Endoscopic Tissue Folding Device for Gastric Plication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures for obesity and gastric disorders are invasive, leading to complications and limited accessibility for patients, with a need for less invasive and more effective methods for hollow organ restriction.
Innovation Solution
A system for tissue approximation and fixation that allows for minimally invasive procedures using a tissue acquisition and folding device and a tissue stapling or fixation device, which can be advanced endoscopically to create plications within the stomach or other gastrointestinal tract regions, utilizing a pod assembly with vacuum chambers and a stapler assembly for tissue approximation and fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical procedures (open incision or laparoscopic) are used for stomach reduction, then tissue approximation and fixation can be achieved, but patient invasiveness increases leading to more complications and longer recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by performing tissue approximation and fixation from the inside of the stomach rather than from the outside. The device is inserted transorally and deploys folding elements that engage the inner gastric wall, allowing surgical intervention without external incisions. This reverses the traditional approach where staplers are applied externally through laparoscopic ports, thereby eliminating the need for abdominal incisions and reducing patient trauma while maintaining effective tissue fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an endoscopic device as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between non-invasive access and effective surgical intervention. The device includes a flexible scope with integrated folding elements and fixation mechanisms that can navigate the gastrointestinal tract and perform surgical functions internally. This intermediary approach allows complex tissue approximation procedures to be performed through the natural oral route rather than requiring direct surgical access through incisions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive endoscopic procedures are used, then patient recovery is improved, but the complexity of the device and procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated endoscopic device. The scope incorporates tissue engagement mechanisms, folding elements, fixation devices, and actuation systems all within one instrument that can be inserted through the mouth. This consolidation allows the device to perform cutting, folding, and stapling functions that would traditionally require separate surgical tools and procedures, thereby managing complexity through functional integration rather than proliferation of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs segmented folding elements that can be deployed independently at different locations along the gastric wall. Each folding element consists of discrete components that can be actuated separately, allowing the procedure to be performed in stages rather than requiring all functions to be present and operational simultaneously. This segmentation reduces the operational complexity at any given moment while maintaining the full capability of the system.
3Ease of operation
If traditional external stapling is used, then the procedure is simpler to perform, but the invasiveness and associated pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional stapling approach by placing the stapling mechanism inside the stomach rather than outside. The device delivers staples through the gastric wall from the luminal side, reversing the conventional external-to-internal approach. This inversion maintains procedural simplicity by using standard stapling mechanics while eliminating the need for external incisions and reducing surgical pain associated with wound healing.
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 minimally invasive tissue approximation and fixation within the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the invasiveness of procedures and providing a more effective method for weight loss and treating gastric disorders with fewer complications.
Implementation Method 1
The acquisition member includes a vacuum pod that acquires and holds at least one fold of tissue between the first and second jaws
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tissue approximation and fixation is described herein. A device is advanced in a minimally invasive manner within a patient's body to create one or several divisions or plications within a hollow body organ. The system comprises a stapler assembly having a tissue acquisition member and a tissue fixation member. The stapler assembly approximates tissue from within the hollow body organ with the acquisition member and then affixes the approximated tissue with the fixation member. In one method, the system can be used as a secondary procedure to reduce the size of a stoma within the hollow body organ.