Endoscopic Plication Device for Stomach Wall Tissue

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for forming tissue plications in the stomach require invasive surgical or laparoscopic procedures, which are undesirable, and there is a need for a minimally invasive technique to create durable plications that can support medical implants within the gastrointestinal tract.

Innovation Solution

An endoscopic plication system that uses a retracting component with a vacuum head and stapling component to draw stomach wall tissue inward and secure it with staples or sutures, optionally incorporating mesh or sclerosing agents to enhance serosal bonding, allowing for plication formation entirely from within the stomach without surgical intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surgical or laparoscopic procedures are used to form tissue plications, then durable plications can be created, but the procedures are invasive and undesirable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of plicationVSAvoidinvasiveness of procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces external surgical instruments with an endoscopic system that operates from within the stomach. The endoscope delivers a plicating device through the esophagus, eliminating the need for external surgical incisions and approaches while achieving the same tissue plication effect internally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary endoscopic system that acts as a mediator between the external operator and the internal stomach tissue. The endoscope serves as a conduit to deliver the plicating device into the stomach lumen, enabling minimally invasive access to the target tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If endoscopic approach is used to form tissue plications, then invasiveness is reduced, but the ability to create durable plications is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinvasiveness of procedureVSAvoiddurability of plication

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscopic plication device is divided into separate functional components: a vacuum head for tissue engagement, a retracting mechanism for tissue manipulation, and a stapling system for securing the plication. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall minimally invasive operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs vacuum pressure as a controllable parameter to engage and hold tissue in place during the plication process. By adjusting vacuum levels, the system can securely hold tissue without requiring excessive mechanical force, enabling durable plications through controlled parameter changes rather than increased invasiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If vacuum head is used to engage tissue, then tissue can be drawn inward effectively, but the complexity of the retracting component increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of tissue engagementVSAvoidcomplexity of retracting component

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the vacuum head and retracting mechanism into an integrated endoscopic assembly. The vacuum engagement and tissue retraction functions are merged within a single device structure, allowing tissue to be engaged and manipulated through coordinated action of integrated components rather than separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscopic plication device performs multiple functions through a single system: vacuum tissue engagement, tissue retraction, and stapling securation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate instruments and procedures, effectively managing complexity by consolidating operations into one versatile device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the creation of durable tissue plications that can support medical implants, reducing the need for invasive procedures and allowing for the placement of implants within the stomach using a minimally invasive endoscopic approach, with enhanced serosal bonding for long-term durability.

Implementation Method 1

a retracting component with a vacuum head and stapling component to draw stomach wall tissue inward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS9254132B2Endoscopic plication device and method

Publication Date: 2016.02.09 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

In a method of stapling layers of tissue within a body cavity, an engaging instrument is passed between a stapler cartridge and anvil and used to engage a region of tissue. The engaging instrument is retracted to move the engaged tissue into the stapling position, and driving staples from the cartridge through at least two layers of the engaged tissue. The method and associated system may be used to form plications in body tissue, such as stomach wall tissue. Staples simultaneously driven through tissue may simultaneously capture a reinforcing elements positioned adjacent the cartridge and/or anvil prior to stapling.