Endoscope Delivery Assembly for Tissue Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing internal body tissue, such as diverticulum, are inefficient and require modification of medical devices, making them cumbersome and difficult to implement effectively.
Innovation Solution
A delivery assembly that fits over an off-the-shelf endoscope, featuring a ring sleeve and extension tube, allows for the accurate and easy deployment of a resilient tissue compression ring using an actuator, enabling secure closure of tissue without modifying the endoscope, and includes a mechanism for vacuum-assisted tissue inversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a delivery assembly is designed to facilitate accurate delivery of the ring onto target tissue, then delivery precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components like ring sleeve, extension tube, and inner carrier
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery assembly employs a nested structure where the inner carrier is disposed inside the extension tube, which in turn is inside the ring sleeve that fits over the endoscope. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional components to be integrated in a compact configuration, achieving precise ring delivery while managing device complexity through space-efficient design.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery assembly is designed to work with off-the-shelf endoscopes without requiring manufacturer modification. The ring sleeve fits over the endoscope, and the entire assembly can be used for both visualizing target tissue through the endoscope and delivering the compression ring, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for specialized modified equipment.
2Ease of operation
If the ring sleeve is open-ended to allow unobstructed optics and light source, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring sleeve is designed with asymmetric features: it is open-ended at the distal end to allow unobstructed passage of optics, light source, and lens washer, while maintaining structural integrity through its engagement with the endoscope and the extension tube. The asymmetry allows optical components to pass through while the overall assembly remains structurally sound through its connection to the endoscope shaft.
3Reliability
If vacuum is communicated to the extension tube to invert diverticulum, then effectiveness of tissue inversion is improved, but device complexity increases due to hermetic sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The extension tube serves as an intermediary component that hermetically seals against the distal end of the endoscope at the working channel orifice. This sealing interface allows vacuum to be communicated to the extension tube to invert the diverticulum while maintaining a simple sealing mechanism that integrates with the existing endoscope structure, avoiding additional complex sealing systems.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the inner carrier is supported by the extension tube during movement, then stability of carrier movement is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to tight clearance specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The extension tube provides localized support to the inner carrier through a hermetic seal at the distal end of the endoscope. The clearance between the inner carrier and extension tube is intentionally made tight (inner diameter of extension tube marginally larger than outer diameter of inner carrier) to provide support and stability during movement, while this localized precision requirement is confined to a specific interface rather than the entire assembly.
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
Facilitates precise and repeatable secure closure of tissue with minimal disruption to the endoscope's functionality, allowing for effective treatment of diverticulum and potential wound healing through drug-eluting materials.
Implementation Method 1
Vacuum from the working channel can be communicated to the distal end of the extension tube. Vacuum serves to invert the diverticulum prior to deployment of the tissue compression ring.
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery assembly includes a ring sleeve that fits snugly over a main endoscope on the distal end of the endoscope. An extension tube projects distally away from the ring sleeve and may be made integrally with the sleeve. The extension tube is off-axis from the ring sleeve and endoscope. A tube-like inner carrier is reciprocatingly disposed inside the extension tube. One or more resilient tissue compression rings are placed in a stretched configuration on the inner carrier. To push the rings off the carrier, the carrier is pulled proximally within the extension tube and the compression ring is thus pulled into contact with the distal end of the extension tube. Continued pulling of the carrier causes the compression ring to be pushed off the assembly onto target tissue, at which point the ring is relaxed to assume a small configuration and clamp the target tissue.