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, affix, and dynamically retract tissue within the gastrointestinal system, leading to unstable operative environments, limited working space, and obstruction by bulky tissue, which complicates minimally-invasive surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A reversibly-expandable tissue retractor system with a distal portion featuring petal-like loops that can be controlled for expansion and retraction, combined with a flexible catheter and guide system to create a stable and dynamic operative space, allowing for independent manipulation of instruments and improved visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If endoscopic procedures are performed in the gastrointestinal system, then minimally-invasive access is achieved, but the working space is limited and unstable due to tissue collapse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworking space volumeVSAvoidworking space stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor is divided into multiple expandable loops or petals that can be independently deployed to create and maintain working space segments throughout the gastrointestinal lumen, preventing tissue collapse while preserving minimally-invasive access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retractor employs dynamically adjustable loops that can expand and contract in response to peristalsis and bowel movement, maintaining stable working space volume while adapting to the moving gastrointestinal environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the working space is expanded to facilitate instrument manipulation, then instrument maneuverability is improved, but the risk of tissue injury and instability increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument maneuverabilityVSAvoidtissue injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor applies localized gentle pressure through distributed loops along the gastrointestinal wall, providing sufficient tissue retraction for instrument maneuverability while avoiding concentrated forces that could cause tissue injury

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The retractor utilizes flexible loop structures that conform to the gastrointestinal lumen geometry, providing stable working space expansion while minimizing tissue trauma through compliant contact surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If peristalsis and bowel movement are allowed to occur naturally, then physiological function is maintained, but the operative environment becomes unstable and difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperative environment stabilityVSAvoidphysiological function preservation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor is designed with dynamic loops that can expand and contract in response to peristalsis, maintaining operative stability while preserving the physiological function of bowel movement and preventing tissue damage from rigid constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retractor automatically adapts to bowel movement and peristalsis through its compliant loop structure, requiring no active control while maintaining stable working space and preserving natural gastrointestinal function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Illumination intensity

If bulky tissue is left in the operative field, then natural tissue position is maintained, but visualization and instrument access are obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization qualityVSAvoidtissue position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The retractor acts as an intermediary structure between the bulky tissue and the operative field, gently displacing tissue to improve visualization while maintaining physiological positioning and avoiding direct manipulation that could cause instability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11583265B2Tissue retractor for minimally invasive surgery

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

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 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 member and are movable to an expanded position when exposed from the outer member.