Endoscopic Diverticulum Resection via Wall Layering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for treating diverticulum in the digestive tract, such as the colon, often require invasive procedures and do not effectively prevent recurrence of diverticulitis, as they either cover the inner surface with a sleeve or tie the diverticulum with an elastic band, which can be cumbersome and invasive.

Innovation Solution

A digestive-tract treatment method involving the use of an endoscope with grasping forceps and a high-frequency snare to pull and suture the wall portions of the colon, effectively closing off the diverticulum by layering the first and second wall portions, thereby preventing fecal matter from entering and reducing the risk of inflammation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the colon inner surface is covered with a sleeve to close the diverticulum, then the recurrence of diverticulitis is prevented, but the procedure becomes more complex and invasive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of diverticulitis recurrenceVSAvoidcomplexity of closing procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the diverticulum itself through endoscopic resection rather than attempting to close it or cover it with a sleeve. The diverticulum is excised by cutting the wall at the treatment target site, eliminating the need for complex closing mechanisms and reducing procedural complexity while maintaining effectiveness in preventing recurrence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of closing the diverticulum from the inside or covering it, the invention inverts the approach by removing the diverticulum entirely through endoscopic resection. This fundamental reversal of the closing concept simplifies the procedure by eliminating the need for sutures, clips, or sleeve-based closing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If the diverticulum is tied with an elastic band outside the colon to close it, then the diverticulitis recurrence is prevented, but the procedure becomes more invasive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of diverticulitis recurrenceVSAvoidtime required for closing procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the diverticulum through endoscopic resection, eliminating the need for time-consuming elastic band application and tying procedures. The diverticulum is excised in one process, significantly reducing the time required compared to methods that require separate closing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical elastic band tying system with endoscopic resection using a cutting device. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical manipulation of elastic bands and sutures, reducing procedural time and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the diverticulum is pulled into the colon interior by suction to close it, then the diverticulitis recurrence is prevented, but the procedure becomes more complex and may not effectively seal the opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of diverticulitis recurrenceVSAvoidcomplexity of closing procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the diverticulum through endoscopic resection rather than attempting to suction and seal it. This approach eliminates the need for complex suction-based closing mechanisms and provides definitive prevention by removing the diverticulum entirely

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses endoscopic imaging to visualize and guide the resection of the diverticulum, creating a visual copy or representation of the target site to ensure precise localization and complete removal without requiring complex mechanical closing devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

This method provides a less invasive approach that effectively closes off the diverticulum, reduces the risk of diverticulitis recurrence, and maintains the joined state over an extended period by orienting the sutured surfaces towards the anus, minimizing the chance of fecal matter entry and inflammation.

Implementation Method 1

a high-frequency snare 6 that can cut tissue by causing a high-frequency current to flow in the high-frequency snare 6

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10864038B2Digestive-tract treatment method

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

Provided is a digestive-tract treatment method including: pulling, inside a digestive tract (A), an end portion of a first wall portion (A1) positioned at a rim of a treatment target site (B), and moving the first wall portion (A1) to a position on a second wall portion (A2) on an opposite side of the treatment target site (B) from the first wall portion (A1); and joining the first wall portion (A1) and the second wall portion (A2) in a state in which the first wall portion (A1) and the second wall portion (A2) are layered.