Petal-like Tissue Retractor for Stable Endoscopic Working Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic technologies lack the ability to optimally expand, stabilize, and dynamically retract tissue within the gastrointestinal system, leading to unstable operative environments and limited maneuverability during minimally-invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A reversibly-expandable tissue retractor system with a petal-like structure, composed of shape memory material, that can be asymmetrically expanded to create a stable working space, allowing for independent manipulation of instruments and improved visualization, and includes a mechanism for affixing and reshaping tissues to maintain a stable operative space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional endoscopic systems are used, then minimally-invasive access is achieved, but the working space is unstable and difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system employs dynamic adjustability through telescopic arms with adjustable lengths and angles, allowing the operative space to be reconfigured in real-time. The arms can be extended, retracted, and repositioned to adapt to different surgical needs and tissue configurations, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable framework that maintains optimal working conditions throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor system is divided into multiple independent telescopic arms that can be individually adjusted and positioned. Each arm functions as an independent unit that can be manipulated separately, allowing precise control over the shape and size of the operative space. This segmentation enables flexible reconfiguration without requiring movement of the entire retractor structure
2Ease of operation
If the working space is expanded to improve instrument manipulation, then instrument maneuverability is enhanced, but the complexity of the retractor system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor arms utilize telescopic design where inner tubes are nested within outer tubes, allowing the arms to extend and contract like nested dolls. This nesting mechanism enables the arms to achieve significant length adjustments and configuration changes while maintaining a compact form when retracted, reducing overall system complexity compared to rigid extended structures
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic arms incorporate dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow operators to modify arm lengths and angles during the procedure. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to various surgical scenarios without requiring multiple fixed-configuration retractors, simplifying the overall system while enhancing instrument maneuverability
3Illumination intensity
If tissue is retracted to create dissecting planes, then tissue visualization is improved, but tissue damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor arms are constructed with flexible, tissue-friendly materials and smooth surfaces that minimize mechanical stress on adjacent tissues. The design incorporates rounded edges and compliant surfaces that distribute contact forces evenly, reducing the risk of tissue damage while maintaining effective retraction for visualization and dissection plane creation
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 a stable and dynamic operative environment, enhancing the ability to visualize and manipulate tissues, facilitating more effective tissue dissection and removal while maintaining a minimally-invasive approach.
Implementation Method 1
A reversibly-expandable retractor system with a petal-like structure, composed of shape memory material
Data Source
AI summary
Improved methods and devices for performing an endoscopic surgery including a system for performing minimally invasive procedures including a flexible catheter having a working space expanding system positioned at a distal portion, the working space expanding system movable from a non-expanded insertion position to an expanded position forming an expanded region to expand the working space within the body lumen. A tissue retractor having an inner member positioned within an outer guide member has a plurality of closed loops at a distal portion forming a petal-like structure. The loops are positioned in a collapsed position within the outer guide member and are movable to an expanded position when exposed from the outer guide member.