Endoscopic Suturing System Arcuate Needle Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic suturing devices are cumbersome and expensive, and existing techniques struggle with closing large gastrointestinal defects due to limited closure force and restricted jaw opening, making them ineffective for full-thickness defects.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic suturing system comprising a distal assembly with an arcuate needle guide, shuttle guide, and endoscope fastener, along with a proximal assembly featuring an actuator and cable, allowing for precise suturing without the need for ancillary support devices by translating an arcuate needle through an angled distal assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If endoscopic clips are used to close gastrointestinal defects, then the procedure is simple and quick, but the closure force is insufficient and jaw opening is restricted making them ineffective for large defects
Solution Approach 1:
The suturing device divides the closure function into multiple components: a needle for penetrating tissue, a suture material for creating the closing structure, and a shuttle mechanism for delivering the suture. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling sufficient closure force while maintaining procedural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a suture material as an intermediary element between the endoscopic clip and the tissue edges. Instead of relying solely on mechanical clipping force, the suture acts as a mediator that distributes and amplifies the closing force across the defect, enabling effective closure of larger defects while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If innovative endoscopic devices to place full thickness sutures are developed, then closure capability for large defects is improved, but the devices become cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The suturing device is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated system: it can deliver full-thickness sutures, approximate tissue edges, and provide secure closure for various defect sizes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices, thereby decreasing overall complexity and cumbersomeness while maintaining reliability for full-thickness defect closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible suture material that can adapt to different tissue configurations and defect geometries. This flexibility allows the device to maintain simplicity while achieving reliable full-thickness closure, as the suture can conform to various anatomical structures without requiring complex rigid guiding mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If endoscopic clips are used for closure, then the procedure is minimally invasive, but the jaw opening distance is restricted limiting their usefulness for larger defects
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to increase jaw opening distance in the traditional linear dimension, the patent transitions to a different dimensional approach by using a suture that can be delivered through the endoscope and then extended beyond the instrument. This allows the closing structure to span distances much greater than the endoscope diameter while maintaining minimal invasiveness during delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is an endoscopic suturing system configured for attachment to, and use with, an endoscope.