GI TAC Clip System for Large Defect Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gastrointestinal tissue approximation methods, such as endoscopic clips and suturing devices, are inadequate for quickly and efficiently closing large defects due to limitations in size, requiring removal and reinsertion of the endoscope, increased procedural complexity, and potential risks, leading to prolonged hospital stays and increased complications.
Innovation Solution
A gastrointestinal tissue approximation clip system (GI TAC) that includes an applicator for delivering and detaching tissue approximation clips through an endoscope's instrument channel, with attached sutures to approximate tissue defects without needing to remove the endoscope, utilizing magnetic attraction and joining mechanisms for precise closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional endoscopic clips are used to close large defects, then the procedure is simple and quick, but the clips cannot approximate large defects due to small jaw diameter limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The large defect is divided into multiple smaller segments, with individual clips placed at different locations along the defect. Each clip handles a manageable portion of the defect, making the overall closure feasible despite the large total defect size.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue approximation clips are delivered nested within the endoscope's instrument channel. The clip system is contained within the endoscope during delivery, then deployed at the target site without requiring endoscope removal.
2Area of stationary object
If larger over-the-scope clips are used to close large defects, then the clips can approximate large defects, but the endoscope must be removed and reinserted, increasing procedure time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue approximation clips are delivered nested within the endoscope's instrument channel. The clip system is contained within the endoscope during delivery, then deployed at the target site without requiring endoscope removal, eliminating the time loss associated with reinsertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The clips are prepared and loaded into the applicator system before the endoscope is inserted. This preliminary preparation allows the clips to be immediately deployed upon reaching the defect site, eliminating the need for intermediate removal and reinsertion steps.
3Area of stationary object
If over-the-scope clips are used, then large defects can be closed, but the endoscope bulk increases and the procedure becomes more difficult and risky
Solution Approach 1:
The clip system is nested within the endoscope's existing instrument channel, utilizing the space already available within the endoscope structure. This approach avoids increasing the endoscope's external bulk while still delivering larger clips capable of closing large defects.
Solution Approach 2:
An applicator device serves as an intermediary mechanism that delivers the clips through the instrument channel. The applicator translates the operator's external manipulation into precise clip deployment at the distal tip, managing the complexity of clip delivery without increasing endoscope bulk.
4Area of stationary object
If therapeutic endoscopes with larger diameters are used to accommodate large clips, then large defects can be closed, but the endoscope length decreases and reaches only certain distances
Solution Approach 1:
The clips are delivered through the existing instrument channel of standard-length endoscopes, nested within the channel's diameter constraints. This allows use of full-length endoscopes that can reach distant locations while still delivering sufficiently large clips for defect closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip design parameters are optimized to fit within the instrument channel's diameter while maintaining sufficient jaw span for large defect approximation. The clips are configured with appropriate dimensions that allow them to pass through the channel yet provide adequate closure capability.
5Strength
If suturing devices are used to emulate surgical suturing, then tight closure can be achieved, but the device requires removal and reinsertion of the endoscope, increasing complexity and training requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The suturing device components are nested within the endoscope's instrument channel for delivery. The suture material and deployment mechanism are contained within the channel, allowing deployment at the defect site without endoscope removal, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining closure strength.
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 quick, precise, and efficient closure of large tissue defects with reduced morbidity and mortality risks, utilizing existing endoscopic equipment, and requiring minimal additional training, while ensuring precision and strength comparable to surgical staples.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing magnetic attraction and joining mechanisms for precise closure
Data Source
AI summary
A gastrointestinal tissue approximation clip system for approximating tissue defects, which includes an applicator that is sized to travel through an instrument channel of an endoscope; first and second tissue approximation clips that are transported to first and second locations of a tissue defect respectively by the applicator to approximate the tissue defect; first and second sutures attached to the first and second tissue approximation clips respectively; a clip approximation means for approximating the first and second tissue approximation clips. The clip approximation means and the first and second tissue approximation clips are sized to travel through the instrument channel, and the first and second tissue approximation clips are adapted to be detachably coupled to the applicator.