Helical Coil Tissue Grasping Device for Endoscopic Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic devices are inadequate for closing large defects within the body, as they often struggle to effectively bridge and close wounds that are too large for hemostasis clips, particularly in procedures like removal of large lesions, tunneling under the mucosal layer, full thickness tissue removal, and post-surgical issues such as leaks.
Innovation Solution
A tissue grasping device designed for use with an endoscope, featuring a sheath with a control wire and a helical coil with a sharpened distal tip, where the helical coil has a proximal region with adjacent windings in contact and a distal region with spaced windings, allowing for secure tissue grasping and suturing, even in the presence of fluids, and is configured to be used within a single working channel of an endoscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hemostasis clips are used to close tissue defects, then small defects can be closed, but large defects cannot be effectively bridged and closed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the closure device by providing a helical coil with variable winding density - closely spaced windings at the distal tip for penetration and widely spaced windings proximally for tissue engagement. This parameter variation allows the single device to effectively close defects of varying sizes, overcoming the size limitation of hemostasis clips while maintaining reliable closure.
2Reliability
If standard forceps are used for tissue grasping, then tissue can be held, but acquisition is insufficient in challenging conditions like the stomach
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a helical (curved) coil geometry instead of straight forceps to grasp tissue. The helical shape provides superior tissue acquisition by allowing the distal tip to rotate into and engage tissue, creating a mechanical interlock that is more reliable than standard forceps, particularly in the challenging environment of the stomach where tissue may be slippery or difficult to grasp.
3Reliability
If a helical coil with closely spaced windings is used for tissue grasping, then tissue acquisition is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a helical coil with non-uniform winding density - closely spaced windings at the distal tip region for effective tissue penetration and grasping, and widely spaced windings in the proximal region. This localized variation in structure provides superior tissue acquisition at the critical distal end while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through the systematic gradient in winding spacing.
4Productivity
If a single working channel of an endoscope is used for device delivery, then procedural efficiency is improved, but device design constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a nested configuration where the helical coil is disposed over and attached to a control wire, which itself is positioned within a delivery catheter. This nested doll-like structure allows the complex helical coil device to be compressed and delivered through a single endoscope working channel, then deployed in situ. The nesting principle enables efficient delivery through constrained access while maintaining the functional complexity needed for effective tissue closure.
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue grasping device for use with an endoscope may include a sheath, a control wire slidably disposed within the sheath, and a helical coil disposed over and attached to the control wire. The helical coil may include a proximal region in which adjacent windings are in contact, and a distal region in which adjacent windings are spaced apart. The helical coil may have a sharpened distal tip.