Electromagnetic Endoscopic Suturing for Faster Scope Reinsertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical scopes, such as endoscopes and laparoscopes, face challenges in navigating to anatomical locations, requiring pre-operative decisions on instrument usage without visual confirmation, leading to increased time and cost due to reinsertion for different procedures like tissue collection and suturing, particularly in colonoscopy.

Innovation Solution

A reinsertion sheath system and attachable suturing device that facilitates withdrawal and reinsertion of an endoscope without re-navigating, allowing easy attachment and minimal interference with existing procedures, using electromagnetically driven suturing mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional endoscopes are used with pre-operative instrument selection, then procedural planning is simplified, but multiple reinsertions are required increasing time and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedural planningVSAvoidprocedural time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope is designed with multiple functional capabilities integrated into a single device. The scope can perform imaging, tissue collection, and suturing procedures without requiring separate instruments, allowing the same endoscope to be used for multiple different procedures during a single insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The suturing device is prepared and positioned within the endoscope before insertion into the patient. The suture material is pre-loaded and the suturing mechanism is readied in advance, so that when the endoscope reaches the target location, suturing can be performed immediately without requiring instrument exchange or additional insertion steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated suturing devices are attached to endoscope distal end, then suturing capability is provided, but the devices are cumbersome and interfere with underlying procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuturing capabilityVSAvoidprocedure performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The suturing device is nested within the endoscope structure, with the suture material and suturing mechanism contained inside the endoscope shaft. The suturing components are stored in a compact configuration within the endoscope body, allowing the endoscope to maintain its standard diameter and flexibility while carrying additional functional capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The suturing device features movable and adjustable components that can be deployed or activated only when needed. The suture material can be advanced or retracted, and the suturing mechanism can be engaged or disengaged dynamically during the procedure, allowing the system to transition between different operational states without permanent structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If suturing devices are attached before endoscope insertion, then suturing is ready to perform, but the devices make the underlying procedure more difficult and likely will not be needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuturing readinessVSAvoidinstrument configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple procedures including imaging, tissue collection, and suturing. This eliminates the need to attach different dedicated devices for different procedures, as the endoscope itself is configured to handle various tasks through its integrated functional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The suturing capability is pre-integrated into the endoscope design, with suture material and suturing mechanisms prepared within the endoscope structure before patient insertion. This preliminary preparation ensures that suturing can be performed if needed without requiring additional instrument attachments or procedural interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 suturing at anatomical sites with reduced procedural time and cost by simplifying instrument reinsertion and integration, minimizing the need for multiple insertions.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic driver configured to generate an electromagnetic field to reciprocate the suturing element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12575823B2Electric suturing devices for endoscopy and laparoscopy

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 GYRUS ACMI INC

AI summary

An electromagnetic suturing device comprises a body, a coil in the body and a suturing element actuatable by a magnetic suturing track extending into the first end face, a second arm having a second end face opposing the first end face, a second suturing track extending into the second end face, a coil in the first arm, and a suturing element drivable by a magnetic field generated by the coil to move from the first suturing track to the second suturing track. An electro-magnetic hammer suturing device comprises a housing and a coil in the housing, a shuttle to reciprocate in the housing by an electromagnetic field generated by the coil and a suturing element to be actuated by the shuttle.