Band Ligation Loading System Using Intermediary Catheter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing band ligation loading techniques are difficult and time-consuming due to the need to navigate multiple lumens and channels with thin, hard-to-manage loading devices, and there is a risk of accidental band deployment and damage to the ligation barrel.
Innovation Solution
A band ligation loading system comprising a loading tube, a loading cap, and a loading key, which simplifies the loading process by enabling band deployment cords to be translated through a surgical device without requiring multiple loading members, prevents cord tangling, and secures the cords and bands to prevent accidental deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional loading techniques are used to pass cords through multiple lumens and channels, then the band ligation barrel can be loaded onto the surgical instrument, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A loading catheter is introduced as an intermediary device to facilitate the passage of band deployment cords through the surgical instrument's lumens and channels. The catheter acts as a guide that simplifies navigation through the complex internal geometry, making the loading process easier and faster without requiring multiple separate loading members
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple loading functions are merged into a single integrated loading catheter assembly. Instead of using separate loading wires or members for each lumen, the catheter provides a unified pathway that consolidates the loading operation, reducing the number of steps and improving efficiency
2Ease of operation
If thin loading devices are used to navigate multiple lumens and channels, then the cords can be positioned, but the loading process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The loading catheter serves as a mediator that eliminates the need to manually maneuver thin loading devices through complex lumens. By providing a pre-formed pathway, the catheter dramatically reduces the time required for cord positioning while maintaining the ability to navigate multiple channels effectively
3Ease of operation
If force is applied to the elongate shaft and band ligation barrel during loading, then the barrel can be positioned, but accidental deployment of ligation bands may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The loading catheter incorporates protective features that cushion and protect the ligation bands from accidental deployment during the loading process. The catheter structure provides a protective environment that prevents premature band ejection while still allowing controlled positioning of the barrel
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter acts as an intermediary protective barrier between the loading forces and the ligation bands. This mediator allows necessary positioning forces to be applied while preventing those forces from causing accidental band deployment
4Reliability
If multiple loading members with hooks are used to engage and position cords, then the cords can be secured, but the process becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate loading members with hooks are merged into a single loading catheter assembly. This consolidation maintains the cord engagement functionality while dramatically reducing the complexity of the loading process by eliminating the need to handle multiple separate instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The loading catheter serves as an intermediary that provides integrated cord engagement capabilities without requiring multiple separate hooked members. The catheter design incorporates engagement features that achieve reliable cord securing through a unified, simpler device
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems are provided herein for loading a band ligation barrel onto a surgical instrument. For example, a surgical system is provided for loading a band ligation barrel onto a surgical instrument that has a loading tube with a lumen to receive one or more band deployment cords of a band ligation barrel. The loading tube can be inserted through a first lumen of a surgical instrument. The system can also have a loading cap that receives a distal end of the loading tube, and a distal portion of the loading cap can be inserted into a distal-most opening of the band ligation barrel to secure band deployment cords therein. The system can also have a loading key that can be inserted into a second lumen of the surgical instrument, and a distal end of the loading key can engage with a proximal end of the loading tube.