Endoscopic Suturing Device With Articulated Flexible Sheath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suturing devices with rigid shafts face difficulties in accessing deep or obstructed areas within the body during endoscopic procedures, limiting their maneuverability and efficiency in suturing and tissue manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A suturing device with a flexible elongate sheath and a movable carrier member that can be removably coupled to an endoscope, featuring an expandable member for securing position and an actuation cable for passing needles through tissue, allowing for improved access and suturing capabilities within body lumens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid shaft is used in suturing devices, then structural strength and stability are improved, but maneuverability and ability to access deep body areas deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the shaft into multiple segments that can articulate relative to each other, allowing the distal portion to deflect independently from the proximal portion. This segmentation enables the device to navigate complex body lumens while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure with multiple degrees of freedom. The articulation joints allow real-time adjustment of the shaft configuration to access difficult-to-reach areas while maintaining strength where needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid shaft is used in suturing devices, then structural stability is improved, but ability to access obstructed areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated shaft is divided into multiple articulating segments that can independently deflect and orient themselves to navigate around obstructions and deep body lumens while maintaining structural stability through the articulated connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the physical parameters of the shaft from rigid to articulated, allowing it to adapt its shape and configuration to access obstructed areas while maintaining sufficient structural stability to perform suturing functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular units with multiple parts are used in surgical instruments, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines the carrier member, needle, suture, and articulation mechanisms into an integrated assembly that functions as a unified tool, reducing the number of separate modular units while maintaining versatile suturing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated shaft design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables navigation through body lumens, and allows positioning of the carrier member, thereby reducing the need for separate specialized components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A suturing device (100) for use in endoscopic procedures includes a head (120) configured to be removably coupled to an elongate medical device (110) and an actuator (150) coupled to the head (120) via an elongate flexible sheath (130). The suturing device is configured to pass a needle and suture through a selected tissue site upon actuation of the actuator. In another embodiment, a suturing device (400) includes a head (420) and a retaining portion (461) configured to receive a guide wire. The suturing device can be inserted into a patient's body using the guide wire (490) to guide and help position the head (420) of the suturing device. In such an embodiment, the suturing device can also include an expandable (670) member coupled to the head and that is configured to be expanded within a body lumen of a patient to help maintain a position of the head within the body lumen.