Endoscopic Clip Coupler Release for Reloadable Tissue Clipping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic clipping systems leave shed parts in the body after deployment, which can become trapped in larger defects, and require multiple applicators for repeated tissue clipping.
Innovation Solution
A reloadable endoscopic clipping system with a coupler that detachably connects a clip to an applicator, allowing for seamless reloading without leaving shed parts, using a coupler that disengages from the capsule during deployment and remains attached to the bushing, enabling repeated use of the same applicator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional firing mechanism is used to advance and fire a hemostasis clip, then the clip can be deployed, but the mechanism is complex, difficult to sterilize, and may leave shedding parts on the tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components: the applicator that remains outside the body and the coupler that is implanted with the hemostasis clip. The firing mechanism is integrated into the coupler as a simple spring-loaded plunger, separating the complex external applicator from the simple internal implant, thereby reducing overall device complexity and facilitating sterilization of the implanted portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex firing mechanism is extracted from the implanted coupler and placed in the external applicator. Only the simple plunger and spring remain in the coupler, which can be easily sterilized. The external applicator handles all complex operations including actuation, while the implanted portion remains simple and sterilizable.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional firing mechanism is used, then the clip can be fired, but the mechanism may shed parts onto the tissue during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The complex shedding-prone firing mechanism is extracted from the implanted coupler and placed in the external applicator. The implanted coupler retains only the simple plunger that pushes the clip arms apart, eliminating shedding parts from the implanted portion while maintaining clip deployment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The external applicator with its complex firing mechanism is designed as a disposable single-use device that is discarded after deployment. This eliminates the risk of shedding parts from the applicator, as it is removed entirely after use, while the implanted coupler contains only simple, non-shedding components.
3Ease of manufacture
If the coupler is made separable from the capsule, then the capsule can be discarded after use, but the coupling mechanism must be reliable to prevent accidental separation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism uses dynamic spring-loaded retention arms that flexibly engage with the capsule's release features. The springs provide constant force to maintain engagement while allowing controlled separation when activation features are engaged, achieving both reliable connection and intentional separability.
Solution Approach 2:
Spring-loaded retention arms act as intermediaries between the coupler and capsule, providing reliable engagement through elastic force while allowing controlled separation. The springs mediate the connection, ensuring both secure attachment during use and reliable release when needed.
4Ease of operation
If a complex firing mechanism is used to advance the clip arms, then the clip can be deployed, but the mechanism increases device complexity and difficulty of sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The clip arm advancement function is segmented between the external applicator (which provides the complex actuation mechanism) and the internal coupler (which contains only simple springs and plunger). This segmentation places complexity in the disposable external device while keeping the implanted device simple and sterilizable.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex clip arm advancement mechanism is extracted from the implanted coupler and placed in the external applicator. The coupler retains only the essential spring-loaded plunger that pushes the clip arms apart, while all complex actuation components are removed to the external device, reducing implanted device complexity.
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
Ensures no shed parts are left in the body during clipping and allows for the same applicator to be reused multiple times, enhancing procedural efficiency and reducing material waste.
Implementation Method 1
the release features, which are spring-loaded, to flex the retention arms radially outward
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a clipping system for treating tissue, comprising a clipping apparatus including a pair of clip arms slidably received in a capsule, the capsule including windows extending through a proximal end thereof, a coupler mounted over the proximal end of the capsule, the coupler including a pair of retention arms each having a retaining feature and a pair of deployment arms each having an engaging feature configured to be received within the windows of the capsule, and an applicator having a distal end including a projection extending about a periphery thereof, the projection configured to be engaged by the retaining features to couple the coupler to the distal end, and the deployment arms being configured so that, when a compressive force exerted on the coupler exceeds a predetermined threshold, the deployment arms slide proximally along the projection and deflect radially outward to disengage the engaging features from the capsule so that the coupler separates from the capsule while remaining coupled to the distal end of the applicator.