Inflatable Tissue Tunneling Device for Blunt Dissection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for tunneling through tissue layers in anatomical structures, such as those used in third space endoscopy, often require multiple small cuts and can be inefficient and risky, as they primarily rely on electrosurgical knives for cutting and blunt dissection, which may not effectively separate tissue layers without compromising tissue integrity.
Innovation Solution
A tissue tunneling system comprising a cutting device and an inflatable device, where the inflatable device is positioned proximal to the cutting device, allowing for further separation of cut tissue by exerting mechanical pressure, enabling safer and more efficient tunneling by facilitating blunt dissection and allowing for precise control over tissue separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrosurgical knives are used to make multiple small cuts sequentially, then tissue separation is achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and increases the risk of creating large unintended cuts
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting process is divided into multiple small sequential cuts made by the electrosurgical knife, with each cut being controlled and monitored. This segmentation allows precise tissue separation while preventing large unintended cuts, directly addressing the reliability concern.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid injection is performed preliminarily to elevate the tissue and create a bleb before cutting begins. This preliminary action facilitates easier and faster cutting, reducing the overall procedure time while maintaining control over the cutting process.
2Productivity
If blunt dissection is performed using mechanical force, then tissue layers can be separated, but the effectiveness is insufficient without compromising tissue integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrosurgical cutting with fluid injection and blunt dissection into a single integrated system. The electrosurgical knife makes precise cuts while fluid simultaneously elevates the tissue and facilitates separation, creating a synergistic effect that improves productivity without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates tissue separation. It is injected to elevate the tissue, creating a bleb that allows easier cutting and separation of tissue layers, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of blunt dissection while maintaining tissue integrity.
3Ease of operation
If a tapered scope cap is used for blunt tissue dissection, then the scope can pass through tissue, but precise control over tissue separation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control mechanisms that allow real-time adjustment of cutting depth, fluid injection pressure, and instrument positioning. This dynamic control enables precise manipulation of tissue separation, far exceeding the static capability of a tapered scope cap.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow the operator to monitor tissue response in real-time and adjust parameters accordingly. This feedback control enables precise regulation of tissue separation, ensuring accurate control over the extent and location of tissue division.
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 allows for safer and less time-intensive procedures by using the cutting device to initiate tissue separation, followed by the inflatable device to further separate the cut tissue, providing precise control over the extent of tissue separation and reducing the risk of large cuts, thus enhancing the efficiency of tissue tunneling processes.
Implementation Method 1
the inflatable device to further separate the cut tissue, providing precise control over the extent of tissue separation
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly and/or system having a cutting device configured to cut tissue, and an inflatable device configured for insertion into the cut tissue to further separate the cut tissue. The inflatable device may be wedge shaped to separate the cut tissue upon insertion into the cut. The inflatable device is inflatable and otherwise adjustable to separate the tissue to a medically indicated extent. For instance, the inflatable device may be moved axially with respect to the cutting device; and/or may be sheathed or unsheathed to adjust an exposed inflated length thereof; and/or may include two or more separately inflatable elements. The inflatable device thus may be used to achieve blunt tissue dissection after an initial cut is made into the tissue with a sharper instrument.