Papillotome Cutting Wire Segmentation for PEG Bumper Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for removing ingrown PEG bumpers, such as laparotomy and the push method, are invasive and prone to complications like bleeding and infection, with the push method experiencing slipping and uncontrolled cutting issues due to the design limitations of existing papillotomes and bougies.

Innovation Solution

A papillotome with a modified design featuring a front opening at least 3 mm from the free end, a projection to stabilize the cutting wire, and both transversely and longitudinally extending cutting edges, which allows for controlled cutting and clamping of the PEG bumper, combined with a PEG bougie for safe removal, addresses the slipping and bleeding issues by providing a more targeted and stable cutting action.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the push method is used with existing papillotomes, then the PEG bumper can be removed without laparotomy, but slipping and uncontrolled cutting occur due to design limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of cutting actionVSAvoidslipping prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting wire is divided into distinct functional segments: a first cutting edge extending transversely between front and rear openings for primary cutting, and a second cutting edge extending longitudinally from the free end for guiding and stabilizing. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, preventing slipping while maintaining controlled cutting action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second cutting edge (longitudinal cutting edge) acts as an intermediary element that guides the papillotome along the PEG bumper during the pushing action. This intermediary structure prevents uncontrolled slipping by providing a stable reference path, while the first cutting edge (transverse cutting edge) performs the actual cutting function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If existing papillotomes are used for cutting, then cutting can be performed, but uncontrolled cutting and bleeding occur due to lack of stabilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting capabilityVSAvoidbleeding and infection risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The second cutting edge (longitudinal cutting edge) performs a preliminary guiding action by establishing a stable path along the PEG bumper before the first cutting edge (transverse cutting edge) performs the actual cutting. This preliminary stabilization prevents uncontrolled cutting movements that could cause bleeding and infection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the cutting wire are given different orientations and functions: the transverse segment provides cutting capability while the longitudinal segment provides stabilization. This local differentiation of quality ensures that cutting is performed precisely where needed while maintaining overall control to prevent harmful effects like bleeding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a simple cutting wire design is used, then the device is easier to manufacture, but slipping and uncontrolled movement occur during the push method

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting wire structureVSAvoidstability during cutting
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting wire is segmented into two functional portions with different orientations: a transverse segment for cutting and a longitudinal segment for stabilization. This segmentation maintains relative simplicity in manufacturing while significantly improving reliability by preventing slipping and uncontrolled movement during the push method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enables a safer, more controlled, and less invasive removal of ingrown PEG bumpers by preventing slipping and uncontrolled cutting, reducing bleeding and infection risks, and facilitating targeted incisions, thus improving the efficacy of the push method.

Implementation Method 1

when the handle is actuated, the cutting wire is tensioned, the free end region is deformed in an arc shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The cutting wire directly connects the front opening to the second opening. A loop is formed between the cutting wire and the bent free end region of the catheter. The cutting wire is connected to a high-frequency (HF) voltage source. Cutting can be performed in the known manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHigh-frequency vibration cutting: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11696780B2Papillotome for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
Publication Date: 2023.07.11 MEDWORK
  • US11696780B2 patent drawing
  • US11696780B2 patent drawing
  • US11696780B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A papillotome for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy including a front opening located in a free end region of a catheter and at the outlet of a first lumen, a rear opening further from a free end than the front opening and connects the first lumen to the outside, and a cutting wire located in the first lumen in an axially displaceable manner and extends through the front opening and the rear opening and is located on the outside between the front opening and the rear opening. When the cutting wire is tensioned, the free end region is deformed in an arc shape and the cutting wire forms a transversely extending cutting edge between the front opening and the rear opening. The front opening is arranged at a distance of at least 3 mm from the free end. A projection is formed between the free end and the front opening. A cutting tip is formed at the free end of the catheter. The cutting tip is connected to the cutting wire and forms the foremost end of the papillotome.