Endoscopic Jaws with Independent RF Energy for Hemostasis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face challenges in efficiently and effectively treating gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly in emergency situations due to time constraints and limitations in handling large bleeding areas or patients with starch sensitivities, and they often lack the necessary facilities and personnel for cleaning in ER/ICU environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of an endoscopic medical system with an end effector assembly featuring independently manipulable and energizable jaws, which can be removably coupled to an endoscope, allowing for precise application of radiofrequency energy for coagulation and featuring a transparent material for clear viewing, along with a dedicated working channel for both suction and coagulation, enabling efficient hemostasis in emergency settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional endoscopes are used for gastrointestinal bleeding treatment, then basic imaging and fluid delivery functions are provided, but treatment speed and effectiveness are insufficient in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (imaging, suction, coagulation, and independent jaw actuation) into a single integrated end effector assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate devices and procedures, enabling faster treatment while maintaining effectiveness through coordinated multi-functional operation at the bleeding site.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector features dynamically adjustable jaws that can be independently actuated to different positions and configurations. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to various bleeding scenarios and access difficult-to-reach areas, improving both treatment speed and effectiveness in emergency situations.
2Reliability
If conventional hemostasis techniques are used, then blood flow restriction is achieved, but time consumption increases due to procedural limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is pre-configured with multiple functional components (electrodes, suction channels, independent jaw linkages) that are ready for immediate deployment. The jaws can be pre-positioned and the system can be pre-pressurized, eliminating setup time during emergency procedures while ensuring reliable hemostasis when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables continuous hemostatic action through independent jaw actuation and simultaneous coagulation delivery. The suction system operates continuously to clear blood from the field, maintaining visibility and effectiveness throughout the procedure, reducing overall procedure time while ensuring complete hemostasis.
3Measurement precision
If standard endoscope configurations are used, then basic diagnostic functions are provided, but precise energy application to target locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is segmented into multiple independently controllable jaws, each capable of receiving and delivering electromagnetic energy. This segmentation allows precise targeting of bleeding sites with individual jaws while maintaining overall system versatility for different treatment scenarios through coordinated operation of multiple segments.
4Productivity
If emergency room/ICU settings are used, then rapid treatment is needed, but cleaning facilities and personnel are often insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector assembly is designed as a disposable component that can be rapidly deployed and then discarded after use. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning facilities and extensive decontamination procedures in ER/ICU settings, while maintaining high treatment efficiency through ready-to-use pre-packaged units.
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
This solution enables precise and efficient hemostasis in emergency gastrointestinal bleeding scenarios, improving treatment speed and effectiveness while accommodating patients with starch sensitivities and reducing the need for extensive cleaning facilities, making it suitable for ER/ICU use.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic energy signal conductor configured to be coupled to a radiofrequency or other electromagnetic energy signal generator
Implementation Method 2
to help coagulate tissue... to help cauterize the site
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic medical system can include an endoscopic end effector including three or more jaws. Each of the three or more jaws can respectively include a corresponding electromagnetic energy signal conductor. The end effector can also include two or more jaw linkages, an individual jaw linkage corresponding to a respective one of the jaws, such that at least two of the jaws are configured to move, independent of one another.