Hemorrhoid Ligator With Threaded Actuator for Multiple Ring Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hemorrhoidal ligators require frequent reloading of elastic rings during procedures, leading to inefficiency and prolonged discomfort for patients due to poor control over the release mechanism, and are not designed for loading multiple rings simultaneously, resulting in increased procedure time and production costs.
Innovation Solution
A hemorrhoidal ligator with a slidable member and actuating mechanism that allows for the simultaneous loading of multiple elastic rings on the rod, utilizing a threaded mobile member and guide system to control the advancement of the slidable member, enabling precise release of each ring without the need for constant reloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional ligator with a single elastic ring is used, then the device is simple to construct and low cost, but the surgeon must repeatedly extract and reload the instrument for each haemorrhoidal cluster, significantly wasting time and prolonging patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is segmented into multiple loading zones, each capable of holding an elastic ring. The rod features a longitudinal groove that can accommodate multiple rings simultaneously, allowing the device to treat multiple haemorrhoidal clusters in one insertion without requiring repeated reloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple elastic rings are pre-loaded onto the rod before the procedure begins. The loading cone enables simultaneous loading of multiple rings onto the rod's groove, so that when the instrument is inserted, all rings are already in position and can be deployed sequentially as the rod advances through the anal canal.
2Ease of operation
If the sliding cylinder is made to advance freely to release elastic rings, then the release mechanism is simple, but the operator has poor control over the trigger, not permitting safe release of one elastic ring at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating mechanism incorporates a ratchet system that provides tactile feedback to the operator. As the thumb presses the actuating member, the ratchet mechanism allows controlled, incremental advancement of the rod, enabling the operator to feel and control the release of each elastic ring individually. The spring-loaded system provides resistance that gives the operator precise control over the timing and sequence of ring deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating mechanism transforms the static sliding cylinder into a dynamic, spring-loaded system. The spring provides continuous force to advance the rod, while the ratchet mechanism converts this continuous force into controlled, discrete movements. This dynamic system allows the operator to control the release rate by modulating thumb pressure, enabling safe and controlled release of one ring at a time.
3Reliability
If the instrument is designed as disposable for hygiene and ease of use, then contamination risk is reduced, but production costs increase if the device is complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable instrument is segmented into simple, modular components: handle, rod with groove, sliding cylinder, actuating member, and loading cone. Each component can be manufactured independently using standard plastic injection molding techniques, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the disposable nature of the device for hygiene purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural backbone, provides the longitudinal groove for holding multiple elastic rings, serves as the advancing mechanism when pushed by the sliding cylinder, and functions as the release platform for the rings. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining disposable hygiene benefits.
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 efficient and streamlined hemorrhoidal ligature procedures by allowing multiple elastic rings to be loaded initially, reducing operator intervention and procedure time, while maintaining low production costs and disposability, thus improving patient comfort and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The slidable member (4) is pushed by the actuating means (5) along the rod (3) so as to push an elastic ring (A1) fitted on the distal end (9) of the rod (3)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a medical device for applying elastic ligatures to haemorrhoids commonly known as a haemorrhoid ligator. In particular, the present invention relates to an instrument (1) for ligating haemorrhoids, comprising a rod (3) provided with a handle (2) and having an end proximal to the operator and a distal end (9) adapted to receive one or more elastic rings (A1, A2). The distal end (9) and the proximal end of the rod (3) having respective openings (10, 11), a slidable member (4) being arranged on the outer surface of said rod (3), which is adapted to disengage upon a command said one or more elastic rings (A1, A2) from said distal end (9) of said rod (3), characterized in that actuating means (5) of said slidable member (4) are provided, comprising a mobile member (14), which can be screwed onto a threaded member (13) associated to said handle (2), so that the mobile member (14) can move along the axis (X) of said threaded member (13) following a manual command, said mobile member (14) being operatively connected with said slidable member (4) for advancing or retracting it.