Multi-lumen Catheter Ligation System for Variceal Strangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic treatments for varices, such as endoscopic band ligation, face challenges in effectively reducing variceal wall tension and preventing bleeding, particularly in patients with medium or large varices, due to limitations in suction capacity and mechanical strangulation methods.
Innovation Solution
A tissue ligation system comprising a multi-lumen catheter with an inflatable member, expandable hood, and retractable handle, which allows for precise suction and mechanical ligation of tissue using a suture with a distal loop and collar mechanism, enabling secure tissue cinching and strangulation without the need for additional caps or devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If endoscopic band ligation is used to treat varices, then variceal wall tension is reduced through mechanical strangulation, but the suction capacity is insufficient for medium or large varices and additional caps or devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (suction, ligation, and strangulation) into a single integrated device. The multi-lumen catheter integrates the suction lumen, suture lumen, and inflation lumen, eliminating the need for separate caps or devices while maintaining effective treatment of medium or large varices
Solution Approach 2:
The ligation apparatus serves multiple functions: the expandable hood provides suction capability, the inflatable member enables tissue engagement, and the suture mechanism delivers ligation. This multi-functional design allows the single device to handle various variceal sizes without requiring additional components
2Measurement precision
If a multi-lumen catheter with expandable hood is used, then precise tissue engagement and suction capacity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates dynamic components including an expandable hood that can be inflated and deflated, and an inflatable member that adjusts tissue engagement. These dynamic features enable precise tissue engagement while the collapsible nature allows the device to be retrieved through the endoscope channel without permanent expansion
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-lumen catheter employs a nested structure where the suture lumen and inflation lumen are contained within the outer catheter body. The expandable hood nests within the catheter when collapsed and expands only when needed for tissue engagement, allowing precise functionality while maintaining a compact profile for insertion
3Strength
If mechanical strangulation with elastic bands is used, then variceal obliteration is achieved, but the method cannot effectively reduce wall tension in medium or large varices
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the mechanical parameters of tissue engagement by using an inflatable member and expandable hood to create uniform circumferential compression rather than localized band strangulation. This distributed force application effectively reduces wall tension in medium or large varices while the suture mechanism provides adjustable ligation strength
Solution Approach 2:
The suture mechanism is segmented into a distal loop for tissue capture, a collar for one-way movement control, and a proximal portion for handle attachment. This segmentation allows the suture to cinch tissue progressively and securely, providing adaptable ligation strength for different variceal sizes
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 system provides efficient and controlled ligation of varices, reducing the risk of bleeding and complications by allowing for precise tissue engagement and secure knotting within the existing endoscope channel, potentially reducing procedure time and anesthesia requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The multi-lumen catheter can include a vacuum lumen extending longitudinally through the catheter body
Implementation Method 2
The ligation apparatus can comprise an inflatable member located at the distal end of the catheter and in communication with the inflation lumen of the catheter
Data Source
AI summary
Tissue ligation systems and methods are provides to mechanically strangulate abnormal or undesirable tissue. Tissue ligation systems include a multi-lumen catheter having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of a standard endoscope channel such that the catheter can be inserted into the endoscope. Tissue ligation systems also include a ligation apparatus with an expandable hood disposed at the distal end of the catheter. A suture extends through a lumen of the catheter and has a distal loop portion that can strangulate tissue.