Elastic-Coupled Tissue Retraction for Clearer Dissection Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical procedures for extracting target tissue, such as cancerous lesions, are inefficient and time-consuming due to poor visualization and obstruction of dissection tools, necessitating a device that improves visualization and mitigates tissue obstruction.

Innovation Solution

A tissue retraction device and delivery system comprising a tissue engagement member coupled to an elastic member by a coupling assembly, which includes a coupler body and a compression member to fix the elastic member, allowing the device to lift and retract target tissue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If traditional tissue extraction methods are used, then the procedure can be completed, but visualization is poor and dissection tools are obstructed, leading to increased procedure time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisualizationVSAvoidprocedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a retraction device as an intermediary tool that physically separates and holds back tissue walls, creating a clear visual pathway for surgeons. This mediator device eliminates the obstruction problem by positioning itself between the surgical field and the tissue mass, allowing both improved visualization and uninterrupted tool access without extending procedure time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If tissue is left in place during dissection, then the surgical field remains accessible, but tissue obstruction prevents effective dissection and reduces visualization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedissection accessibilityVSAvoidvisualization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The retraction device extracts and removes the obstructing tissue from the immediate surgical field, holding it aside to create clear visibility. This extraction principle allows surgeons to see the dissection area without tissue interference while maintaining the ability to access and manipulate the tissue when needed for the procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a complex coupling assembly is used to attach the elastic member, then secure fixation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation securityVSAvoidcoupling assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a coupler body for structural support, a compression member for applying securing force, and an elastic member for flexible attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall reliability without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member's physical parameters (elasticity, compression capability) are optimized to provide secure fixation through material properties rather than complex mechanical structures. By changing the parameter of elastic deformation, the system achieves reliable attachment with a simpler overall assembly design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances visualization and reduces obstruction during tissue dissection procedures, improving efficiency and reducing procedure time.

Implementation Method 1

the compression member is designed to compress the elastic member onto the first coupler body such that the elastic member is fixedly engaged with the coupler body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS20250303113A1Tissue retraction device and delivery system
Publication Date: 2025.10.02 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC
  • US20250303113A1 patent drawing
  • US20250303113A1 patent drawing
  • US20250303113A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Medical devices and methods of using medical devices are disclosed. An example tissue retraction device includes a first tissue engagement member coupled to an elastic member by a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly including a first coupler body having a first end region and a first compression member. Further, the first end region of the first coupler body is configured to extend into a portion of a lumen of the elastic member and the compression member is designed to compress the elastic member onto the first coupler body such that the elastic member is fixedly engaged with the coupler body.