Expandable Filament Segments for Luminal Tissue Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical dissection within narrow body passages, such as the digestive tract, is inefficient due to poor target tissue visualization and obstruction by surrounding tissue, leading to increased procedure time and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An expandable device comprising a filament with segments that transition from a delivery configuration to a tensioned configuration, forming a helical shape to increase access and visibility within the body lumen, and a self-expanding system with leaves that deploy radially to support the lumen and facilitate tissue traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a narrow delivery configuration is used to access the body lumen, then the device can be introduced through narrow passages, but the working area and visibility of target tissue are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned and configured. Each segment contains a projection portion and receptive portion that can engage with adjacent segments to form an expanded working platform, allowing the device to transition from a narrow delivery configuration to a expanded working configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a one-dimensional narrow profile during delivery to a three-dimensional expanded structure during operation. The projection portions extend radially outward from the longitudinal axis, creating an expanded working area in the radial dimension while maintaining a compact axial profile for delivery through narrow passages.
2Reliability
If surrounding tissue is present in the body lumen, then the anatomical structure is maintained, but the working area is obstructed and visibility is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts and retracts surrounding tissue away from the target tissue area. By deploying the expandable structure with projection portions that extend radially, the device creates a physical barrier that moves surrounding tissue out of the working area, exposing the target tissue for improved visualization and access.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable device structure acts as an intermediary between the endoscope and the target tissue. It creates a protected working space that separates the target tissue from the surrounding tissue, allowing the endoscope to visualize and manipulate the target tissue without interference from surrounding structures.
3Ease of operation
If dissection is performed within narrow body passages, then the procedure can be performed endoscopically, but the procedure is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device is deployed and configured in advance before the dissection procedure begins. The segments are positioned and engaged to form the expanded working structure prior to tissue manipulation, creating an optimized working environment that improves dissection efficiency from the start of the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides dynamic retraction of surrounding tissue during the dissection process. The expandable structure can be adjusted and repositioned to continuously clear the working area of surrounding tissue, maintaining optimal visibility and access throughout the procedure rather than requiring static retraction.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to the field of luminal surgery. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to medical devices that expand within a body lumen for accessing a target tissue. In an aspect, an expandable device for a body lumen may include a filament comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a length. The device may include a plurality of segments. Each segment may comprise a middle portion comprising a longitudinal axis extending axially therethrough, a projection portion extending from an end of the middle portion along the longitudinal axis, and a receptive portion extending from an opposing end of the middle portion away from the longitudinal axis, the receptive portion configured to receive the projection portion of an adjacent one of the plurality of segments. An aperture may be disposed through the projection portion, the middle portion, and the receptive portion.