Endoscopic Gastric Tissue Plication via Vacuum Suction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for treating morbid obesity, such as gastric bypass and adjustable gastric bands, are invasive, carry risks, and have drawbacks like malnutrition and dumping syndrome, prompting a need for less invasive and reversible bariatric procedures.

Innovation Solution

A transoral tissue plicating and fastening method using an endoscopic device with a folding member and retractable jaw to create folds in the gastric tissue, reducing stomach volume by applying vacuum and securing the folds with staples or clips, allowing for easy reversal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If gastric bypass or adjustable gastric band is used, then gastric volume reduction is achieved, but surgical trauma and invasiveness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegastric volumeVSAvoidsurgical trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical surgical instruments with an endoscopic system that uses vacuum suction to grasp and plicate gastric tissue. The end effector creates folds through controlled suction and mechanical compression without requiring external surgical incisions or implants, thereby reducing surgical trauma while achieving gastric volume reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscopic system acts as an intermediary tool that allows internal gastric tissue manipulation through the natural oral cavity passage. The end effector with its hollow housing and vacuum system serves as a mediator to create plications without direct external surgical intervention, minimizing trauma to the patient's body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If gastric bypass is performed, then malabsorption and gastric restriction are achieved, but risks of malnutrition and dumping syndrome increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight loss effectivenessVSAvoidmalnutrition and dumping syndrome

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary function of gastric restriction by creating localized plications that reduce stomach volume without altering the anatomical continuity of the gastrointestinal tract. This selective approach removes the harmful side effects of malabsorption and dumping syndrome while maintaining the therapeutic benefit of weight loss through controlled gastric capacity reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of moving object

If adjustable gastric band is implanted, then gastric restriction is achieved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegastric volumeVSAvoidband implantation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable end effector that is inserted through the endoscope, performs the plication function, and is then removed. This eliminates the need for permanent implanted devices like adjustable gastric bands, simplifying the overall system while achieving the same gastric restriction effect through temporary mechanical action during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of manufacture

If open surgical procedure is used, then gastric plication can be performed, but patient uneasiness and recovery time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure feasibilityVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes open surgical mechanical manipulation with endoscopic vacuum-based tissue grasping and plication. This allows the procedure to be performed through a minimally invasive endoscopic approach rather than open surgery, significantly improving patient comfort and reducing recovery time while maintaining procedural feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This method effectively reduces gastric volume without the trauma of open surgery, providing a less invasive and reversible bariatric treatment with reduced risks and side effects.

Implementation Method 1

applying vacuum through the elongated member so as to dispose tissue on the fixed jaw and at least partially within the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS7951159B2Method for plicating and fastening gastric tissue

Publication Date: 2011.05.31 ETHICON ENDO SURGERY INC

AI summary

A method for creating a plication within a hollow organ. The method uses an elongated member having an end effector attached to its distal end. The end effector has a substantially hollow housing, a fixed jaw extending distally from the housing, and a retractable jaw located within the housing. The method involves the step of inserting the end effector within an organ of a patient such that it is in contact with tissue. The method also involves applying vacuum through the elongated member so as to dispose tissue on the fixed jaw and at least partially within the housing. The method also involves creating a plication by sliding the retractable jaw so that it juxtaposes the fixed jaw.