / or tissue samples removed during endoscopic procedures. Its essential function is filtration; a fine-mesh sieve allows fluids to flow through while retaining solid tissue samples for subsequent examination. This mechanism ensures that the collected material remains intact and readily accessible for post-procedure analysis, facilitating the identification and evaluation of tissue samples in a controlled and organized environment.

[0035] Figures 6A-6B illustrate how the curved surface facilitates the collection and removal of polyps or tissue samples. In this configuration, the polyp or tissue sample 400 is gathered at the perforated base 330B. Medical personnel use the hook 328 to gently remove the sample from this surface. The curved profile on the edge of the perforated base 330B plays a crucial role in this process, as it facilitates the removal of the polyp or tissue sample 400, particularly at the corners, without causing damage or breakage—a risk that exists when using a receptacle 530 with sharp edges, as illustrated in Figures 7A-7B. This design not only ensures the integrity of the collected samples, but It also optimizes the removal process, thus contributing to the overall efficiency and safety of endoscopic procedures.

[0036] Figure 4D illustrates the interior of the main body 312 designed to provide a guide system 332 to facilitate the smooth sliding and positioning of the platter 330 within the main body 312. The guide system 332 may consist of a pair of rails, slides, grooves, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the periphery of the peripheral wall 330A of the platter 330 is provided with one or more elements corresponding to the guide system 332. For example, when the guide system 332 consists of a pair of grooves, the periphery of the peripheral wall 330A of the platter may be equipped with a pair of ribs that slide freely within said grooves. This example is provided for illustrative purposes only and shall in no way be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4D is an exploded view showing the polyp trap 310 and a cross-sectional view illustrating the main body 312. It shows that the polyp trap 310 further comprises at least one stop 334 positioned inside the main body 312. The stop 334 extends upwards from the bottom of the main body 312, working with the guide system 332 to position the tray 330 within the main body 312. In addition, the stop 334 plays a secondary role by supporting the tray 330. In some embodiments, the stop 334 is shown extending upwards from the bottom inside the main body 312. It is important to note that this specific orientation is provided solely for illustrative purposes and should not be considered a limitation of the present invention.A specialist in the field would be able to make reasonable modifications; for example, by configuring the stop so that it extends downwards from the upper part of the main body 312. As long as the stop is configured to limit the sliding movement of the platform and / or provide support for it, it remains within the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, the number of stops may be two, three, four, or any integer.

[0038] The foregoing shall not be construed as being limited to examples or figures alone. It shall be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations fall within the scope of the invention in this respect. For example, features illustrated or described in one embodiment may be used in another to produce an additional embodiment. Thus, this disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations as well as their equivalents.

[0039] 100 set

[0040] 102 suction pump

[0041] 104 collection tank

[0042] 106 light source

[0043] 108 endoscope

[0044] 108A insertion section

[0045] 108B control section

[0046] 108C connection section

[0047] 110 polyp trap

[0048] 110A input

[0049] 110B output

[0050] 110C fluid or tissue liquid

[0051] 110 D door

[0052] 202 tube

[0053] 204 tube

[0054] 300 set

[0055] 310 polyp trap

[0056] 312 main body

[0057] 314 door

[0058] 314A peripheral wall

[0059] 314B sealing edge

[0060] 314C first end

[0061] 314D handle

[0062] 314E tongue

[0063] 314F projection

[0064] 316 entry

[0065] 318 exit

[0066] 320 first support

[0067] 322 tube

[0068] 322A first end

[0069] 322B second end

[0070] 323 tube

[0071] 324 opening

[0072] 326 second support

[0073] 328 hook

[0074] 330 tray

[0075] 330A peripheral wall

[0076] 330B perforated base

[0077] 330C handle

[0078] 332 guidance system

[0079] 334 stop

Claims

Demands

1. A polyp trap, which can be configured to be connected to an endoscope and a vacuum system during endoscopic procedures, comprising: - a hollow main body (312) having an inlet (316) and an outlet (318), in which said main body, said inlet and said outlet are in fluidic communication;and - a tube (322) having a first end (322A) capable of being removably connected to said inlet and a second end (322B) capable of being removably connected to the endoscope, characterized in that it further comprises a first support (320) positioned peripherally with respect to said main body to receive said second end of said tube (322), so that said tube can be selected to be connected to said first support when said polyp trap is in packaging condition or connected to the endoscope when said polyp trap is used during endoscopic procedures.;

2. Polyp trap according to claim 1, further comprising: - at least one second support (326) positioned peripherally with respect to said main body, and at least one hook (328) received removably by said second support; and / or - a tray (330) received in said main body and designed as a receptacle having a peripheral wall (330A) and a perforated bottom (330B), said perforated bottom being configured in a concave shape whose curved surface is oriented towards said entrance; and / or - at least one stop (334) erected inside said main body.

3. Polyp trap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said main body (312) is made of a transparent material.

4. Polyp trap according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: - the main body (312) includes an opening (324) giving access to the internal cavity of said main body; and - the polyp trap includes a door (314) having a first end (314C) articulatedly connected to said main body and a second end (314D) profiled as a handle, said door being configured to open and close said opening using said handle by tilting vertically downwards and upwards, respectively.

5. Polyp trap according to claim 4, wherein said door (314) is provided with a peripheral wall (314A) on one of its surfaces, said peripheral wall being dimensioned and formed to fit perfectly into said opening of said main body.

6. Polyp trap according to claim 5, wherein at least one sealing edge (314B) surrounds the perimeter of said peripheral wall (314A) in order to improve the sealing capacity of said door when closing said opening.

7. Polyp trap according to claim 6, wherein said sealing edge (314B) is made from an elastic material.

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