Magnetic Retraction Device for Minimally Invasive Surgery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical devices for manipulating organs and tissue during minimally invasive surgery rely on mechanical retraction, which can cause damage and require dedicated space, or use non-biocompatible magnetic fluids, posing risks of fluid leakage and limited reversibility.

Innovation Solution

A system employing inflatable members containing a magnetic agent, manipulated by a magnetic device to reposition organs and tissue without mechanical instruments, using a sling with self-expanding elements and a biocompatible magnetic agent, allowing for strong and reversible retraction without fluid contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If mechanical retraction instruments (clamps, paddles, graspers) are used to manipulate organs and tissue, then retraction force is achieved, but tissue damage occurs due to excessive force application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretraction forceVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical retraction instruments with a magnetic retraction system. An inflatable member containing magnetic agent is positioned against the tissue, and an external magnetic field is applied to generate retraction force. This substitution eliminates direct mechanical contact and excessive force application, thereby preventing tissue damage while achieving effective retraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If mechanical retraction instruments are used, then retraction is achieved, but dedicated space (entire trocar) is consumed at the surgical site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretraction capabilityVSAvoidsurgical space occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic retraction system replaces bulky mechanical instruments with a compact inflatable member that can be delivered through a catheter. The magnetic field is applied externally, eliminating the need for dedicated mechanical retraction instruments at the surgical site, thereby preserving valuable surgical space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If iron-filling liquid is injected into organs for magnetic retraction, then magnetic manipulation is achieved, but biocompatibility issues arise and fluid leakage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic manipulation capabilityVSAvoidbiocompatibility and fluid leakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an inflatable member as an intermediary between the magnetic field and the tissue. The magnetic agent is contained within the inflatable member's wall structure rather than being injected directly into the organ. This intermediary approach maintains magnetic manipulation capability while ensuring biocompatibility and eliminating fluid leakage risks associated with direct injection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Force

If magnetic fluid is used for retraction, then strong retraction force is achieved, but reversibility is limited due to non-biocompatible material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretraction strengthVSAvoidretraction reversibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The inflatable member containing magnetic agent serves as a reversible intermediary. The magnetic agent can be magnetically manipulated for strong retraction force, and the inflatable member can be deflated and removed, providing complete reversibility. This approach overcomes the limitations of permanent magnetic fluid injection while maintaining strong retraction capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 safe, effective, and reversible retraction of organs and tissue with reduced risk of damage and fluid leakage, utilizing a biocompatible magnetic agent and minimizing the need for mechanical instruments, thereby enhancing surgical space and procedure efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic device, wherein the magnetic device is configured to manipulate the position of the inflatable member containing the magnetic agent, wherein the inflatable member containing the magnetic agent is configured to manipulate the position of a target tissue or organ in response to a magnetic field emitted by the magnetic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The expansion elements may be self-expanding. The expansion elements can include a superelastic material such as, for example, nitinol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperelasticity: Pseudoelasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2391277B1Magnetic retraction device

Publication Date: 2016.04.20 COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C

AI summary

A magnetic retraction device (10) is provided that may be used to manipulate organs and tissue. The device includes a magnetic agent, at least one inflatable member (12) configured to contain the magnetic agent, and a magnetic device (130). The inflatable member can be disposed on an elongate member (14) adapted for delivery into a patient lumen. The inflatable member can be interconnected with one or more additional inflatable members by a sling (42, 76, 88).