External Endoscopic Suturing Channel for Small-Scope Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic suturing systems require two instrument channels in an endoscope, limiting their use to larger endoscopes and restricting their applicability with smaller endoscopes that can be more easily advanced through a natural orifice.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic suturing system designed for use with endoscopes having one or no instrument channels, utilizing a suturing device with a distal cap assembly, transmission assembly, and lumens for needle and tissue engagement, allowing remote operation and suturing without the need for multiple channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a suturing system uses two instrument channels in an endoscope, then the system can perform tissue grasping and needle puncture operations, but the system requires larger endoscopes which are difficult to advance through natural orifices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple instrument channels into a single integrated lumen. The needle assembly and tissue engagement device share a common delivery pathway through the endoscope, eliminating the need for separate instrument channels. This merging allows the system to operate with smaller endoscopes that can be advanced through natural orifices while maintaining the capability to perform both tissue grasping and needle puncture operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lumen in the endoscope is designed to accommodate multiple functional components simultaneously. The lumen can receive both the needle assembly for puncture operations and the tissue engagement device for grasping, making it a multi-functional pathway. This universal design allows the system to perform complex suturing tasks through a single channel, enhancing adaptability to smaller endoscope sizes.
2Length of moving object
If a suturing system is designed for small profile endoscopes, then the endoscope can be easily advanced through natural orifices, but the system must eliminate dependency on multiple instrument channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the needle assembly and tissue engagement device are delivered through a shared lumen in a nested manner. The components are arranged concentrically or in sequence within the same pathway, allowing compact packaging and delivery through small profile endoscopes. This nesting approach reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate instrument channels while maintaining functional capability.
3Reliability
If a suturing system uses a rigid alignment between needle recovery member and curved needle arm, then the system can perform reliable needle recovery, but the system bulk increases making it difficult to use in endoscopic procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid alignment with a dynamic, flexible connection between the needle assembly and the delivery system. The needle assembly is designed to move and articulate within the shared lumen, allowing reliable needle recovery through flexible guidance rather than rigid structural support. This dynamic approach reduces the bulk of the system by eliminating heavy rigid structural components while maintaining functional reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic suturing system includes an endoscope, a suturing device, a needle assembly movable through tissue by the suturing device, and first and second devices used in association with the suturing device. The cap assembly includes a rotatable needle arm supporting the needle assembly and actuatable by a proximal handle via a transmission assembly. First and second separate lumen extends outside the endoscope from the cap assembly to a proximal handle to advance instruments therethrough to engage the needle assembly and target the tissue. The cap assembly is retained at an end of the endoscope by a securing arm. The securing arm may be resilient or rotatable. Ancillary clips are also provided about the first and second lumen and transmission assembly to couple them to the endoscope.