Kidney Stone Grasper with Collapsible Container for Single-Cycle Fragment Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current kidney stone removal procedures using laser lithotripsy require multiple insertion and retraction cycles of retrieval devices and ureteroscopes, increasing procedure time and patient risk due to the need to remove multiple stone fragments individually.
Innovation Solution
A medical instrument with a flexible shaft and a fragment retaining mechanism that can accommodate multiple fragments, allowing for their retention and removal in a single insertion/retraction cycle, utilizing a collapsible design, adhesive, and a container with a one-way entryway to collect and hold fragments, and an auger mechanism for proximal displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current retrieval devices are used to remove kidney stone fragments, then fragments can be removed individually, but multiple insertion/retraction cycles are required increasing procedure time and patient risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple retrieval operations into a single cycle by using a retrieval device with a container that can accumulate multiple fragments. The device includes a shaft with a container at its distal end that can receive multiple stone fragments during one insertion, eliminating the need for repeated insertion/retraction cycles and thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining fragment removal effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval device incorporates a collapsible container that can change its configuration between inserted and retrieved states. The container can be collapsed for insertion through the ureteroscope working channel and expanded to receive and hold multiple fragments during retrieval, enabling dynamic adaptation to different operational requirements and allowing multiple fragments to be removed in a single cycle
2Reliability
If multiple retrieval cycles are performed, then all fragments can be removed, but patient exposure to risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple retrieval operations into a single cycle by using a retrieval device with a container that can accumulate multiple fragments. The device includes a shaft with a container at its distal end that can receive multiple stone fragments during one insertion, eliminating the need for repeated insertion/retraction cycles and thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining fragment removal effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval device is designed to automatically accumulate and retain multiple fragments within its container during a single insertion cycle. The container's design allows it to passively collect fragments as they are encountered during the retrieval process, reducing the need for active manipulation and multiple cycles while ensuring complete fragment removal
3Productivity
If a retrieval device is designed to hold multiple fragments, then fewer cycles are needed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval device employs a nested structure where a container is positioned within the shaft, and both components can be collapsed into a compact configuration for insertion through the ureteroscope working channel. The container nests within the shaft during insertion, and the entire assembly collapses to a small profile, enabling the device to hold multiple fragments while maintaining simplicity for insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval device is designed to perform multiple functions within a single structure: the container both collects and retains multiple fragments, the shaft provides both structural support and a pathway for insertion, and the entire device can be collapsed for easy insertion and then expanded for fragment accumulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device design
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
This solution reduces the number of insertion/retraction cycles, shortening procedure time and minimizing patient risk by enabling the simultaneous retrieval of multiple kidney stone fragments, thus enhancing the efficiency of the stone removal process.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining mechanism may be configured to attach to the plurality of fragments and the attachment may be facilitated by an adhesive applied to the retaining mechanism
Implementation Method 2
the retaining mechanism may be collapsible to accommodate advancement through the working channel
Implementation Method 3
The retaining mechanism may include an auger extending along at least a portion of the working channel, and the auger is configured to proximally displace the fragments proximally along the working channel via rotation of the auger
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument for insertion into and removal of kidney stone fragments from a urinary tract of a patient body includes a flexible elongate shaft coupled with a fragment retaining mechanism. The retaining mechanism can be configured to retain a plurality of fragments so that the plurality of fragments is removed from the patient with a single insertion/extraction cycle of the instrument. A fragment gathering mechanism urges fragments toward the retaining mechanism. In use, the instrument can be inserted through a working channel of a ureteroscope.