Ligation Clip Latching Mechanism for Secure Vessel Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymeric ligation clips face issues with maintaining a secure clamped position due to deformation of the latching mechanism when pre-compressed, leading to potential movement or disengagement from body vessels.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a latching mechanism with a notched head and a box-like structure with locking tabs, along with longitudinally aligned and offset protrusions on the clamping surfaces, to ensure secure retention and minimize slippage, featuring a deformable stop member and engagement portions for enhanced locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ligation clip is pre-compressed or closed, then the ligation clip is ready for deployment, but the latching mechanism deforms and reliability is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a latching arm that can be pre-deformed, a separate engagement surface, and a locking feature. This segmentation allows the latching arm to be pre-compressed independently without affecting the overall structural integrity or reliability of the engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching arm is pre-compressed or pre-deformed during manufacturing or packaging to a specific configuration that maintains reliability. This preliminary action prepares the device for deployment while preserving the latching mechanism's ability to engage securely when deployed, as the pre-compression is controlled and reversible.
2Device complexity
If the ligation clip uses a simple clamping design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to retain the ligation clip in the clamped position is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a movable latching arm that transitions between engaged and disengaged states, and a deformable stop member that adapts during engagement. These dynamic features provide secure retention while maintaining relatively simple overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the natural movement of the latching arm and stop member during clamping. The deformation and engagement occur automatically as the jaws close, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control systems while ensuring reliable retention.
3Device complexity
If the clamping surfaces are smooth, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ligation clip may move or disengage from the body vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping surfaces incorporate localized retention features such as ribs, ridges, or non-slip protrusions at specific contact points with the tissue. These localized features provide enhanced grip and prevent slippage while maintaining smooth surfaces elsewhere, balancing retention capability with device simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
A surgical ligation clip includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a hinge portion that pivotably couples the first jaw to the second jaw. The first and second jaws define respective clamping surfaces and include locking elements. The clamping surfaces support retention structure that minimizes movement of the clamp about tissue when the ligation clip is in the clamped position. The locking elements are supported on the first and second jaws and are movable into engagement with each other to retain the ligation clip in the clamped position.