Endoscopic Tissue Closure Actuation for Distal Force Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suturing and stapling systems face challenges in delivering sufficient force to the distal end of the system, particularly in tortuous anatomy, leading to unreliable actuation and operator fatigue.
Innovation Solution
Integration of pneumatics and hydraulics into suturing or stapling devices to increase force application at the distal end, using pistons and chambers to actuate tissue engagement components, such as needle passers or stapler heads, with mechanical advantages provided by differential piston diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If pneumatic or hydraulic actuation is integrated into the distal end of the system, then the force application capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is nested within the elongate member, with the piston rod extending through the interior of the elongate member to couple with the tissue engagement component. This nesting arrangement allows the actuation mechanism to be contained within the existing device structure, providing enhanced force capability while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston rod acts as an intermediary component that transmits the force generated by fluid pressure on the piston head to the tissue engagement component. This mediator allows the decoupling of the fluid actuation system from the tissue engagement mechanism, simplifying the overall design by separating the force generation and force application functions.
2Reliability
If fluid pressure actuation is used to move the piston rod and needle passer, then the reliability of actuation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Fluid pressure is used to actuate the piston, which in turn moves the piston rod and needle passer axially. This pneumatic or hydraulic actuation provides reliable and controlled movement of the tissue engagement component, ensuring consistent performance while the fluid system remains external to the device, minimizing internal complexity.
3Device complexity
If the piston rod is disposed within the elongate member, then the device structure is simplified, but the force transmission distance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston rod is disposed within the interior of the elongate member, nesting the force transmission element within the existing device structure. This arrangement simplifies the overall device structure by eliminating external linkages while the elongate member's internal space accommodates the piston rod's travel distance for effective force transmission.
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
Enhances the ability to puncture or staple tissue effectively, reducing operator fatigue and ensuring reliable actuation in complex anatomical environments.
Implementation Method 1
pressure from a fluid within the chamber actuates the piston rod and the needle passer in an axial direction
Implementation Method 2
The piston may include a piston head engaged with an interior surface of the chamber, and a piston rod coupled to a tissue engagement component of the endoscopic device, wherein pressure from a fluid within the chamber actuates the tissue engagement component
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to systems, medical devices, and methods for closing an opening in a target tissue using hydraulics and/or pneumatics. In some embodiments, a medical device may include an endoscopic device operable to close an opening in a target tissue, and an actuator operable with the endoscopic device, wherein the actuator includes a piston within a chamber. The piston may include a piston head engaged with an interior surface of the chamber, and a piston rod coupled to a tissue engagement component of the endoscopic device, wherein pressure from a fluid within the chamber actuates the tissue engagement component.