Flexible Tissue Retraction for Endoscopic Dissection Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical dissection of lesions within narrow body passages, such as the digestive tract, is inefficient and time-consuming due to poor target tissue visualization and obstruction of dissection tools by partially dissected tissue.
Innovation Solution
A tissue retraction device with an elongate flexible element that moves between constrained and relaxed configurations, using guide members and a control wire to immobilize and retract target tissue, improving visualization and access during dissection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the dissected tissue is left in place during dissection, then the dissection tools have clear access to the target tissue, but the visualization of the target tissue is poor due to obstruction by partially dissected tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction device divides the tissue management function into separate components: the elongate flexible element with multiple guide members that can be independently controlled. Each guide member can retract specific portions of tissue, allowing selective management of different tissue segments to improve visualization while maintaining tool access.
Solution Approach 2:
The retraction device acts as an intermediary between the dissected tissue and the dissection tools. By introducing this intermediate retraction mechanism, the device temporarily holds and retracts tissue away from the working area, enabling both improved visualization and uninterrupted tool access simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid retraction device is used to immobilize tissue, then tissue visualization is improved, but the device cannot navigate narrow body passages
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction device transitions from a flexible delivery state to a stable retraction state through dynamic control. The elongate flexible element is delivered in a flexible state to navigate narrow passages, then activated to provide stable tissue immobilization during dissection. The control wires enable dynamic transition between these states.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate flexible element functions as a flexible structure that can be delivered through narrow body passages. When activated by removing the control wires, this flexible element assumes a predetermined configuration to provide stable tissue retraction, combining deliverability with functional stability.
3Force
If the retraction device occupies the working channel, then tissue retraction is effective, but dissection tools cannot pass through the working channel
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction device is nested within the delivery catheter during delivery, allowing it to pass through the working channel without obstructing tool delivery. Once deployed, the device exits the catheter to provide effective retraction force, enabling both tool delivery and subsequent tissue retraction functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The retraction device is delivered and positioned within the delivery catheter before dissection tools are introduced. This preliminary positioning allows tools to pass through the working channel unobstructed, after which the retraction device is activated to provide the necessary retraction force for dissection.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the field of tissue dissection. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to medical devices which lift and retract tissue during a dissection procedure to improve visualization of the target tissue and mitigate obstruction of dissection tools. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a tissue retraction device which moves from a constrained to relaxed configuration to immobilize and retract the dissected portion of target tissue during a dissection procedure.