Adjustable Endoscopic Traction for Sustained Submucosa Exposure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current traction devices for submucosal dissection in the digestive tract face challenges as the proximal part of the tumoral mucosa relaxes after resecting the first part of the submucosa, leading to insufficient traction force, making it difficult to continue the dissection process effectively.
Innovation Solution
A traction device with a proximal anchor and an elastic member that allows for adjustable distances and includes an adjustment member to maintain optimal traction force throughout the dissection process, ensuring continuous exposure of the submucosa.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the elastic member is fixed to exert traction force on the proximal anchor, then the submucosa can be exposed initially, but the traction force becomes insufficient after the proximal part relaxes following resection of the first part of submucosa
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the distance between the proximal anchor and distal anchor adjustable rather than fixed. The elastic member's length can be modified during the dissection procedure to adapt to tissue relaxation, allowing the traction force to be maintained at optimal levels throughout the entire resection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing modification of the elastic member's length parameter. By adjusting the distance between anchors, the physical state of the elastic member changes, enabling it to generate appropriate traction force even after tissue relaxation occurs during dissection.
2Device complexity
If the distance between anchors is fixed initially, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate tissue relaxation during the dissection process
Solution Approach 1:
The device structure transitions from a static fixed-distance configuration to a dynamic adjustable-distance configuration. This allows the device to adapt to the changing anatomical conditions during dissection without requiring complete redesign of the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable distance mechanism provides multi-functionality, allowing the same device to handle both the initial exposure phase and the subsequent dissection phase where tissue relaxation occurs, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Ease of manufacture
If the elastic member length is fixed, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the traction force becomes insufficient when the proximal part relaxes
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is extended to include an adjustment capability rather than producing a completely fixed component. This dynamic feature allows the elastic member to be configured for different patient anatomies and dissection stages while maintaining reasonable manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the length parameter of the elastic member to be changed after manufacturing, providing flexibility to maintain reliable traction force without requiring multiple manufacturing runs for different length specifications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device maintains sufficient traction force, allowing for seamless dissection of the tumor mucosa by adjusting the distance between anchors to accommodate tissue relaxation, thereby facilitating complete resection.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member configured to exert a proximal traction force onto the proximal anchor
Data Source
AI summary
The aim of the invention is to provide a traction device for sufficiently exposing the submucosa so as to provide suitable conditions for the dissection device to move freely throughout the entire dissection of the tumoral mucosa. The traction device (1) of the invention is characterised in that it comprises a proximal anchor (3) that is mounted so as to move relative to an elastic member (2) between a minimum proximal distance and a maximum proximal distance, and in that the traction device comprises an adjustment member (6) configured to adjust the maximum proximal distance between the initial maximum proximal distance and a final maximum proximal distance smaller than the initial maximum proximal distance.