Endoscopic Appendectomy Access With Pneumatic Cecal Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical methods for appendicitis, such as open and laparoscopic approaches, require incisions and general anesthesia, leading to significant costs, pain, and complications, with no current techniques allowing safe removal of the vermiform appendix without incisions or general anesthesia.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing a double-layered endotube with electroceramic baffling and deployable cone for incisionless surgery, enabling access and removal of the vermiform appendix through the anus using endoscopic techniques, with instruments controlled by a controller for secure closure and peritoneal contamination control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If open or laparoscopic surgery is performed to remove the appendix, then the appendix can be removed, but surgical incisions are required which cause pain, complications, and require general anesthesia

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe removal of appendixVSAvoidincisions causing pain and complications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an endoscope as an intermediary device that allows access to the appendix through the natural anal opening rather than requiring external incisions. The endoscope serves as a mediator between the external environment and the internal appendix, enabling removal through the gastrointestinal tract while avoiding direct surgical incisions in the abdominal wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical surgical approach (knives, forceps, incisions) with an endoscopic system that uses specialized endoscopic instruments, lighting, and visualization to achieve appendix removal. This substitution eliminates the need for cutting tools and external incisions while maintaining the ability to securely remove the appendix.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If open or laparoscopic surgery is performed, then the appendix can be removed, but significant costs and need for fully equipped operating rooms are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappendix removalVSAvoidfully equipped operating room requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adapts the endoscopic system, which is a commonly available device for gastrointestinal procedures, to perform appendectomy. This multi-functional use of endoscopic technology allows the procedure to be performed in standard endoscopy suites rather than requiring specialized operating rooms, thereby reducing infrastructure complexity and costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscopic system utilizes its own integrated lighting, visualization, and instrument delivery mechanisms to perform the entire appendix removal procedure independently, without requiring the additional specialized equipment and staff typically needed for open or laparoscopic surgery. The system serves itself by combining diagnosis and treatment capabilities in a single platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If traditional surgical methods are used, then the appendix can be removed, but surgical incisions are required for access and exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to appendixVSAvoidsurgical incisions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of accessing the appendix from the external abdominal surface through incisions, the patent inverts the approach by accessing the appendix from the internal gastrointestinal tract through the anal opening. This reverse approach allows the surgeon to reach the appendix through the natural lumen of the bowel, eliminating the need for external incisions while maintaining adequate access and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12465379B2Method and device for performing incisionless surgery

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 SMITH SINGARES EDUARDO

AI summary

A device for accessing and removing a vermiform appendix without the need for surgical incisions may include a double-layered endotube fitted with electroceramic baffling; an endoscope extending through the endotube; instruments fitted within the endoscope and configured to interchangeably extend through at least one tool orifice in the distal end of the endoscope; an extension disk attached to a proximal end of the endotube; a controller operatively attached to the instruments through the extension disk, the controller configured to control and drive movement of the endotube, the endoscope, and the instruments; a casing attached to a distal end of the endotube; a pneumatic extensible cone housed within the casing, the pneumatic extensible cone configured to go from an undeployed position to a deployed position; and a cecoclosure device attached to the pneumatic extensible cone.