Multi-Piece Ligation Clip Beams to Reduce Hinge Creep
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storing polymeric ligation clips in a compressed or partially compressed state causes strain and material creep, affecting their performance and condition, especially at the living hinge, during delivery through small diameter cannulas.
Innovation Solution
The ligation clip design includes a first beam with a first mating feature and a second beam with a second mating feature, allowing pivotable movement between open and clamped positions, minimizing strain by aligning the beams longitudinally in the open position and using flexible portions to facilitate closure without compressing the hinge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If polymeric ligation clips are stored in a compressed or partially compressed state to minimize overall dimension and facilitate delivery through small diameter cannulas, then the delivery capability is improved, but strain and material creep occur in the clip material especially at the living hinge region, adversely impacting clip condition and performance
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is divided into two separate beams (first beam and second beam) that are coupled together at one end by a pivotable connection. This segmentation allows the beams to be stored in a compressed state with minimal strain on individual components, while maintaining the ability to form a complete clamping structure when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable connection between the first and second beams allows dynamic movement between open and clamped positions. This dynamic capability enables the clip to transition from a compressed storage state to an expanded clamping state without permanent deformation, preserving clip performance while facilitating delivery through small diameter cannulas.
2Ease of operation
If the first and second beams are pivotably coupled to allow movement between open and clamped positions, then the clamping function is improved, but strain concentrates at the living hinge region causing material creep
Solution Approach 1:
The living hinge region is designed with specific local characteristics including a defined thickness and geometry that distributes stress more evenly. The hinge portion has optimized dimensions that allow pivoting motion while minimizing stress concentration, thereby maintaining material integrity during repeated opening and closing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip is pre-configured with the living hinge geometry and material properties optimized before use to resist strain and prevent creep. The hinge region is designed in advance with appropriate thickness and structural features that preemptively counteract the strains that will occur during operation, maintaining strength and flexibility.
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
Minimizes strain and material creep, maintaining clip performance and facilitating delivery through small diameter cannulas by aligning beams in the open position, reducing degradation during storage and application.
Implementation Method 1
The first beam is movable in relation to the second beam to move the ligation clip from an open position to a clamped position
Data Source
AI summary
Polymeric ligation clips and a clip applier for applying a polymeric ligation clip to tissue are disclosed herein. More particularly, the polymeric ligation clips include separate first and second beams that can be coupled to each other and are movable from a reduced diameter open position in which minimal strain is placed on the ligation clip to a clamped position and to a clip applier for delivering such a ligation clip to a surgical site.