Compliant Endoscopic Clip Mechanism for Precise Tissue Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic closure devices are difficult to use, time-consuming, and insufficient for certain perforations and anatomies, particularly in aggressive interventional and therapeutic gastrointestinal procedures.
Innovation Solution
A compliant material-based clip system with a central body and jaws that can transition between an insertion and deployment configuration, using an adapter mounted over an endoscope, allowing precise placement and locking onto tissue with a friction fit and snap mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current endoscopic closure devices are used, then tissue closure can be achieved, but the procedure is time-consuming and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is divided into distinct functional components: a body portion, a control wire, and a jaw mechanism. This segmentation allows for simplified deployment where the clip can be independently positioned and then activated, reducing the overall procedural time and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The clip is pre-formed with the jaw mechanism in an open position and mounted on the endoscope before reaching the target site. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex assembly during the procedure, significantly reducing procedural time and improving ease of use
2Adaptability or versatility
If current endoscopic closure devices are used, then tissue closure can be achieved, but the devices are insufficient for certain perforations and anatomies
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable during deployment. The control wire allows the operator to adjust the jaw opening width and closing force in real-time, enabling the clip to adapt to various anatomical configurations and perforation sizes while maintaining reliable closure
Solution Approach 2:
The clip design allows for variation in key parameters such as jaw width, closing force, and clip size. These parameter changes enable the device to accommodate different anatomical sites and perforation types, improving versatility without compromising closure reliability
3Ease of manufacture
If a monolithic Nitinol clip structure is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the mechanism for jaw movement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic Nitinol structure utilizes the material's inherent superelasticity and shape memory properties to automatically return the jaws to their original position after deployment. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional springs or complex actuation systems, simplifying both manufacturing and the overall device design
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
Enables efficient and precise closure of tissue defects with minimal user effort, ensuring secure deployment and easy detachment from the endoscope.
Implementation Method 1
the clip is a monolithic structure formed of a compliant material. In an embodiment, the compliant material is Nitinol
Data Source
AI summary
A clipping system includes an adapter and a clip. The adapter is mounted over a distal end of an insertion device to a distal end and has a first annular groove formed in a distal face of the adapter. The clip has a body; a central body having a coupling portion and a ring; and jaws having outer arms coupled to the body at an outer arm proximal end and inner arms disposed radially inward of the outer arms and coupled to the ring at an inner arm proximal end. The body includes an annular protrusion extending proximally from a proximal surface of the body. The protrusion is inserted into the first groove of the adapter to couple the clip to the adapter. Movement of the central body along an axis of the clip causes movement of the jaws between an insertion configuration and a deployment configuration.