Endoscopic Suture Arms for Closing Large Tissue Defects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic devices struggle to effectively close large defects or wounds that are too large for hemostasis clips to easily bridge, such as those resulting from treatments like large lesion removal, full thickness tissue removal, and post-surgical issues.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with pivotable suture arms and latching features secured to an endoscope, allowing for the passage of a needle and suture through tissue along an arcuate path, facilitated by control elements for precise manipulation and latching mechanisms to secure and release the needle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hemostasis clips are used to close tissue defects, then the closure process is simple and quick, but they cannot effectively close large defects or wounds
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the suture delivery function into two separate arms (first suture arm and second suture arm), each capable of independently delivering and manipulating sutures. This segmentation allows each arm to be optimized for specific tasks while collectively achieving the ability to close large defects that would be impossible with a single clip-based approach
Solution Approach 2:
The suture arms are positioned at different heights relative to the endoscope, with the first suture arm at a first height and the second suture arm at a second height. This vertical dimensionality enables the arms to access and suture large defects from different angles and positions, providing the adaptability needed to close extensive tissue defects that cannot be addressed by a single-plane approach
2Manufacturing precision
If pivotable suture arms with latching features are used, then precise needle control and arcuate suture path are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suture arms are designed to be pivotable about pivot points, allowing dynamic adjustment of the arm positions and needle orientations. This dynamic capability enables precise control of the needle path through tissue, creating arcuate suture patterns that match the curvature of anatomical structures while maintaining manageable device complexity through controlled degrees of freedom
Solution Approach 2:
Latching features act as intermediary mechanisms between the control elements and the needle-suture assembly. These latching features securely hold the needle in place during positioning and suturing operations, then can be released to allow needle advancement, providing precise control without requiring complex continuous actuation mechanisms
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple control elements are used for suture arm manipulation, then precise control of each arm is achieved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control elements are designed to perform multiple functions: they control the pivoting motion of the suture arms, manage the latching feature engagement and disengagement, and coordinate the needle delivery and suture deployment. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate controls needed while maintaining precise positioning capability, improving ease of operation without sacrificing control precision
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes a mounting structure that is adapted to be secured to a distal end of an endoscope. A first suture arm is pivotably secured to the mounting structure and is adapted to releasably secure a needle that is adapted to puncture tissue while accommodating a suture. A second suture arm is pivotably secured to the mounting structure and is adapted to releasably secure the needle. The first suture arm and the second suture arm cooperate to pass the needle back and forth therebetween along an arcuate path.