Integrated Laser Morcellator for BPH Tissue Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical techniques for treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) require multiple steps and tools, leading to prolonged procedure times and increased risk of anatomical damage due to obstructed visibility during prostate tissue removal.

Innovation Solution

A multi-use surgical tool integrating a laser fiber and a morcellator allows for simultaneous enucleation and morcellation of prostate tissue, reducing procedure time and enhancing safety by maintaining clear anatomical visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate tools are used for enucleation and morcellation, then each function can be performed with a specialized tool, but the procedure time increases and the risk of anatomical damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidprocedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the laser fiber for enucleation and the morcellator for tissue fragmentation into a single integrated device. The laser fiber is positioned within the morcellator housing, allowing both functions to be performed through one instrument insertion, eliminating the need to switch between separate tools and reducing procedure time while maintaining safety through coordinated design of both functions in one system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device serves multiple functions: the laser fiber performs enucleation of prostate tissue while the morcellator simultaneously or sequentially fragments the tissue for removal. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate specialized instruments, reducing the number of procedural steps and associated risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate tools are used for enucleation and morcellation, then each function can be performed with a specialized tool, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidnumber of tools
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the laser fiber delivery system within the morcellator housing, creating a single unified device that performs both enucleation and tissue fragmentation functions. This merging eliminates the need to manage multiple separate tools during the procedure, reducing operational complexity while maintaining the specialized functions of each component through their coordinated integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If resected tissue is moved to the bladder for later removal, then complete tissue removal can be achieved, but the field of vision becomes obstructed increasing the risk of anatomical damage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidfield of vision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated device allows for preliminary fragmentation of the enucleated prostate tissue immediately at the surgical site using the morcellator, before the tissue is moved to the bladder. By breaking down the tissue in situ, the procedure maintains clear visibility of anatomical structures throughout the process, eliminating the period where large tissue masses would obstruct the surgical field while still achieving complete tissue removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 integrated tool shortens surgical time, reduces the risk of complications, and improves safety by enabling a single-step procedure for prostate tissue removal, minimizing damage to surrounding anatomy.

Implementation Method 1

a laser fiber extending longitudinally within the lumen of the elongated sheath, the laser fiber actuatable for laser enucleation of tissue at the distal portion of the elongated sheath

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS20230094567A1Laser fiber integrated morcellator
Publication Date: 2023.03.30 GYRUS ACMI INC
  • US20230094567A1 patent drawing
  • US20230094567A1 patent drawing
  • US20230094567A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Various examples disclosed relate to treatment of BPH with an integrated device for both tissue treatment and removal. The present disclosure includes a device including a sheath for partial insertion into a patient, a laser fiber actuatable for laser enucleation of tissue, an elongated member, and a tissue engagement tool on the elongated member.