Coiled Intraluminal Tissue Marker for Precise Site Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for marking tissue during procedures like colonoscopy, such as using india ink or blue dye, pose risks of injecting dye into the peritoneal cavity and may result in the marker spreading, obscuring the intended site, necessitating a more precise and safer method for tissue marking.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for delivering a marker that coils within the body lumen to engage the tissue, allowing for precise location of the marker either visually or palpably, using a delivery device like an endoscope or laparoscope, with markers made from biocompatible materials like Nitinol or bioabsorbable polymers that can be configured to remain in place until tissue removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If india ink or blue dye is topically injected during preoperative colonoscopy to mark the tumor site, then the tissue marking function is achieved, but the marker may spread widely obscuring the intended site and there is risk of injecting dye into the peritoneal cavity
Solution Approach 1:
A delivery device acts as an intermediary between the marker and the tissue, enabling controlled delivery of the marker to the precise target site while preventing uncontrolled spread into surrounding tissues or the peritoneal cavity. The delivery device includes a catheter with a distal end positioned adjacent to the tissue, providing a controlled pathway for marker delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker is segmented into multiple discrete beads or particles that are delivered individually or in small groups through the delivery device. This segmentation allows for precise placement at the target site while preventing the marker from spreading widely as a continuous stream, thereby maintaining location precision and reducing harmful spread.
2Reliability
If a marker is delivered to mark tissue for subsequent removal, then the tissue location is identified, but the delivery device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device is designed to be compatible with existing colonoscopy equipment and can perform multiple functions including tissue visualization, marker delivery, and potential biopsy. The device can work with various marker types (radioactive, fluorescent, magnetic) and delivery methods, reducing the need for entirely new specialized equipment while maintaining marking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device is nested within or integrated with the existing colonoscope structure, with the marker delivery catheter positioned within the colonoscope's working channel. This nesting approach allows the marker delivery function to be added to the existing colonoscopy system without requiring a completely separate complex device, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining marking reliability.
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 coiled marker effectively and safely marks tissue for subsequent removal, reducing the risk of dye spread and improving site visibility, facilitating accurate identification and minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The marker can move from an expanded position to a coiled position as it is advanced from the delivery device to form a coil that engages the body lumen
Implementation Method 2
The marker can be formed from a spring, and/or it can be formed from a shape memory material
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are provided for marking tissue to be subsequently located for removal from a body or for other examination. In general, a marker is provided that can be delivered adjacent to tissue desirable for marking. The marker can coil adjacent to the desired tissue. The marker can remain disposed in the body in its coiled position and be subsequently palpably identified and/or visually identified to locate the desired tissue.