Endoscopic Gastric Marking Balloon for Pouch Formation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current bariatric surgical procedures for weight loss, such as Rouxen-Y gastric bypass, are invasive and costly, with limited options for less invasive and cost-effective solutions for individuals who are overweight but not morbidly obese, and existing endoscopic methods struggle with predictable and repeatable pouch creation in gastric surgery.
Innovation Solution
A marking apparatus with a selectively inflatable balloon and RF energy delivery devices is used to create markings in the gastric cavity, allowing for predictable and repeatable pouch formation, utilizing a hollow tube with suction troughs and vacuum ports to draw tissue into contact with the balloon, and RF energy to create burn marks for guiding subsequent fastening procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RYGB procedure is performed to treat obesity, then weight loss effectiveness is improved, but invasiveness and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical intervention of RYGB with an endoscopic marking system that uses RF energy delivery devices to create markings on the gastric cavity wall, eliminating the need for invasive surgical procedures while achieving similar weight loss outcomes through less invasive means
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an endoscopic marking apparatus as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between non-invasive endoscopy and invasive surgery, using vacuum ports to draw tissue into contact with the balloon and RF energy delivery devices to create precise markings without cutting or stapling
2Reliability
If RYGB procedure is performed to treat obesity, then weight loss effectiveness is improved, but operative time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary marking of the gastric cavity wall before any pouch creation or surgical intervention, allowing for precise pre-planning and measurement of the desired pouch configuration, which streamlines subsequent procedures and reduces overall operative time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming surgical procedures with a rapid endoscopic marking process that can be performed during a single endoscopy session, significantly reducing the time required compared to traditional RYGB surgery
3Object-affected harmful factors
If endoscopic only procedures are used to create cavity wall plications, then invasiveness is reduced, but plication depth and access visibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the balloon as an intermediary structure that is drawn into contact with the gastric cavity wall through vacuum ports, providing a stable platform for RF energy delivery devices to create precise markings at controlled depths without requiring deep surgical access
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical plication techniques with RF energy delivery that can achieve controlled tissue effects at precise depths through the endoscopic approach, overcoming the depth limitations of purely mechanical endoscopic methods
4Object-affected harmful factors
If individually delivered endolumenal fasteners are used, then invasiveness is reduced, but pouch creation predictability and repeatability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary marking of the gastric cavity wall with precise measurements and configurations before pouch creation, establishing a predictable template that guides subsequent fastening procedures and ensures repeatable pouch formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the unpredictable nature of individually delivered fasteners with a systematic RF energy marking approach that creates precise, measurable, and repeatable markings on the gastric cavity wall, providing a reliable guide for consistent pouch creation
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
The apparatus enables a minimally invasive, cost-effective, and quick recovery method for weight loss by providing predictable pouch formation, reducing the complexity and invasiveness of bariatric surgeries, and facilitating less scarring with precise tissue marking for gastric reduction procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The external lumen includes ports for creating a vacuum at the ports sufficient to draw walls of the gastric cavity into contact with the external lumen
Implementation Method 2
The balloon is further provided with RF energy delivery devices
Data Source
AI summary
A marking apparatus includes a selectively inflatable balloon. The balloon includes an external lumen adapted for connection to a vacuum source. The external lumen includes ports for creating a vacuum at the ports sufficient to draw walls of the gastric cavity into contact with the external lumen. The balloon is further provided with RF energy delivery devices. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, a marking apparatus includes an elongated, hollow body, the hollow body including a proximal end and a distal end. The hollow body includes at least one suction trough in which a plurality of holes is disposed to draw suction on tissue. The at least one suction trough extends along a substantial portion of the hollow body as it extends from its distal end to its proximal end.