Magnetically Controlled Grasper for Single-Site Tissue Traction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally-invasive surgical procedures face challenges in manipulating tissue without crowding access sites due to the need for additional devices, which can be addressed by providing remote traction and manipulation of tissue using graspers that do not require a portion of the device to be present in the access site.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a grasper with a main body, rotatable jaws, and a proximal arm, actuated by an actuation rod or external magnetic force, allowing remote manipulation and traction of tissue without occupying additional access sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional devices are introduced to engage tissue during minimally-invasive procedures, then tissue manipulation capability is improved, but the number of access sites required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of tissue engagement and device actuation into a single integrated grasper system. The grasper includes both the engaging jaws and the actuation mechanism within one device that can be inserted through a single access site, eliminating the need for separate devices and additional access sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The grasper employs a nested structure where the actuation rod is positioned within the barrel portion, and the proximal arm is positioned within the barrel portion. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to be contained within a single device envelope that passes through one access site, enabling complex tissue manipulation without requiring additional access sites.
2Adaptability or versatility
If device components are extended into the body cavity for tissue engagement, then tissue repositioning capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grasper is designed as a multi-functional device where the proximal arm serves dual purposes: it acts as both the actuation mechanism (when positioned within the barrel) and as the tissue engagement element (when positioned outside the barrel). This universal design reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining tissue repositioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The grasper employs dynamic reconfiguration where the proximal arm can transition between two functional states: positioned within the barrel portion to serve as an actuator, and positioned outside the barrel portion to serve as a tissue engagement element. This dynamic adaptability allows a single component to perform multiple functions, reducing device complexity.
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
Enables faster and more reliable surgical procedures by reducing the number of access sites required, facilitating efficient tissue repositioning and removal.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the device may be formed from one or more magnetic or ferromagnetic materials
Data Source
AI summary
Described here are devices, systems, and methods for providing remote traction to tissue. Generally, the systems may include a grasper and a delivery device configured to releasably couple to the grasper. The grasper may have a first jaw and a second jaw and a main body having a barrel portion. The barrel portion may have a lumen extending therethrough, and a portion of the delivery device may be advanced through the lumen to rotate one or both of the jaws. The delivery devices may include a handle, a shaft, and a distal engagement portion. The delivery devices may further include an actuation rod which may be advanced through a barrel portion of a grasper to actuate the grasper. In some instances, the delivery device may further include a locking sheath, wherein the locking sheath is configured to temporarily couple to a grasper.