Endoscope Treatment Tool Insulated Conductor for Submucosal Dissection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is technically challenging and time-consuming due to the difficulty in cutting the submucosal layer without damaging the proper muscular layer, requiring skilled training and prolonged procedures.

Innovation Solution

A treatment instrument for endoscope with a conductor sandwiched between non-conductors on its side surface, allowing precise cutting of the submucosal layer while preventing contact with the muscular layer, and featuring a gear-like shape for efficient lateral movement and a swing mechanism for posture control, along with a high-frequency current supply for coagulation and cutting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional treatment instrument is used to cut the submucosal layer, then the cutting function is achieved, but the proper muscular layer may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of muscular layer damageVSAvoidcutting precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an insulating layer as an intermediary between the conductive portion and the proper muscular layer. This insulating layer prevents direct contact between the conductor and the muscular layer, thereby preventing damage while still allowing the conductor to cut the submucosal layer through controlled high-frequency current application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment section is designed with different properties at different locations: the conductor portion is conductive for cutting, while the surrounding insulating layer provides electrical isolation. This local differentiation of material properties allows precise cutting of the submucosal layer without affecting the proper muscular layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If endoscopic submucosal dissection is performed manually, then complete resection is achieved, but the procedure takes a long time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedissection speedVSAvoidtreatment duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cutting with an automated high-frequency electrical current system. The treatment instrument applies high-frequency current through the conductor to generate electromagnetic effects that automatically cut the submucosal layer, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and significantly reducing treatment time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment instrument enables continuous application of high-frequency current along the conductor, allowing uninterrupted cutting of the submucosal layer. This continuous action eliminates the intermittent nature of manual cutting, thereby increasing productivity and reducing overall treatment duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If the treatment section contacts the proper muscular layer, then stable positioning is achieved, but cutting of the muscular layer occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidmuscular layer cutting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating layer serves as a protective intermediary that allows the treatment section to contact the proper muscular layer for stable positioning without transferring electrical current to it. The conductor can press against the muscular layer through the insulating layer, ensuring stable positioning while the insulating layer prevents harmful electrical contact and cutting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 quick and safe submucosal dissection by preventing muscular layer damage, reducing bleeding, and facilitating efficient tissue removal with precise control over coagulation and cutting.

Implementation Method 1

a high-frequency current supply apparatus which supplies a high frequency current to the conductor (30)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2057953B1Treatment tool for endoscope

Publication Date: 2020.05.06 JICHI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

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Figure 4(a)~4(f)

AI summary

A treatment instrument for endoscope that is suitable for cutting submucosal layer in endoscopic submucosal dissection is provided, and the treatment instrument for endoscope has a treatment section at a distal end of an insertion section which is inserted in a body. The treatment section includes a conductor that is connected to a high-frequency source, and is configured to have a sandwich structure in which the conductor is sandwiched between a non-conductor on the distal end side thereof and a non-conductor on a proximal end side thereof. The conductor is formed to be exposed in a strip-shape at a side surface of the treatment section, and a lateral movement of the treatment section causes a cutting of a submucosal layer with the conductor to be performed.