Shape-Memory Coil Fastener for Secure Tissue Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tissue fixation in body cavities, such as laparoscopic surgery, face challenges in efficiently and effectively joining tissues with minimal invasion while ensuring secure clamping and easy removal of the fastener without causing tissue damage or leakage.
Innovation Solution
A tissue fastening apparatus comprising a coil-shaped metal wire fastener with fixation and linking portions, and an applicator device for endoscopic insertion, which uses a piercing device and stylet to insert and lock the fastener within tissues, allowing for secure clamping and subsequent removal without leaving sharp edges, thereby forming a fistula for bile flow or other treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fastener is pushed out from the tip end of the shaft with a push-out mechanism, then the fastener can be inserted into the body, but the fastener may cause tissue damage or leakage due to sharp edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sharp tip end portion of the fastener from the tissue by leaving only a predetermined length (3-10mm) inside the tissue while removing the remaining sharp portion outside the tissue. This is achieved by controlling the push-out mechanism to expose the fastener to a controlled extent, allowing the sharp edges to be removed without compromising the clamping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the fastener with a specific structure that includes a tip end portion designed to be pushed out to a controlled extent. The fastener is pre-configured with dimensions and material properties that allow it to be pushed out precisely to the required length, ensuring that when inserted, only the necessary portion remains inside the tissue while the sharp edges are exposed for removal.
2Reliability
If the fastener is heated by body temperature and restored into its original coil shape, then hollow organs are joined, but the fastener removal process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fastener into functional portions: a coil-shaped body for clamping and a distinct tip end portion for removal. By separating the clamping function (coil portion) from the removal function (tip end portion), the fastener can be easily removed by simply pulling out the tip end portion, which detaches from the coil portion still embedded in the tissue. This segmentation simplifies the removal process while maintaining secure fixation.
3Manufacturing precision
If a needle is moved forward and piercingly inserted into the tissue, then the fastener position is fixed with the stopper, but the procedure requires multiple steps and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the fastener to automatically position itself within the tissue without requiring external control mechanisms. The fastener's geometry and the push-out mechanism work together to automatically determine the correct insertion depth, eliminating the need for stoppers or complex control systems. The fastener self-regulates its position based on its own structural properties and the force applied during insertion.
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 apparatus enables secure tissue clamping and fistula formation for bile flow or other treatments with reduced tissue damage and easy removal of the fastener, facilitating early recovery and minimizing complications like bile leakage.
Implementation Method 1
The fastener is manufactured by heat-treating a shape-memory alloy in a flat coil shape. It is inserted into the shaft in an extended state. In application, the fastener is pushed out with the push-out mechanism and piercingly inserted into a body. The fastener is heated by a body temperature and is restored into its original coil shape.
Implementation Method 2
The fastener is manufactured by heat-treating a shape-memory alloy in a flat coil shape. It is inserted into the shaft in an extended state. In application, the fastener is pushed out with the push-out mechanism and piercingly inserted into a body. The fastener is heated by a body temperature and is restored into its original coil shape.
Data Source
AI summary
A treatment method on tissues in a body cavity includes: a first step of forming a hole for communicating first body tissue with second body tissue while both are in close contact with each other; and a second step of endoscopically inserting a treatment device into the second body tissue through the hole.