Deflectable Tissue Resecting Device with Articulating Cutting Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue resection devices used in endoscopic procedures within organs like the uterus lack the ability to efficiently articulate and align cutting members for effective radial and axial cutting, limiting access and precision in tissue removal.
Innovation Solution
A tissue resecting device with a selectively deflectable cutting member, featuring a superelastic alloy tool portion and articulation cable, allowing articulation between 0 and 90 degrees, and a motor-driven inner shaft with cutting slots for radial and axial cutting, coupled with a fluid management system for aspiration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting member is fixed in a straight position, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to access and cut tissue at various angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting member is designed with dynamic articulation capability, allowing it to change from a fixed straight position to articulated positions at various angles (0-90 degrees). The tool portion includes an articulatable section that can be selectively deflected, enabling the cutting member to adapt to different tissue locations while maintaining structural integrity through controlled mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting member is divided into segmented components including a tool portion with an articulatable section and a cutting portion. This segmentation allows independent movement of the cutting member relative to the shaft, enabling articulation while maintaining overall structural coherence. The slots in the cutting member facilitate this articulation movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the blade is aligned for radial cutting, then the cutting path is optimized for radial resection, but access to axially-aligned tissue is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting member provides dynamic alignment capability, allowing the blade to be positioned for radial cutting when the tool is in its neutral position, and for axially-aligned cutting when the tool is articulated. This dynamic repositioning enables the surgeon to access tissue at different orientations by articulating the tool portion, thereby improving ease of operation for various tissue locations.
3Ease of operation
If the cutting member is articulated to varying degrees, then access to different tissue positions is improved, but the precision of cutting alignment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism is designed to provide controlled dynamic movement within a specific range (0-90 degrees) while maintaining precise alignment capability. The structured design of the tool portion and cutting member ensures that even when articulated, the cutting member can be precisely positioned and aligned with tissue, combining flexibility with cutting precision through its engineered articulation mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the tool portion is made from articulatable material, then the ability to deflect and articulate is enhanced, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tool portion is constructed from superelastic alloy material, which changes its mechanical parameters to provide both flexibility for articulation and sufficient structural strength. This material property allows the tool to deflect and articulate when needed while maintaining the strength required to support the cutting member and withstand operational forces during tissue resection.
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 precise and efficient tissue resection with the ability to switch between radial and axial cutting positions, improving access to tissue and facilitating effective fluid management during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the tool portion is made from an articulatable material, e.g., a super elastic alloy
Implementation Method 2
an articulation cable coupled to a distal portion of the tool portion, such that axial displacement of the cable causes articulation of the tool portion and the cutting member
Implementation Method 3
a motor is disposed within the housing and is configured to operably couple to the inner shaft and provide rotation thereto upon activation
Implementation Method 4
outflow tubing adapted to connect to a fluid management system configured to provide negative pressure to the outer shaft to aspirate fluids through the window and draw tissue into engagement with the blade
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue resecting device includes a housing having an outer shaft extending therefrom, the outer shaft including a tool portion disposed at a distal end thereof, the tool portion having a window defined therein. A rotatable inner shaft is disposed within the outer shaft and includes a cutting member disposed at the distal end thereof in concentric alignment with the tool portion and configured to rotate concomitantly with the inner shaft. The cutting member includes a series of slots defined therein configured to facilitate articulation of the cutting member and a blade disposed at a distal end thereof configured to cut tissue upon rotational engagement therewith. An actuator is configured to articulate the tool portion and the cutting member upon actuation thereof between a neutral position wherein the blade is aligned for radial cutting and articulated positions wherein the blade is aligned for varying degrees of axially-aligned cutting.