Grasping Tool Jaw Thickness for Stent Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing procedures for removing ureteral stents require cumbersome and time-consuming preparation and sterilization of endoscopes and grasper tools, which are costly and burdensome for both patients and healthcare personnel.
Innovation Solution
A grasping tool with two jaws of varying thicknesses, where the intermediate portion is thinner than the gripping portion, allowing for increased spring properties and reduced operating force to close around a stent, is designed to securely grip and remove stents with minimal effort, and can be used in conjunction with an endoscope for efficient stent removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional grasper tool is used to securely grip the stent, then sufficient holding force is achieved, but the operating force required is high and the procedure is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The grasper tool is divided into two distinct jaws (first jaw and second jaw) that can independently engage with the stent. Each jaw has a gripping surface with engagement features that can be customized to match different stent types, allowing secure gripping with reduced operating force through distributed contact points
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping surfaces of the jaws are designed with localized engagement features (such as teeth, ridges, or textured surfaces) concentrated at specific contact points with the stent. This local quality enhancement provides high friction and mechanical interlocking exactly where needed, maximizing holding force while minimizing the overall operating force required
2Reliability
If sterilization procedures are performed after each use, then cross-contamination is prevented, but time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The grasper tool is designed as a disposable single-use device that can be sterilized once at manufacturing and then discarded after a single patient procedure. This eliminates the need for repeated sterilization cycles, reducing time loss and costs while maintaining reliable cross-contamination prevention through proper initial sterilization and single-use disposal
3Reliability
If complex preparation procedures are performed, then the tool is ready for use, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The grasper tool arrives pre-sterilized at the manufacturing stage and is packaged in a sterile container ready for immediate use. All necessary preparation steps are completed beforehand, requiring only simple unpacking and insertion into the endoscope channel, thereby reducing preparation complexity while maintaining tool readiness and reliability
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 tool achieves sufficient holding force with reduced operating force, enabling efficient stent removal and reducing the need for repeated sterilization, thus lowering costs and minimizing cross-contamination risks, while allowing for single-handed operation by healthcare professionals.
Implementation Method 1
Each jaw has an intermediate portion with a reduced thickness to provide spring properties
Data Source
AI summary
A grasping tool (20) for removing a stent from the body of a patient. The grasping tool has a grasping head (38) forming two jaws connected to each other and configured to be shifted between an open state and a closed state. Each jaw includes three portions having different thicknesses. The grasping tool is configured to obtain sufficient holding force between the jaws while requiring reduced operating force of the tool. A method for removing a stent from a patient is also disclosed.