Integrated Endoscopic Cutting and Aspiration for Polyp Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current colonoscopy techniques lack precision and efficiency in removing colon polyps, often leaving behind smaller, less detectable polyps that can advance to colon cancer, due to the need for separate cutting and retrieval tools, leading to sample bias and incomplete resection.
Innovation Solution
An improved endoscopic instrument with a power-driven cutting and aspiration system integrated within a single channel, capable of cutting and removing polyps simultaneously, using a cutting shaft and aspiration channel connected to a vacuum source, allowing for precise and efficient polyp removal without alternating tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate cutting tools and retrieval tools are used in current colonoscopy techniques, then the structure remains simple and easy to manufacture, but the precision and completeness of polyp removal deteriorates due to sample bias and the need to alternate tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cutting functionality and retrieval functionality into a single integrated endoscopic instrument. The instrument includes a cutting shaft with cutting elements for removing polyps and an aspiration channel for suctioning removed tissue, both integrated within one device that can be inserted through a single working channel of the endoscope. This eliminates the need to alternate between separate cutting tools and retrieval tools, thereby improving removal precision and eliminating sample bias.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscopic instrument is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: cutting polyps, retrieving removed tissue, and aspirating debris all through a single device. The instrument head includes both cutting shaft and aspiration channel, allowing the same instrument to complete the entire polyp removal process without requiring tool changes, thus improving completeness of resection.
2Productivity
If separate cutting and retrieval tools are used, then the device complexity remains low, but the procedural time increases due to the need to alternate between tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges cutting and retrieval operations into a single continuous process using one integrated instrument. The cutting shaft and aspiration channel work simultaneously, allowing the operator to cut and remove polyps without withdrawing or changing instruments, thereby reducing procedural time and improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument enables continuous operation throughout the polyp removal process. The aspiration channel continuously removes debris and tissue fragments as the cutting shaft operates, maintaining uninterrupted useful action without requiring tool changes or pauses, thus improving productivity.
3Ease of operation
If separate cutting and retrieval tools are used, then the ease of operation is reduced due to tool alternation, but the device complexity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cutting and retrieval functions in one instrument, allowing the operator to perform both functions without alternating tools. The integrated design simplifies the operational sequence, improving ease of use despite the increased internal complexity of the instrument.
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
Enables precise and efficient removal of sessile and multiple polyps, reducing sample bias and incomplete resection, thereby improving the accuracy of colon cancer screening and reducing procedural time.
Implementation Method 1
The second proximal end of the flexible portion is configured to couple to a vacuum source such that the resected material entering the aspiration channel via the material entry port is removed from the aspiration channel at the material exit port
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope for removing tissue at a surgical site includes an elongated tubular body insertable within a mammalian cavity of a patient. An instrument channel extends between a first opening at a distal end and a second opening at a proximal end of the tubular body and is sized and configured to receive a surgical cutting assembly that includes an aspiration channel configured to remove material entering the endoscope via a distal end of the surgical cutting assembly. A torque generation component configured to generate torque is positioned within the distal end and configured to provide the generated torque to a coupling component. The coupling component is positioned at the distal end of the elongated tubular member and configured to actuate a cutting component of the surgical cutting assembly responsive to actuation of the torque generation component.