GI Tissue Perfusion Clamp With Multi-Sensor Pressure Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for intraoperative assessment of gastrointestinal tract tissue perfusion are subjective, time-consuming, and limited to surface measurements, lacking appropriate sensors for reliable and swift evaluation of blood supply during surgical anastomosis.

Innovation Solution

A device utilizing two pressure actuators and combined sensors to measure various parameters under controlled pressure, including optical, impedance, and magnetic changes, with a microcontroller analyzing signals to assess tissue vitality and blood supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fluorescent marker injection method is used to assess tissue perfusion, then objectivity of assessment is improved, but operation time is extended and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobjectivity of perfusion assessmentVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the measurement function from complex external systems (fluorescent markers, specialized lighting) and integrates it directly into the surgical instrument itself. The optical sensor is built into the resectoscope, enabling direct measurement of tissue perfusion during resection without requiring separate contrast injection procedures or special lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical/chemical system of fluorescent marker injection with an optical measurement system. Instead of injecting contrast agents and using UV lighting to visualize them, the patent uses optical sensors to directly detect light absorption properties of blood in tissue, eliminating the need for markers and special lighting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If surface assessment methods are used, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision is insufficient for volume assessment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement simplicityVSAvoidvolume perfusion assessment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from two-dimensional surface assessment to three-dimensional volume assessment. The optical sensor is positioned to measure light transmission through the entire tissue thickness during resection, capturing perfusion information from the full volume of tissue being removed, not just the surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If multiple wavelengths are used for optical measurements, then measurement precision of blood supply and oxygenation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood supply and oxygenation assessmentVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sensor system is designed to perform multiple measurement functions using the same hardware components. By measuring light transmission at multiple wavelengths, the single sensor system can simultaneously assess both blood supply (perfusion) and oxygenation levels, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 rapid, objective, and comprehensive assessment of tissue perfusion in gastrointestinal organs, ensuring accurate anastomosis and reducing postoperative complications.

Implementation Method 1

measuring changes in the intensity of the light reflected or transmitted by tissues, which are based primarily on different light absorption by oxygenated and non-oxygenated blood

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

Laser Doppler sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4266987B1A device for intraoperative measurements of the gastrointestinal tract organs' tissue perfusion
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 GDANSKI UNIV MEDYCZNY
  • EP4266987B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP4266987B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP4266987B1 patent drawingFigure 3c

AI summary

The subject matter of the invention is a device for taking intraoperative measurements of blood supply to the tissues of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract during surgical anastomosis of parts of the gastrointestinal tract, wherein the device contain a holder (5) composed of two arms crossing over at the connection point, where the first and the second ends of both arms: an upper arm (5a) and a lower arm (5b) are arranged parallel so that on the same, mutually parallel ends the lower arm (5b) is fitted with an internal sleeve (2) and an external sleeve (8), with measuring sensors (4) arranged along the outer circumference of the internal sleeve (2) and on the inner circumference of the external sleeve (8), wherein on its inner circumference the external sleeve (8) has a groove accommodating a flexible pressing conduit in the form of a torus (3) which enables the closure of the clearance between the sleeves, and the upper arm (5a) is fitted with pressing elements (6) and (9), wherein at its first ends each of the arms (5a) and (5b) has at least one measuring sensor (7), wherein the sensors (7) are located opposite each other.