Flexible Suction Coagulator for Simultaneous Bleeding Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopic devices lack the capability to simultaneously perform suction and coagulation functions, which is crucial for effective bleeding control and visualization during procedures, particularly in flexible endoscopy and other interventional procedures where direct line of sight is not achievable.

Innovation Solution

A flexible suction coagulator designed for use with endoscopes, featuring a coagulator and tissue cutter at the distal end, suction ports, and a connection terminal, with optional fluid delivery, allowing for simultaneous suction and coagulation through bipolar or unipolar excitation modes, controlled by a controller that activates these functions based on impedance monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple devices are used to control bleeding, then bleeding control capability is improved, but device complexity and procedural difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebleeding control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (suction, coagulation, and cutting) into a single integrated device. The distal end of the flexible tubular body houses both the coagulator/tissue cutter and suction ports, allowing simultaneous bleeding control and fluid evacuation without requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs multiple functions through a single instrument: it can coagulate tissue, cut tissue, and simultaneously suction blood and fluids. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining comprehensive bleeding control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If suction is performed through the working channel, then visualization is improved, but coagulation function is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization qualityVSAvoidcoagulation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges suction and coagulation functions into a single instrument. The coagulator and tissue cutter are positioned at the distal end alongside suction ports, enabling both functions to operate simultaneously through the same working channel without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If blood or fluid is present around the cautery device, then coagulation effectiveness is improved (through better contact), but visualization and procedural control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoagulation effectivenessVSAvoidvisualization quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables continuous simultaneous operation of coagulation and suction. As the coagulator contacts tissue and generates blood or fluids, the suction ports immediately evacuate these fluids, maintaining continuous clear visualization throughout the procedure without interruption or loss of coagulation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables effective bleeding control and improved visualization by simultaneously performing suction and coagulation, enhancing procedural success and versatility across various medical applications including flexible endoscopy, Otolaryngology, and Interventional Pulmonology.

Implementation Method 1

it also has a hollow lumen that can be connected to a suction device to allow for suction. The coagulator and tissue cutter may be operated in a unipolar or a bipolar excitation mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBipolar excitation:

Implementation Method 2

The coagulator and tissue cutter may be operated in a unipolar or a bipolar excitation mode to control bleeding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUnipolar excitation:

Implementation Method 3

Suction is important to clear the blood and fluid and allow for better visualization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS12521176B2Flexible suction coagulator

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY RESEARCH FOUNDATION

AI summary

A flexible suction coagulator is adapted for use with an endoscope. The flexible suction coagulator includes an elongated tubular body, a coagulator adjacent a distal end of that tubular body, at least one suction port and a connection terminal at a proximal end of the tubular body.