Spring-Loaded Hemostatic Clip Bushing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic procedures for the gastrointestinal tract face challenges in effectively closing tissue defects and perforations due to the limitations of existing hemostasis clips, which may not provide sufficient closure force or reliability, especially for larger defects.
Innovation Solution
A clipping system comprising a pair of clip arms that can be moved between open and closed configurations using a spring-loaded mechanism, where a bushing with an engaging tab and a slot design ensures the clip remains seated during tissue clipping, providing a force greater than the required to maintain closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a spring-loaded mechanism is used to provide sufficient closure force, then the closure force is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging tab is nested within the slot structure, and the spring is integrated within the bushing assembly. The bushing itself is nested within the capsule structure. This nesting approach allows multiple functional elements (spring, engaging tab, slot, bushing) to be compactly arranged without significantly increasing the overall device footprint or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism is designed to be self-actuating. When the engaging tab is inserted into the slot, the spring automatically compresses and provides the necessary closure force without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The mechanism uses the insertion action itself to compress the spring, which then maintains continuous pressure on the clip arms.
2Reliability
If the engaging tab is designed to remain seated within the slot during deployment, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is pre-configured with a specific geometry that guides the engaging tab into the correct seated position during insertion. The spring is pre-compressed as the tab is inserted, so that by the time the tab reaches its final position, the spring is already loaded and ready to provide closure force. This preliminary configuration ensures reliable engagement without requiring complex locking mechanisms or multiple adjustment steps.
3Reliability
If the spring is compressed to provide maintaining force, then the closure reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is merged with the bushing structure, and the engaging tab is integrated into the capsule assembly. The slot is formed as part of the capsule structure rather than as a separate component. This merging of functions into existing structural elements provides the necessary maintaining force without adding separate, complex subsystems.
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 system ensures reliable closure of tissue defects by maintaining the engaging tab within the slot, even during deployment, thereby providing consistent and effective clipping of target tissue.
Implementation Method 1
A spring extends along the distal portion of the bushing and disposed proximally of the engaging tab so that, when the engaging tab is received within the engaging portion, the spring is compressed against a portion of the capsule. When the spring is compressed, it may provide a force which maintains the engaging tab within the engaging portion.
Data Source
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AI summary
A clipping system for treating tissue a clip with clip arms and an applicator having a flexible member and a control member. Proximal ends of the arms are received within a channel of a capsule. The capsule includes a slot extending from a proximal end of the capsule through a wall thereof. The control member includes a distal end connectable to the arms to move them between the open and closed configurations. A distal end of the flexible member includes a bushing having a distal portion receivable within a proximal end of the capsule. The distal portion includes an engaging tab extending laterally outward therefrom receivable within an engaging portion of the slot, a spring extending along the distal portion and disposed proximally of the engaging tab so that, when the engaging tab is received within the engaging portion, the spring is compressed against a portion of the capsule.