Hemorrhoid Treatment Instrument with Constant Compression Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for internal hemorrhoids are often complex, costly, and associated with significant morbidity, pain, and recurrence, with existing methods failing to provide a simple, effective, and minimally invasive solution.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a clamp arrangement that applies constant tissue compression using springs, independent of user force, to treat hemorrhoids by compressing and reducing blood supply without cutting, featuring a window for tissue insertion and clamping surfaces with a mechanism to prevent excessive pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hemorrhoid treatments (rubber band ligation, infrared coagulation, surgery) are used, then hemorrhoid removal is achieved, but postoperative pain, morbidity, and recurrence rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cutting and ligating systems with a controlled compression mechanism. The compression device applies sustained pressure to the hemorrhoidal tissue through a catheter-based system, eliminating the need for rubber bands, thermal coagulation, or surgical excision. This mechanical substitution reduces tissue trauma while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a compression medium (balloon or collapsible structure) as an intermediary between the operator and the hemorrhoidal tissue. This intermediary allows for controlled, distributed compression forces to be applied to the tissue, preventing excessive localized pressure while ensuring adequate compression for treatment. The intermediary structure also facilitates easy insertion and removal without direct manual manipulation of the tissue.
2Reliability
If complex interventional methods are used to treat hemorrhoids, then treatment completeness improves, but procedure complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the treatment system into separable components: a catheter for delivery, a compression element (balloon or collapsible structure) for tissue compression, and a control mechanism for applying and releasing compression. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall procedure, as the system can be inserted through existing anatomical pathways without requiring complex assembly or multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can compress hemorrhoidal tissue, maintain patency of the treatment site, and potentially deliver adjunctive therapies (such as medication or energy). This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices and procedures, thereby simplifying the overall treatment protocol while maintaining treatment completeness.
3Force
If high user force is applied during clamping, then tissue compression effectiveness improves, but risk of excessive pressure and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through pressure sensors or compliance structures that monitor the compression force applied to the tissue. When the predetermined force threshold is reached, the system automatically prevents further force application, ensuring consistent and safe compression levels. This feedback control eliminates the need for operator judgment and prevents excessive pressure that could cause tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the compression force from a variable parameter (dependent on operator force) to a controlled parameter (maintained at predetermined levels). This is achieved through spring mechanisms, pneumatic control, or shape memory materials that automatically adjust and maintain the compression force within safe and effective ranges, regardless of variations in operator input or tissue characteristics.
4Reliability
If cutting methods are used to remove hemorrhoids, then hemorrhoid removal is achieved, but risk of bleeding and complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the natural vascular supply of the hemorrhoidal tissue from a potential source of bleeding into a therapeutic mechanism. By applying controlled compression, the device occludes blood flow to the hemorrhoid, causing ischemic necrosis and eventual tissue breakdown. This converts the hemorrhoid's vascular nature (which makes cutting dangerous) into the mechanism of treatment, eliminating the need for cutting and associated bleeding risks.
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 instrument provides a less traumatic and effective treatment for hemorrhoids by ensuring constant compression and minimizing postoperative pain and recurrence, while being less dependent on operator skill and avoiding excessive tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring coupled to the first arrangement and the second arrangement to apply a force on the second closure member when the anatomical structure is pressed by the closure member
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for effecting at least one anatomical structure of a body can be provided. For example, at least one first arrangement can be provided which is structured to be at least partially inserted into the body and including an opening. In addition, at least one second arrangement can be provided which configured to increase and/or decrease a size of the opening by a motion thereof in a first direction. Further, at least one third arrangement can be provided which can be coupled to the second arrangement(s), and configured to move at least in a second direction which is at least approximately parallel to the second direction. In particular, when the anatomical structure(s) is/are provided or inserted in the opening and is pressed on by the second arrangement(s), a first motion of the second arrangement(s) toward the anatomical structure(s) in the first direction is reduced and/or terminated while a second motion of the third arrangement(s) in the second direction either (i) remains at least approximately the same, and/or (ii) is reduced to a lesser extent than that of the first motion.