Endoscopic Needle Orientation Change for Right Colon Suturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic suturing systems are limited by their mobility and flexibility, particularly when dealing with larger lesions or those located in the right colon, due to the need for overtubes or caps, which restricts the size of the lesions that can be treated effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flexible endoscopic suturing device that allows the needle to change alignment from parallel to transverse, enabling the use of a larger needle size and facilitating suturing in areas with limited access, such as the right colon, without the need for overtubes or caps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a needle carrier cap is used to carry the needle at the distal end of the endoscope, then the needle can be delivered through the working channel, but the flexibility and vision are limited, making it impossible to use in the right colon
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is extracted from the needle carrier cap and delivered directly through the working channel without requiring the cap to remain in place. This eliminates the constraint that the cap imposes on flexibility and vision, while still achieving needle delivery through the working channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static needle carrier cap configuration to a dynamic system where the needle can be deployed and repositioned independently. This allows the endoscope to navigate complex anatomical structures like the right colon without being constrained by a fixed needle carrier.
2Ease of operation
If a double-channel endoscope is used to accommodate the needle carrier, then the needle can be delivered, but the operation becomes complex requiring assistant and double-channel endoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The needle delivery system is extracted from the complex double-channel endoscope configuration and simplified to work through a single working channel. This eliminates the need for assistant coordination and dual-channel management, significantly simplifying the operational procedure.
3Ease of operation
If the needle size is limited to less than 2 mm in long axis to pass through the working channel, then the device can be used through the endoscope, but the strength of the suture, efficiency and reliability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is extracted from the constrained working channel environment and delivered through a delivery mechanism that allows for larger needle dimensions. This enables the use of needles with greater length and strength while still being deliverable through the endoscope system.
Solution Approach 2:
The larger needle is nested within a delivery catheter or sheath that passes through the working channel, then deployed at the target site. This allows the needle to be smaller during delivery but achieve full functional size at the treatment site, resolving the contradiction between deliverability and suture strength.
4Ease of operation
If the needle is delivered parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, then it can be inserted through the endoscope, but the suture precision and control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The needle delivery system incorporates angular or rotational degrees of freedom, allowing the needle to be oriented in multiple dimensions relative to the endoscope axis. This enables precise positioning and angulation of the needle at the target site while maintaining compatibility with the longitudinal insertion path through the endoscope.
Data Source
AI summary
Suturing device for endoscopic use comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being provided with a clamp (3) formed by two facing blades (3a, 3b) intended to house a suture needle (9) and where the proximal end is provided with control mechanisms for opening and closing said clamp and changing the orientation of the needle and passing it from one blade to another of the clamp (1, 2a, 2b). Thanks to the change in orientation of the needle, it is possible to use much larger needles than in the current state of the art.