Automatic Elastic Thread Ligation Device with Adjustable Annular Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional rubber ring ligation devices for hemorrhoids face issues with rubber ring slippage, incomplete necrosis, and postoperative bleeding due to limitations in aperture size and elastic retractive force, which are affected by material properties and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
An automatic elastic thread ligation device with an adjustable annular sleeve mechanism allows for precise tightening of elastic threads, replacing traditional rubber rings to achieve tighter ligation and reduce complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If rubber rings are used for ligation, then the ligation device can be operated automatically, but the rubber rings are prone to slippage and material fatigue over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rubber to elastic thread, which has different physical properties including higher elasticity and resistance to fatigue and slippage. This material substitution resolves the reliability issue while maintaining automatic operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic thread is constructed as a composite structure combining elastic fibers with reinforcing elements, creating a material that combines the elasticity needed for ligation with enhanced durability and resistance to degradation, thereby improving reliability
2Ease of operation
If rubber rings with limited aperture size are used, then the ligation can be performed, but the elastic retractive force is insufficient and ulcer formation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rubber to elastic thread, which provides superior elastic retractive force. This allows the ligation aperture to be smaller while maintaining sufficient force to achieve complete tissue necrosis without causing excessive ulceration
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic thread is designed with a curved or helical structure that enhances its elastic properties and allows it to exert greater retractive force when compressed, improving the ligation effectiveness without increasing the aperture size
3Ease of operation
If rubber rings are used, then the ligation can be performed, but the material ages and degrades due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition from rubber to elastic thread made of synthetic elastic fibers, which have better resistance to environmental factors such as moisture, temperature variations, and chemical exposure, thereby reducing degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic thread uses a composite construction with elastic fibers embedded in a protective matrix material, providing both the necessary elasticity for ligation and enhanced resistance to environmental degradation and aging
4Area of stationary object
If larger aperture rubber rings are used, then the ligation can accommodate more tissue, but the elastic retractive force is reduced and complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter to elastic thread with superior elastic properties, allowing the aperture to be optimized for tissue coverage while maintaining sufficient elastic retractive force through the enhanced material characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic thread's curved or helical geometry provides mechanical advantage, allowing it to generate higher retractive forces even when compressed to smaller apertures, thereby maintaining ligation effectiveness without increasing the opening size
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 device provides tighter ligation, reduces postoperative bleeding, and extends the service life of the ligation material by avoiding material fatigue and environmental degradation, enabling more effective treatment with fewer complications.
Implementation Method 1
block blood supply to the hemorrhoids via the elastic retractive force of the rubber ring
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for setting elastic threads in a ligation device and an automatic elastic thread ligation device using the method. At least one elastic thread (2) is arranged along the outer wall of a barrel (3) of the ligation device, and an annular sleeve (21) with an adjustable aperture and formed at the front end of the elastic thread (2) is sleeved on the outer wall of the front end of the barrel; a traction thread (26) on the ligation device is connected with the annular sleeve (21) of the elastic thread (2), and when the traction thread (26) is pulled, the traction thread drives the annular sleeve (21) to move towards the orifice of the barrel (3), until the annular sleeve is disengaged from the orifice; a force bearing part of the annular sleeve (21) at the front end of the elastic thread is propped forwards, meanwhile, the tail end of the elastic thread (2) is pulled backwards, and the countertraction between the two acting forces leads to a gradual decrease of the aperture of the annular sleeve (21) at the front end of the elastic thread (2). In the automatic elastic thread ligation device, rubber rings are replaced by the elastic threads, after the annular sleeve at the front end of the elastic thread is pulled by the traction thread and pops up from the orifice of the barrel, the aperture of the annular sleeve can be decreased gradually by pulling the tail end of the elastic thread until the aperture becomes approximately zero, so that tighter ligation of the target tissue can be achieved, and an ulcer surface is extremely small after the target tissue becomes necrotic and falls off, so that the probability of postoperative bleeding is lowered.