Endoscopic Stapler Head Tissue Plication via Vacuum and Hydraulics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic methods for forming tissue plications in the stomach are invasive and require surgical or laparoscopic interventions, which are undesirable for minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
Development of an endoscopic stapling system that can be passed transorally to plicate stomach tissue using a stapler head with a vacuum chamber and hydraulic system for tissue acquisition, compression, and stapling, allowing serosal-to-serosal plications to be formed without the need for invasive techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If endoscopic stapling system is passed transorally to perform stapling, then invasiveness is reduced, but device complexity increases due to vacuum chamber and hydraulic system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscopic stapling system employs nested components where the stapler head is positioned within the endoscope shaft, the vacuum chamber is integrated into the stapler head structure, and hydraulic components are contained within the endoscope handle. This nesting allows the complex system to be passed transorally through the gastrointestinal tract while maintaining all necessary functions for tissue acquisition, compression, and stapling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vacuum chamber as an intermediary mechanism between the endoscope and the tissue. The vacuum chamber acquires tissue non-invasively through suction, allowing the stapler to engage tissue without requiring direct mechanical contact or invasive clamping. The hydraulic system acts as an intermediary to transmit force from the handle to the stapler head for compression and stapling operations.
2Reliability
If vacuum chamber is used for tissue acquisition, then tissue grasping capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional vacuum system components
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum chamber is merged with the stapler head structure, combining tissue acquisition and stapling functions in a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate tissue grasping instruments and reduces the number of components that would otherwise be required. The vacuum ports are integrated into the stapler head housing, and the vacuum chamber forms part of the overall stapler assembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If hydraulic system is used for tissue compression and stapling, then stapling precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to fluid delivery requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic system where fluid delivered through catheters in the endoscope shaft actuates pistons in the handle. These pistons generate compressive force that is transmitted through the stapler head to compress tissue between the anvil and staple cartridge. The same hydraulic system actuates the staple driver to form staples. This hydraulic mechanism provides precise, controlled force application while allowing the operator to control all functions from the handle outside the body.
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 formation of strong tissue plications within the stomach using endoscopic methods, reducing the need for invasive procedures and facilitating the retention of medical implants, while allowing for the use of various medical devices within the plications.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum chamber and hydraulic system for tissue acquisition, compression, and stapling
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum chamber and hydraulic system for tissue acquisition, compression, and stapling
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are endoscopic staplers and methods used to apply one or more fasteners to body tissue. In one embodiment, a fastener-applying device, which is preferably a stapler, is passed transorally into the stomach to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside the stomach and drawing it inwardly. In the disclosed embodiments, the tissue is drawn into a tissue chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue to be positioned facing one another. The disclosed staplers allow opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with another, and preferably deliver staples for maintaining contact between tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparoscopic intervention, After one or more plications are formed, medical devices may optionally be coupled to the plication(s) for retention within the stomach.