Helical Suture Anchor Deployment for Endoscopic Tissue Approximation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic procedures for treating gastrointestinal bleeding and perforations are limited by the complexity of existing suturing systems, the difficulty in precisely positioning hemostatic clips, and the impracticality of existing T-fastener systems, which are bulky, require modification of endoscopes, and lack flexibility and precision in tissue targeting.
Innovation Solution
A suture anchor deployment system that includes a helical portion for engaging tissue, a proximal receptacle, and a suture eyelet, allowing for precise deployment and repositioning of suture anchors through a conventional endoscope without modifying it, and a deployment system that enables sequential deployment and repositioning of suture anchors with a cinch device for tissue reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suturing device is used to control GI bleeding and perforations, then hemostasis can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and requires a specialized two channel therapeutic endoscope which is not widely available
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the suturing function into distinct modular components: a standard endoscope for visualization, a separate delivery system for deploying anchors, and individual sutures that can be placed independently. This segmentation allows use of widely available standard endoscopes while achieving reliable hemostasis through systematic suture deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces tissue anchors as intermediary elements that simplify the suturing process. These anchors are deployed through the endoscope working channel and provide attachment points for sutures, eliminating the need for complex through-the-scope suturing devices while maintaining effective tissue approximation and hemostasis.
2Ease of operation
If hemostasis clips are used to achieve hemostasis, then the treatment is easy to use, but the clips are difficult to precisely position with respect to a lesion and once fired they lack the ability to be removed and repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The suture anchor system provides dynamic adjustability that lacks in fired clips. Anchors can be deployed and then repositioned by manipulating the suture, allowing precise positioning relative to the lesion. The system transitions from static clip placement to dynamic suture-based adjustment, enabling both ease of deployment and precision in final positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery and repositioning of the anchoring system. Unlike fired clips that cannot be removed, the suture anchors can be manipulated, repositioned, or removed by cutting or withdrawing the suture, providing flexibility to achieve optimal positioning while maintaining ease of initial deployment.
3Reliability
If T-fasteners are used for tissue reconfiguring, then tissue approximation can be achieved, but the system is bulky, requires modification of endoscopes, and lacks flexibility and precision in tissue targeting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system that works through standard endoscope working channels without requiring endoscope modification. The anchors and sutures can be used for multiple purposes including hemostasis, perforation closure, and tissue reconfiguring procedures, replacing the specialized T-fastener system while maintaining tissue approximation capability and reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A deployment system includes a sheath, a shaft having a handle positioned at its proximal end, a micro motor having a motor shaft at the shafts distal end, a detachable helical first suture anchor positioned at the motor shafts distal end and an elongate suture fixedly coupled to the suture anchor. The deployment system can be positioned at a first tissue, and the motor shaft rotated to advance the helical first suture anchor into engagement with the first tissue. The motor shaft is detached from the first suture anchor thereby deploying it at the first tissue location. The deployment system can be reloaded with multiple suture anchors to deploy at multiple tissue locations. The suture extending between the anchors can then be drawn together to reconfigure the coupled tissue.