Endoscope Snare with Retrieval Pouch for Polyp Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic snare operations face difficulties in efficiently capturing and retrieving polyps, often resulting in incomplete removal, increased trauma to the patient, and unnecessary procedures due to the challenges of using cauterization loops, forceps, or suction methods.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument assembly featuring an elongate slider member with an inner and outer loop, where the outer loop is larger and has a pouch for retrieval, allowing for both cutting and capturing polyps without cauterization, and utilizing tethers to facilitate the retrieval of multiple polyps with the same instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cauterization loop is used to sever a polyp, then the polyp is cut and removed, but it becomes difficult to capture and retrieve the severed polyp
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cauterization loop and the capture pouch into a single integrated instrument assembly. The pouch is attached to the loop, allowing both cutting and capture functions to be performed simultaneously with one device, eliminating the need to switch between separate instruments and significantly improving polyp retrieval efficiency
2Ease of operation
If forceps are used to capture the polyp, then the polyp can be grasped, but the snare cauterization tube must be removed and replaced, preventing removal of more than a biopsy sample
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: the cauterization loop can sever polyps while the attached pouch can capture and retrieve them. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to switch between separate forceps and snare instruments, allowing complete polyp removal rather than just biopsy samples
3Productivity
If suction is applied via a suction channel to retrieve the polyp, then the polyp can be drawn out, but visual inspection of the patient's internal tissues is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The capture pouch acts as an intermediary device that allows gravitational retrieval of the polyp without requiring suction. The pouch can be positioned distal to the endoscope tip, enabling the polyp to be pulled out by gravity alone, thus maintaining clear visual inspection capability while still achieving efficient polyp retrieval
4Productivity
If the endoscope is removed without the polyp and an enema is given to flush out the polyp, then the polyp may be recovered, but the pathologist cannot determine carcinoma type and the patient may undergo unnecessary colon resection
Solution Approach 1:
The capture pouch is prepared and attached to the cauterization loop before the procedure begins. Once the polyp is severed, the pouch is immediately positioned to capture it, ensuring the entire polyp is retrieved intact for pathological examination. This preliminary preparation and immediate capture action prevents polyp loss and ensures accurate diagnosis
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 complete removal of polyps with reduced trauma and cost, allowing for the harvesting of multiple polyps using the same instrument, while maintaining visibility during the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical current is conducted through the loop via the wire. Generally, as the loop is closed about the base region of the polyp, electrical current is transmitted through the narrowed organic tissues and thereby generates therein heat sufficiently great to cut and cauterize
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic cutting and retrieval instrument includes an elongate electrically conductive wire and an inner loop and an outer loop both connected to a distal end of the wire. The inner loop and the outer loop have a common proximal loop portion and different distal loop portions. The distal loop portion of the outer loop is longer than the distal loop portion of the inner loop so that the outer loop is larger than the inner loop. A net attached to the outer loop forms a retrieval basket for capturing severed polyps and other tissues masses.