Endoscopic Overtube with Articulating Fingers for Tissue Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic surgical procedures face difficulties in smoothly inserting an overtube through tissue walls due to snagging or catching at the interface between the distal end of the tube and inflation devices, which impedes the entry of the overtube during transluminal procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of a flexible overtube with a radially expandable distal tip featuring articulated fingers that can transition from a closed to an open position, allowing for increased diameter and facilitating smooth penetration through tissue walls, along with optional cutting elements and a gripping section to enhance tissue interaction and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the overtube is inserted through the organ wall using conventional techniques, then the procedure can be performed, but the organ wall may catch or snag at the interface between the distal end of the tube and the inflation device, impeding smooth entry
Solution Approach 1:
The distal tip of the overtube is designed with articulated fingers that can dynamically change configuration between a closed position (for navigation) and an open position (for tissue penetration). This dynamic transformation allows the tip to adapt its shape during insertion, reducing snagging at the tissue interface while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal tip is segmented into multiple articulated fingers rather than a solid continuous structure. This segmentation allows each finger to move independently, facilitating smoother passage through tissue by distributing the interaction forces and reducing the likelihood of catching on tissue structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distal tip is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the overtube can withstand insertion forces, but it cannot expand to create a larger opening for instrument passage
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated fingers are designed to be rigid during navigation in the closed position, maintaining structural integrity. Upon deployment, they transform into an expanded configuration that creates a larger opening. This dynamic transition allows the same structure to provide both strength during insertion and adaptability for instrument passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated fingers are nested within each other in the closed position, forming a compact structure that maintains strength. When deployed, they unfold and expand outward, creating a larger opening while maintaining the structural integrity of each individual finger segment.
3Length of moving object
If the overtube maintains a small diameter for navigation, then it can pass through natural openings and lumens, but it cannot provide sufficient opening for surgical instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The overtube dynamically changes its effective diameter by transitioning the articulated fingers from a closed to an open position. During navigation, the fingers remain closed maintaining a small diameter. During instrument passage, the fingers expand to create a larger opening, facilitating ease of inserting surgical instruments.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic overtube with articulating fingers extending from the distal end. The articulating fingers form an opening that may be expanded by a balloon. When positioned in a puncture site in a tissue wall, the articulating fingers dilate and enlarge the puncture site to allow for the body of the overtube to pass through the puncture site. In various embodiments, the fingers may further comprise cutting elements to assist in the dilation of the puncture site.