Adjustable Hemorrhoid Ligation Device for Multi-Hemorrhoid Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hemorrhoid treatment methods face challenges in effectively treating multiple hemorrhoids during a single procedure due to swelling from ligated hemorrhoids, which complicates visualization and access to remaining hemorrhoids.
Innovation Solution
A device and method featuring a ligating member that can be adjusted to maintain or cut off blood flow to target tissue, using a Y-shaped applicator with a hub and ratchet mechanism to facilitate precise ligation and minimize swelling, allowing for the treatment of multiple hemorrhoids without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hemorrhoids are ligated to treat them, then the hemorrhoids are treated and removed, but the ligated hemorrhoids swell which interferes with treatment of remaining hemorrhoids
Solution Approach 1:
The ligating member is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing it to be tightened to different degrees. Initially tightened to maintain position without significant blood flow cutoff (reducing swelling), then later cinched down completely to cut off blood flow. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the tightening level to different treatment stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The ligating member is initially tightened to a preliminary degree that maintains position without causing significant swelling. This preliminary action allows subsequent hemorrhoids to be treated with clear visualization and access, after which the ligating member is fully cinched down to complete the treatment.
2Ease of operation
If the ligating member is tightened to maintain position without cutting off blood flow, then access to remaining hemorrhoids is maintained, but blood flow is not sufficiently cut off to effectively treat the hemorrhoid
Solution Approach 1:
The ligating member transitions from a first configuration (maintaining position with minimal blood flow cutoff) to a second configuration (completely cutting off blood flow). The hub mechanism enables this dynamic transition, allowing the operator to adjust tightening degree based on treatment progression and visualization needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment process occurs in periodic stages: initial tightening for positioning and access, treatment of additional hemorrhoids, then final tightening for complete ligation. This periodic adjustment of the ligating member tension resolves the contradiction between maintaining access and achieving effective treatment.
3Productivity
If multiple hemorrhoids are treated in a single procedure, then productivity is improved, but swelling from previously treated hemorrhoids interferes with treatment of subsequent hemorrhoids
Solution Approach 1:
Ligating members are initially tightened to a degree that maintains position without causing significant swelling, allowing subsequent hemorrhoids to be accessed and treated. After all target hemorrhoids are positioned with ligating members, the members are then fully cinched down to complete treatment of all hemorrhoids in the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustability of ligating members allows initial placement with minimal tightening (reducing swelling) followed by final tightening after all hemorrhoids are positioned. This enables treatment of multiple hemorrhoids in sequence without the swelling interference that would otherwise limit productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for treating hemorrhoids includes a first ligating member which moves between a first position in which the first member is tightened to a degree required to maintain a desired position of the first member around the first portion without significantly cutting off blood flow and a second configuration in which the first member is cinched down around the first portion to substantially cut off blood flow to the encircled first portion. Also, the device includes a first applicator having a proximal lumen and first and second opposed distal lumens open to the proximal lumen. The first member is extending from a proximal end distally through the proximal lumen into the first lumen to exit a distal end of the first lumen, loop around and enter the distal end of the second lumen. The first member is passing through the second lumen into the proximal lumen.