Endoscope Suture Assembly for Large Defect Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic treatments often result in large defects that are challenging to close using conventional methods, as current devices and methods for endoscopically closing large defects have limitations and disadvantages.
Innovation Solution
A suture assembly designed for use with an endoscope, featuring a translation assembly that is axially translatable within the working channel, including a needle configured to carry a suture, a distal shuttle to secure the needle, and a sleeve that locks or unlocks the needle's position, along with a distal endcap and attachment mechanisms to secure the assembly to the endoscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional closure methods are used, then the procedure is simple, but they cannot close large defects effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The suture assembly is nested within the endoscope's working channel, with the needle, suture, and control mechanisms all contained within the existing endoscopic structure. This allows the complex suture delivery system to be delivered through a standard endoscope without requiring a larger or separate delivery device.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device is divided into separate functional components including the needle, suture, distal shuttle, and control assembly, which can be independently manipulated and positioned. This segmentation allows for precise control of each component to achieve effective closure of large defects while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a suture assembly with needle and shuttle is used, then precise control over suture is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The distal shuttle serves multiple functions: it anchors the suture, guides the needle, and provides a control point for suture deployment. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the device achieves precise control without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle and suture control mechanisms are merged into the distal shuttle assembly, which is itself integrated with the endoscope's working channel. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining precise operational control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If an attachment mechanism is added to secure the endcap, then the assembly is more stable, but the device becomes more complex and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is pre-configured on the distal endcap during manufacturing, with engagement features already positioned to match the endoscope's working channel. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex assembly steps and reduces the number of additional components required.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture assembly includes a translation assembly that is axially translatable within a working channel of an endoscope and is adapted to releasably secure and/or release a needle and a distal end cap that is securable to an end of the endoscope and is adapted to releasably secure and/or release the needle in order to pass the needle back and forth between the translation assembly and the distal cap. An attachment mechanism configured to releasably secure the distal endcap to an end of the endoscope.