Bariatric Clamp With Suture Portions, Flexible Hinge for Low-Trauma Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical clamps for partitioning sections of the stomach during bariatric surgery often cause injury and are difficult to install efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A bariatric clamp with elongated portions, a flexible hinge, and a polymer overmold, featuring adjustable sections and engagement mechanisms, designed for easy installation and reduced trauma, using a surgical clamp installation tool with articulating capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing surgical clamps are used to partition stomach sections, then the stomach can be divided into sections, but the clamps cause injury to the stomach and are difficult to install efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple elongated portions (first elongated portion, second elongated portion, third elongated portion) that can be independently positioned and adjusted along the stomach, allowing for flexible partitioning while reducing trauma to the stomach tissue through distributed contact points
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp incorporates a flexible hinge connecting the elongated portions, allowing the structure to conform to the curved surface of the stomach and distribute pressure more evenly, thereby reducing injury while maintaining effective partitioning
2Productivity
If existing surgical clamps are used, then stomach partitioning is achieved, but the installation process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are combined into an integrated clamp structure including elongated portions, flexible hinge, engagement features, and fastening mechanisms all in one device, simplifying the installation process while maintaining the ability to achieve effective stomach partitioning
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp incorporates adjustable and movable features including the flexible hinge and engagement mechanisms that allow for dynamic positioning and adaptation during installation, enabling faster and more efficient deployment while maintaining structural integrity
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 clamp effectively partitions the stomach with minimal trauma, allowing for safe and efficient bariatric procedures by reducing injury to the organ and facilitating easy installation and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible hinge, the method comprising: creating an opening in an abdominal cavity of a patient to access a stomach of the patient; removing tissue connected to an exterior surface of the stomach adjacent areas where the bariatric clamp is to be positioned; positioning the bariatric clamp in an open position such that a first end of the first elongated portion and a first end of the second elongated portion are open relative to one another, and a second end of the first elongated portion and the second end of the second elongated portion are linked through one or more members that include the flexible hinge
Data Source
Figure 1~2(c)
Figure 2(d)~2(i)
Figure 2(j)~3(d)
AI summary
A bariatric clamp may include substrate members overmolded in polymer forming first and second elongated portions with insert portions, and a bight portion having a flexible hinge wherein the inserts are engaged via a magnetic force to retain the clamp in a closed position to partition the stomach. In another embodiment, the bariatric clamp may include substrate members overmolded in polymer forming first and second elongated portions and a bight portion having a flexible hinge, wherein the first and second elongated portions are curved to conform to a curvature of a patient's stomach. In another embodiment, the bariatric clamp may include substrate members overmolded in polymer forming first and second elongated portions each having one or more suture portions formed via one or more recesses formed in the substrate members.