Hemorrhoid Treatment Device Suction and Ligation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal hemorrhoids are difficult to visually inspect and treat due to their location, and existing methods lack effective mechanisms for suction and tissue encirclement.
Innovation Solution
A device with a handle and a distal portion featuring a rigid elongated hollow member for suction and a plunger that slides to draw tissue in, combined with a tissue treatment mechanism for encircling the tissue, including a ligation band deployment mechanism or snare for constriction or removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods are used to treat internal hemorrhoids, then treatment can be performed, but visualization and treatment precision are insufficient due to the difficult-to-reach location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical system that brings visualization capability into the distal cavity where hemorrhoids are located. The optical lens and camera system allow the physician to view the hemorrhoid tissue directly at the treatment site, transforming the visualization from external observation to internal direct observation, thereby solving the difficulty of visual inspection in hard-to-reach areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow member acts as an intermediary tool that both visualizes and treats the hemorrhoid tissue. It provides a通道 (passage) for optical visualization while simultaneously serving as the treatment mechanism that applies suction and delivers therapeutic action to the tissue, combining detection and treatment functions in one instrument.
2Ease of operation
If a suction mechanism is added to draw tissue into the hollow member, then tissue encirclement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the suction mechanism with the hollow member structure itself. The plunger is integrated within the hollow member, and the suction channel is incorporated into the wall of the hollow member. This combination allows tissue to be drawn into the hollow member through suction while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure, avoiding the need for separate complex suction apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow member serves multiple functions: it provides optical visualization, generates suction to draw tissue in, and acts as the treatment delivery mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components, thereby managing device complexity while improving tissue encirclement capability.
3Reliability
If a ligation band deployment mechanism is added to constrict tissue, then treatment efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ligation band is pre-loaded onto the hollow member before the procedure. The deployment mechanism simply releases the pre-positioned band rather than forming or creating it during the procedure. This preliminary preparation simplifies the deployment mechanism structure while ensuring reliable treatment efficacy through proper band placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The ligation band is extracted from its loaded state on the hollow member and applied to the tissue. The deployment mechanism facilitates this extraction and transfer of the band from the device to the target tissue, providing effective treatment while keeping the mechanism itself relatively simple.
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 effective visualization and treatment of internal hemorrhoids through suction and ligation or snaring, facilitating precise constriction or removal of the tissue, improving treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a plunger fitted with and configured to slide longitudinally within the hollow member to induce suction at a distal end of the hollow member as the plunger is moved proximally within the hollow member
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a handle having a trigger in combination with a distal portion, the distal portion including a rigid elongated hollow member which receives tissue therein and a plunger fitted with and configured to slide longitudinally within the hollow member to induce suction at a distal end of the hollow member as the plunger is moved proximally within the hollow member. The trigger is hingedly coupled to the plunger so that pulling the trigger slides the plunger proximally with respect to the hollow member to generate suction to draw the tissue into the distal end of the hollow member. The device further includes a tissue treatment mechanism for encircling the tissue received at the distal end of the hollow member.