Endoscopic Ligation and Coagulation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating esophageal varices, such as endoscopic variceal ligation, often result in recurrence of varices after treatment, necessitating a more effective device and method for ligating and coagulating tissue to prevent reformation of defects.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with an end effector, ligation bands, and spaced electrodes that can be used with an endoscope to ligate and coagulate tissue, where the ligation bands are deployed and the electrodes deliver current to coagulate the tissue, preventing recurrence by causing deep submucosal tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If endoscopic variceal ligation is used to treat esophageal varices, then the procedure can be performed to ligate the varices, but the varices frequently recur after treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ligation and coagulation functions into a single end effector device. The ligation band applies mechanical constriction to the tissue while the electrodes simultaneously or sequentially apply electrical current for coagulation, creating a synergistic effect that prevents both immediate bleeding and future recurrence of varices
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector utilizes composite action by integrating mechanical ligation (elastic band) and thermal/electrical coagulation (electrodes with current source) into one system. This composite approach addresses the limitations of ligation alone by adding the coagulation component that creates deeper tissue damage and prevents recurrence
2Ease of operation
If only ligation bands are applied to varices, then the procedure is simple to perform, but deep submucosal tissue damage is insufficient to prevent recurrence
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the simple mechanical application of ligation bands with the addition of electrical coagulation capability. The operator simply activates the current source after or during band application, maintaining procedural simplicity while achieving deeper tissue damage through the combined mechanical and electrical action on the tissue
3Device complexity
If a single function device is used for ligation, then the device is simple in design, but it cannot prevent reformation of defects effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector integrates multiple functions (ligation band delivery and electrode coagulation) into a single device structure. This allows the device to perform both mechanical constriction and electrical coagulation on the same tissue target, preventing defect reformation through combined action while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is designed as a multi-functional device that can both ligate tissue using an elastic band and coagulate tissue using electrodes with current delivery. This universal design allows one device to address multiple aspects of variceal treatment that would otherwise require separate devices or procedures
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
The device effectively ligates and coagulates tissue, reducing the likelihood of varice recurrence by causing deep tissue damage and promoting fibrosis, thereby preventing reformation of defects.
Implementation Method 1
The band stops the circulation of blood through the vessel and causes the ligated tissue to necrose and slough off
Implementation Method 2
the electrodes deliver current to coagulate the tissue, preventing recurrence by causing deep submucosal tissue damage
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for ligating and coagulating tissue are provided. In one embodiment, a device is provided having an end effector that is adapted to access tissue to be treated at a surgical site and has the capability to both ligate and coagulate the targeted tissue. The end effector can include at least one ligation band that is removably disposed in a delivery configuration on a portion of the end effector and is adapted to be configured in a tissue-engaging configuration upon release from the end effector. The end effector can also include a pair of spaced electrodes disposed adjacent to each other on a tissue contacting portion of the end effector.