Endoscopic Tool for Pancreatic Necrosis Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic procedures for removing necrotic tissue from the pancreas are limited in effectiveness, often requiring multiple procedures and being time-consuming due to the lack of sufficient grasp and removal capabilities of existing devices.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic tool with a cutting assembly and aspiration channel, capable of rotating or reciprocating to cut and suction necrotic tissue, is used to access pancreatic or peri-pancreatic fluid collections through a cyst-gastrotomy, allowing for efficient removal of necrotic material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing endoscopic procedures are used to remove necrotic tissue from the pancreas, then the procedure can be performed with current technology, but the procedure is time-consuming and requires multiple interventions due to limited removal capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cutting and aspiration functions into a single endoscopic tool. The cutting assembly with rotating blades cuts necrotic tissue while the aspiration channel simultaneously removes the cut tissue through suction, eliminating the need for separate cutting and removal steps required by existing procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscopic tool is divided into functional components: a cutting assembly with multiple blades for tissue segmentation, and an aspiration channel for removal. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, improving overall efficiency compared to using a single existing endoscopic device for both tasks
2Reliability
If existing endoscopic tools are used, then the procedure can be performed with current equipment, but the tools lack sufficient grasp and removal capabilities requiring multiple procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting assembly is nested within the endoscopic tool housing, with blades contained within a protective cannula. The aspiration channel is integrated within the same structure, allowing the cutting and removal functions to be housed in a single device without excessive external complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscopic tool is designed to perform multiple functions: cutting necrotic tissue with rotating blades, aspirating removed tissue through the aspiration channel, and potentially irrigation. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate existing endoscopic tools and 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 endoscopic tool enables safe and effective removal of pancreatic necrosis in fewer procedures, reducing treatment time and adverse events, with the ability to manage necrotic tissue removal in a controlled manner, improving patient recovery.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible torque component including a flexible torque coil or a flexible torque rope, the flexible torque component coupled to the inner cannula and configured to cause the inner cannula to at least one of rotate or reciprocate relative to the outer cannula
Implementation Method 2
applying suction to a first end of an aspiration channel of the endoscopic tool to remove the material through the aspiration channel
Data Source
AI summary
A method for removing materials from a subject can include inserting an endoscope into the subject through an esophagus of the subject; introducing, through a cavity wall of a stomach of the subject to access a site within the subject outside the stomach, an endoscopic tool coupled with the endoscope; actuating a cutting assembly of the endoscopic tool to cut material at the site, the material associated with at least one of a pancreatic fluid collection in a pancreas of the subject or an extra-pancreatic fluid collection external to the pancreas; and applying suction to a first end of an aspiration channel of the endoscopic tool to remove the material through the aspiration channel, the aspiration channel extending from the first end to a second end at an opening of the cutting assembly.