Cap Protrusion for Tissue Engagement in Flexible Medical Scope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices and systems for transluminal procedures face challenges in efficiently creating incisions through tissue layers, particularly in narrow body lumens, due to difficulties in maintaining a consistent angle and achieving precise tissue engagement.
Innovation Solution
A cap device is designed for coupling with flexible elongate members, featuring a protrusion that engages tissue received through the cap's lumen. The protrusion is configured to create a flat target surface parallel to the cutting tool, facilitating consistent incision creation despite non-parallel angles with the tissue wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a cutting device is inserted through a body lumen to create an incision, then the incision can be made through tissue layers, but it is difficult to maintain a consistent angle and achieve precise tissue engagement in narrow body lumens
Solution Approach 1:
The cap device serves as an intermediary between the cutting device and the tissue wall. It provides a structured interface with a protrusion that engages the tissue wall and creates a flat target surface, enabling precise cutting without requiring direct angle control between the cutting device and the curved tissue wall
Solution Approach 2:
The cap device transforms the cutting problem from a two-dimensional angle control issue into a three-dimensional solution by creating a flat target surface on the curved tissue wall. This allows the cutting device to cut perpendicular to the flat surface while the cap itself accommodates the curvature of the tissue wall
2Ease of operation
If the cutting device is positioned at an angle to the tissue wall to facilitate incision, then access to the tissue is improved, but the angle consistency and cutting precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cap device mediates between the angled tissue wall and the cutting device by providing a flat target surface. The protrusion engages the tissue wall at the desired angle while presenting a flat surface to the cutting device, maintaining cutting precision regardless of the tissue wall's orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The cap device creates a localized flat surface on the curved tissue wall through its protrusion. This local quality change allows precise cutting at the specific engagement point while the rest of the tissue wall maintains its natural curvature and orientation
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods of or for use with an elongate shaft of a medical scope. The device may be or may include a cap for the elongate shaft. The cap may include a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a protrusion located between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end of the cap may be configured to couple with the elongate shaft. The distal end of the cap may define a first diameter. The protrusion may define a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. The protrusion may be configured to engage tissue received in the lumen through the distal end.