Endoscope Anchoring Device for GI Tissue Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic procedures for the gastrointestinal system face challenges in detecting and treating lesions and GI bleeds due to limited maneuverability, visual obstruction, and difficulty in maintaining position during procedures, leading to missed diagnoses and increased risks of re-bleeding and complications.
Innovation Solution
A device that can be attached to an endoscope to grip and manipulate tissue, allowing for better positioning and anchoring without obstructing the working channel, enabling improved visualization and control during procedures like polyp removal and GI bleed repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the endoscope is retracted past a haustral fold to view lesions, then the lesion becomes viewable, but the haustral fold flips back and hides the region just anterior to the fold
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses engagement members as intermediaries to grasp and hold the haustral fold in place, preventing it from flipping back and hiding the region anterior to the fold. This mediator approach allows continuous visualization of the target area without requiring repeated retraction and advancement maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary action by securing the haustral fold before lesion detection and treatment procedures. By pre-positioning and anchoring the fold with engagement members, the system prevents the fold from moving during subsequent manipulation, ensuring stable visualization throughout the procedure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tools are interchanged in the working channel to address different lesions, then treatment capability is enhanced, but visualization is lost and the endoscope drifts and loses location
Solution Approach 1:
The device acts as a stable intermediary anchor point in the GI tract, securing the tissue and maintaining endoscope position relative to the target lesion. This allows multiple tools to be exchanged in the working channel without compromising visualization or target location, as the device maintains a fixed reference point.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides multi-functional support by simultaneously maintaining endoscope positioning, securing tissue, and enabling various treatment tools to be used through the working channel. This universal anchoring function supports multiple treatment capabilities without sacrificing target location accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope is advanced through convoluted GI paths, then access to treatment areas is achieved, but maneuverability is limited and continuous treatment is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary navigation through the convoluted GI path and secures the target tissue in advance. By pre-positioning itself at the treatment site and anchoring the tissue, it establishes a stable base that simplifies subsequent manipulation and maintains continuous treatment despite physiological motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves as an intermediary anchor between the endoscope and the target tissue, facilitating navigation through difficult GI anatomy. By securing the tissue at the treatment site, it improves ease of operation for subsequent procedures while maintaining access to hard-to-reach areas.
4Measurement precision
If the scope is retracted to view lesions behind haustral folds, then lesions become detectable, but treatment time is increased due to repeated positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary positioning and anchoring of the haustral fold before lesion detection and treatment. By securing the fold in place initially, it eliminates the need for repeated retraction and advancement maneuvers, significantly reducing total procedure time while maintaining high lesion detection accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for engaging tissue includes a body disposable around the distal end of a medical instrument, such as an endoscope, and a handpiece. The body includes a primary channel for receiving the medical instrument and at least one arm channel for receiving an arm therethrough. At least one arm extends through the arm channel of the body and proximally to the handpiece. The arm includes an engagement member distally of the body, and may further include a bend between the body and engagement member. The engagement member is movable between a first position not contacting tissue and a second position contacting tissue. With multiple engagement members, the engagement members are farther apart from one another in the first position and closer together in the second position. Movement of the engagement members is controlled by selective and independent movement of the corresponding arms by rotational and/or translational motion.