Endoscopic Tool Support Device with Actuated Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic suturing devices have limited tissue receiving space, restricting the thickness of tissue that can be sutured and are unable to perform transmural piercings effectively, especially in thick gastric walls, and existing tool holders lack versatility and rigidity, limiting surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A device with clamping members and projecting members that can be remotely actuated to create a larger working space, allowing for the use of longer, rigid needles and improved tool orientation, enabling transmural sutures and enhanced surgical precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a cap assembly is attached to the endoscope prior to insertion, then the device can be inserted through the body lumen, but the tissue receiving space is limited to the size of the endoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: the endoscope and the surgical tool holder assembly. The holder can be inserted independently or attached to the endoscope, allowing the tissue receiving space to be decoupled from the endoscope diameter. This segmentation enables the holder to provide a larger working space while the endoscope maintains its small insertion profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical tool holder extends laterally from the endoscope axis, creating a three-dimensional working space that protrudes beyond the endoscope. This dimensional extension allows the tissue receiving space to be larger than the endoscope cross-section, enabling manipulation of thicker tissue folds while maintaining small insertion size.
2Ease of operation
If the needle must slide through a 90° bent borehole, then the device can suture tissue, but the needle must be flexible which limits piercing capability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of bending the needle path at 90° as in prior art, the invention inverts the approach by providing a straight or gently curved borehole in the surgical tool holder. The holder itself is positioned at an angle relative to the endoscope, achieving the necessary orientation without forcing the needle through sharp bends. This allows use of rigid, strong needles capable of piercing thick gastric walls.
3Ease of operation
If the suturing needle pierces tissue at the grasper location, then the device can suture tissue, but the suture is located very close to the fold edge which limits transmural piercing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the tissue grasping function (performed by the endoscope grasper) from the suturing function (performed by the surgical tool holder and needle). This segmentation allows the needle to be positioned independently at an optimal location on the tissue fold, away from the grasper, enabling precise transmural piercing and suture placement at the desired distance from the fold edge.
4Volume of moving object
If clamping members are used to create working space, then the device can accommodate thicker tissue folds, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical tool holder is designed with multi-functionality: it provides the working space through its housing structure, supports the suturing needle, and can be attached to or independent from the endoscope. The clamping members are integrated into this universal assembly, reducing overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate space-creation mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (1) for supporting an endoscopic tool (6) comprises attachment means (2) for attaching the device to an endoscope (9), a first guide tube (4) having a distal open end (41) and configured for accepting the endoscopic tool through it, first and second projecting members (31, 32) extending distally of the attachment means and being spaced apart when the device is attached to the endoscope to define a working space (33) between them. The attachment means (2) comprise first (21) and second (22) clamping members and at least one cable (23, 24) linking the clamping members. The cable is remotely actuatable for moving the clamping members relative to each other to adjust a spacing between them, accepting an endoscope. The cable allows for securing the clamping members to the endoscope. The first projecting member (31) is attached to the first clamping member (21) such that it has a fixed or at least one fixable position relative to the first clamping member, and the second projecting member (32) is attached to the second clamping member (22). The first guide tube (4) is slidable relative to the first clamping member (21), and the distal end (41) of the first guide tube is pivotally attached to a distal end of the first projecting member (31) so as to enable the distal end of the first guide tube to be pivoted to an orientation transverse to the first projecting member.