Endoscopic Suture Needle Holder With Flexible Recovery Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic suturing systems are bulky, making them difficult to use in endoscopic procedures due to the tissue grasping arm and needle recovery member design.
Innovation Solution
The development of an endoscopic treatment device with a flexible member and a distal cap assembly that can be operated outside the body, featuring a large opening and closing angle and capable of producing significant needle force for tissue piercing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid alignment structure is used for the needle recovery member, then the system can maintain structural stability, but the system becomes bulky and difficult to use in endoscopic procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The needle recovery member is designed with a flexible structure that can bend and conform to the endoscope shape, replacing rigid alignment structures. This flexibility allows the system to maintain structural stability while significantly reducing the overall bulk, making it suitable for endoscopic procedures through natural orifices.
2Strength
If the tissue grasping arm is designed to grasp thick tissue, then the grasping capability is improved, but the system becomes bulkier and harder to deliver
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue grasping function is segmented into a separate distal element that can be independently actuated. This allows the main body of the device to remain compact for easy delivery, while the segmented grasping element can extend and provide strong tissue grasping capability when needed, without increasing the overall device profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue grasping mechanism utilizes angular movement in multiple dimensions rather than linear extension. By pivoting the needle holder arm and using rotational motion, the system achieves strong tissue engagement without requiring a longer device profile, maintaining a compact form factor for endoscopic delivery.
3Force
If a large needle force is generated for tissue piercing, then the suturing effectiveness is improved, but the mechanism requires more space and becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The needle piercing force is generated through a mechanical advantage system using pivot points and lever arms rather than a bulky linear actuator. The push rod acts on a pivot point to rotate the needle holder arm, concentrating force efficiently at the needle tip while requiring minimal mechanism space within the compact endoscopic device.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic suturing system and method are disclosed as are devices for use with the system and method such as a suture dispenser, a cinch device, and a tissue grasper. In one embodiment the suturing system includes a cap assembly arranged at the distal end portion of an endoscope or guide member, with the cap assembly including a rotatable needle holder. The needle holder is actuated through a transmission element extending outside the endoscope or guide member. A needle capture device may be inserted through a channel of the endoscope or guide member in order to capture a needle held in the needle holder when the needle holder is rotated so that the needle punctures tissue.