Endoscopic Snare Loop for Polyp Transection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polypectomy techniques, such as cauterization and mechanical snaring, face challenges including thermal injury to the gastrointestinal wall, incomplete tissue removal, excessive bleeding due to uncauterized blood vessels, and difficulty in securing the targeted tissue with mechanical snares.
Innovation Solution
A tissue removal tool with a loop-shaped snare that is movable between open and closed positions, featuring collapse-resistant bends and a unique wire orientation that changes across the loop's proximal and distal portions, allowing for effective manipulation and transection of polyps while maintaining a flat snare position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cauterization is used to remove polyp tissue, then tissue removal is achieved, but thermal injury to the gastrointestinal wall occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal cauterization with a mechanical snare device that uses a loop configuration to mechanically capture and transect polyp tissue. The snare loop is deployed endoscopically to encircle the polyp and then closed to create a mechanical cut, eliminating the need for thermal energy application and thus avoiding thermal injury to the surrounding gastrointestinal wall while maintaining effective tissue removal capability
2Productivity
If mechanical snaring is used to remove polyp tissue, then tissue removal is achieved, but incomplete tissue removal occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a loop-shaped snare configuration that curves around the polyp tissue, allowing the snare to engage with the base of the polyp and ensure complete capture. The curved geometry of the loop enables the snare to wrap fully around the polyp stem, preventing incomplete removal that occurs with straight or angular configurations, thereby improving both removal efficiency and completeness
3Productivity
If conventional snare configuration is used, then tissue removal is achieved, but excessive bleeding occurs due to uncauterized blood vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the snaring function with a cauterization function by integrating a cauterizing element within or alongside the snare loop. This combination allows the device to first mechanically capture the polyp and then simultaneously apply thermal energy to coagulate blood vessels at the tissue base, preventing excessive bleeding while maintaining efficient tissue removal capability
4Productivity
If mechanical snare is used to secure targeted tissue, then tissue capture is achieved, but difficulty in securing the tissue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic snare loop configuration that can change its shape and flexibility during deployment and closure. The loop is designed to be adaptable to different polyp sizes and positions, allowing the operator to adjust the snare's geometry for optimal tissue capture. This dynamic adaptability simplifies the securing process compared to rigid or fixed-configuration snares
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue removal tool for use with an endoscope. The tool includes a loop formed by a piece of wire. The loop is movable between an open position and a closed position. The shape of the loop is defined in the open position by a proximal portion and a distal portion. The piece of wire may have a cross-sectional height in the proximal portion unequal to a cross-sectional height in the distal portion.