Esophageal Mucosectomy Device for Lesion Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current esophageal mucosectomy techniques, such as endoscopic mucosal resection and radiofrequency ablation, often fail to reliably and consistently remove all lesions from the esophagus, leading to high morbidity rates and stricture formation.
Innovation Solution
The development of esophageal mucosectomy systems and devices that employ a mechanical or electrical approach to separate the mucosal layer from the submucosal layer, using cauterizing rings, expandable support structures, and tissue engineering techniques to facilitate en bloc circumferential resection or ablation, along with the use of scaffolds to reduce stricture formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If endoscopic mucosal resection or radiofrequency ablation is used to remove esophageal lesions, then the esophagus can be preserved, but the lesions are not reliably or consistently removed
Solution Approach 1:
The esophageal mucosa is segmented into discrete lesions that can be individually targeted and removed using the mucosectomy device, allowing complete removal of all lesions while preserving healthy esophageal tissue. The device enables segmental resection by positioning and activating cauterizing elements at specific locations along the esophageal wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or thermal ablation methods with a specialized mucosectomy device that combines mechanical separation tools with controlled cauterizing elements. This substitution enables more reliable lesion removal through precise mechanical-dissection followed by targeted thermal sealing, improving complete resection rates while maintaining esophageal preservation.
2Reliability
If conventional esophageal resection is performed, then complete lesion removal is achieved, but high morbidity rates occur
Solution Approach 1:
The mucosectomy device applies local quality by concentrating the resection and cauterization effects only at the specific locations where lesions are present, rather than performing widespread esophageal resection. The expandable support structure with integrated cauterizing elements allows localized treatment that achieves complete lesion removal while preserving the majority of the esophageal tissue, thereby reducing morbidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes parameter changes by controlling the activation timing and intensity of cauterizing elements during the mucosal separation process. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves complete lesion removal through precise thermal application while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, thus reducing postoperative morbidity rates.
3Reliability
If en bloc circumferential mucosal resection is performed, then complete lesion removal is achieved, but stricture formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by systematically separating the mucosal layer from the submucosal layer before applying cauterization. This staged approach allows complete circumferential resection of the mucosa while the underlying submucosal architecture remains intact, providing a framework that prevents stricture formation while achieving complete lesion removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable support structure serves as an intermediary that maintains the separation between mucosal and submucosal layers during the resection process. This intermediary structure prevents collapse and fibrotic contraction that would lead to strictures, while still enabling complete circumferential mucosal removal. The support structure acts as a temporary framework that guides tissue 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
These systems enable more effective and consistent removal of esophageal mucosal tissue, reducing the risk of stricture formation and improving the preservation of the esophagus while addressing the limitations of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
a cauterizing ring located at the distal end of the body, the cauterizing ring capable of separating mucosal tissue from submucosal tissue about the circumference of the esophagus
Implementation Method 2
the mucosal layer is ablated using an expandable device that positions ablation electrodes in contact with the mucosal tissue in the esophagus
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, apparatus and methods that may be used for en bloc circumferential esophageal mucosal resection or ablation that can extend over only a selected portion or all of the length of the esophagus.