Endoscopic Torque Delivery for Simultaneous Polyp Resection and Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current colonoscopy techniques are inefficient and imprecise in removing sessile polyps and multiple polyps, leading to sample bias and a high false-negative rate due to the need for separate cutting and retrieval tools, which limits the ability to detect and remove all polyps effectively.
Innovation Solution
An improved endoscopic instrument with a power-driven head and integrated aspiration channel that allows for simultaneous cutting and retrieval of polyps within a single instrument channel, using a cutting shaft and vacuum system to efficiently remove polyps without the need for separate tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate cutting tools and retrieval tools are used in colonoscopy, then the structure remains simple and easy to manufacture, but the precision and efficiency of polyp removal is reduced due to sample bias
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutting function (inner cannula with cutting window) and retrieval function (aspiration channel) into a single integrated surgical cutting assembly. The inner cannula rotates relative to the outer cannula to cut polyps, while the aspiration channel simultaneously removes the cut polyps through suction. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate cutting and retrieval tools, thereby improving precision and eliminating sample bias.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical cutting assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that can both cut polyps and retrieve them through the same instrument channel. The inner cannula serves as both a cutting tool (when rotating) and a structural component of the retrieval system (when stationary). The outer cannula provides both structural support and houses the aspiration channel for polyp removal. This multi-functionality allows a single device to perform multiple operations that previously required separate tools.
2Productivity
If separate cutting and retrieval tools are used, then device complexity is low, but the time required for polyp removal increases due to alternating between tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cutting mechanism (rotating inner cannula) and the retrieval mechanism (aspiration channel) into a single integrated assembly that operates simultaneously. The inner cannula rotates to cut the polyp while the aspiration channel removes the cut polyp through suction, eliminating the need to alternate between separate cutting and retrieval tools. This simultaneous operation significantly increases the speed of polyp removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical cutting assembly enables continuous operation where cutting and retrieval occur simultaneously without interruption. The inner cannula continuously rotates to cut polyps while the aspiration channel continuously removes them, maintaining uninterrupted useful action. This continuity eliminates the downtime associated with switching between separate tools, thereby improving productivity.
3Measurement precision
If separate cutting and retrieval tools are used, then the instrument is easier to operate, but the detection precision of all polyps is reduced due to sample bias
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cutting and retrieval functions in a single integrated assembly, allowing all polyps to be removed and examined without selecting only the largest ones. The inner cannula rotates to cut polyps of any size while the aspiration channel removes them through suction, enabling comprehensive sampling of all polyps rather than selective sampling, thereby eliminating sample bias and improving detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical cutting assembly serves multiple functions: cutting polyps of any size, retrieving them through aspiration, and enabling comprehensive examination of all polyps. This multi-functionality allows operators to remove and examine all polyps rather than being limited to selecting only the most accessible ones, thereby improving the precision of polyp detection and reducing false-negative rates.
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
Enhances precision and speed in polyp removal, reducing sample bias and improving the detection of all polyps, including sessile and multiple polyps, thereby increasing the effectiveness of colonoscopy screenings.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible torque delivery component configured to deliver torque generated by a torque generation component to an inner cannula of the surgical cutting assembly to cause the inner cannula to move relative to an outer cannula of the surgical cutting assembly to resect material
Implementation Method 2
an aspiration channel configured to remove the material resected by the surgical cutting assembly from the surgical site within the mammalian cavity of the patient
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An endoscope (5300) for removing tissue at a surgical site includes an elongated tubular body insertable within a mammalian cavity of a patient. An instrument channel extends between a first opening at a distal end and a second opening at a proximal end of the tubular body and is sized and configured to receive a surgical cutting assembly (5320) that includes an aspiration channel (5333) configured to remove material entering the endoscope via a distal end of the surgical cutting assembly. A torque generation component (5560) configured to generate torque is positioned within the distal end and configured to provide the generated torque to a coupling component (5340). The coupling component is positioned at the distal end of the elongated tubular member and configured to actuate a cutting component (5330) of the surgical cutting assembly responsive to actuation of the torque generation component.