Electrosurgical Pseudopolyp Formation Without Band Reloading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrosurgical systems for piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection are limited by the need to withdraw and reload devices with preloaded bands, restricting the number of target tissue portions that can be raised and treated simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

An electrosurgical system that uses a proximal bias, such as suction, to withdraw the target tissue into a distal chamber while applying an electrical current to the base, creating scarring that maintains the tissue in a raised position without detaching it from underlying tissue, allowing for multiple tissue portions to be treated without band limitations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If preloaded bands are used to raise target tissue portions, then the tissue can be maintained in a raised position, but the device must be withdrawn and reloaded when bands are depleted, reducing procedural efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of tissue portions treatedVSAvoidtime for device withdrawal and reloading
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical band deployment system with an electrosurgical system that uses electrical current to create scar tissue at the base of target tissue portions. This substitution eliminates the need for physical bands and allows continuous treatment without device withdrawal or reloading, directly resolving the contradiction between productivity and time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of tissue elevation maintenance from mechanical (bands) to biological/electrical (scarring via electrosurgical current). By applying electrical energy to create scar tissue at the base, the system maintains tissue portions in a raised position without requiring physical band structures, thereby enabling unlimited sequential treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If multiple bands are preloaded to treat multiple tissue portions, then more tissue can be treated simultaneously, but the device complexity and loading mechanism become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of bandsVSAvoidband loading mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the band component entirely from the system. Instead of using multiple bands that require complex loading mechanisms, the invention uses a single electrosurgical device that applies electrical current to create scar tissue, thereby maintaining multiple tissue portions in raised positions without any band-related complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrosurgical device serves multiple functions: it raises target tissue portions by creating scar tissue at the base, maintains them in the raised position, and enables subsequent resection. This multi-functionality replaces the specialized band deployment mechanism, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining the capability to treat multiple tissue portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If bands are used to maintain tissue in raised position, then detachment from underlying tissue is prevented, but the mechanical constraint may cause tissue damage or discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue attachment stabilityVSAvoidmechanical stress on tissue
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical constraint with biological scarring. Instead of using bands that physically constrict and potentially damage tissue, the electrosurgical system creates scar tissue at the base that naturally anchors the target tissue portion to the underlying tissue. This substitution maintains attachment stability while eliminating the harmful mechanical stress associated with band deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 the creation of multiple raised target tissue portions at a treatment site without the need for band reloading, improving efficiency and flexibility in electrosurgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

Applying the proximal bias may include applying, with a suction source, a suction in a suction lumen of the elongate tubular member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

applying, with an electrode assembly, an electrical current to the target tissue portion in the raised position to coagulate the target tissue portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical current coagulation: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3236871B1Electrosurgical formation of pseudopolyps
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP3236871B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3236871B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3236871B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Electrosurgical medical systems and methods for maintaining a target tissue portion in a raised position are disclosed. In one embodiment, the target tissue portion may be withdrawn into a distal chamber of an electrosurgical device using a proximal bias. An electrode assembly of the electrosurgical device may contact a base of the target tissue portion. The electrode assembly may apply an electrical current to coagulate the target tissue portion while the proximal bias is being applied. Suction and electrical current may be applied without detaching the target tissue portion from the underlying tissue.