Endoscopic Clip Locking for Visible Tissue Defect Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic closure devices, particularly over-the-scope clips, are difficult to use, time-consuming, and insufficient for certain perforations and anatomies due to the operator's inability to visualize the clip's position relative to the target tissue during deployment.
Innovation Solution
A clipping system with a cap-mounted clip that allows for visual confirmation and adjustment of the clip's position relative to the target tissue before deployment, featuring a movable clip within a cap that can be locked in the closed configuration using a snap-fit mechanism and controlled by a control member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If over-the-scope clips are used for tissue closure, then closure of larger tissue defects can be achieved, but the operator cannot visualize the clip's position relative to the target tissue during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is nested within a delivery device that includes a visible marker or indicator. The delivery device is inserted through the endoscope, allowing the operator to visualize the delivery device's position while the clip remains concealed until deployment. This nesting approach enables visualization of the delivery system without exposing the clip itself until the moment of release.
Solution Approach 2:
A delivery device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the clip. The delivery device includes visible components (such as a shaft or marker) that allow the operator to track position, while the clip itself remains hidden. The intermediary translates the operator's control actions into precise clip deployment at the target site.
2Reliability
If current endoscopic closure devices are used, then tissue closure can be achieved, but the devices are difficult to use and time-consuming to position
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device is designed to be self-aligning or self-positioning within the endoscope channel. The device may include features that automatically center it or guide it to the correct position, reducing the operator's manual adjustment efforts and making the device easier to deploy while maintaining reliable tissue closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device incorporates movable or flexible components that allow it to adapt to different anatomical configurations and endoscope positions. This dynamic design enables easier positioning and adjustment during the procedure while ensuring reliable clip deployment regardless of the specific anatomical scenario.
3Productivity
If over-the-scope clips are deployed without visible positioning, then deployment speed may be increased, but deployment errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device includes visible markers, indicators, or alignment features that provide real-time feedback to the operator about the device's position and orientation. This feedback allows the operator to confirm proper positioning before deployment, ensuring accuracy while maintaining efficient deployment speed through intuitive visual cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device incorporates color-coded markers or indicators that change or become visible at specific positions or under specific conditions (such as when illuminated by the endoscope light). These visual changes provide immediate feedback to the operator, confirming correct positioning and reducing deployment errors while maintaining quick deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
A clipping system includes a cap, a clip and a control member. The cap includes a channel extending therethrough. A proximal portion of the cap is mounted over the endoscope such that a distal portion of the cap extends distally past a distal end of an endoscope. The distal portion of the channel includes opposing surfaces therealong defining a tapered portion tapering from the distal end of the cap toward a proximal end. The clip is mounted within the cap. The clip includes jaws movably connected via hinges. At least one of the hinges is biased to move the jaws away from one another. The clip is movable relative to the cap between open and closed configurations. The control member longitudinally movable relative to the cap to move the clip between the open and closed configurations.