Pneumatic Tissue Closure Actuation for Distal Force Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suturing and stapling systems face challenges in delivering sufficient force to the distal end of the device, particularly in tortuous anatomy, leading to unreliable actuation and operator fatigue.
Innovation Solution
Integration of pneumatics and hydraulics into suturing and stapling devices to increase force application at the distal end, using pistons and chambers to actuate tissue engagement components, such as needle passers and stapler jaws, with mechanical advantages provided by differential piston diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional mechanical actuation is used in suturing and stapling devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but sufficient force delivery to the distal end cannot be achieved, especially in tortuous anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic actuation by introducing a compressible gas into a chamber that expands to push the piston and deliver force to the distal end of the device. This pneumatic mechanism enables sufficient force delivery for tissue engagement in tortuous anatomy while maintaining relative device simplicity through the use of a straightforward pressure-driven expansion and contraction cycle.
2Reliability
If pneumatic actuation is used to increase force delivery, then reliable actuation is achieved, but device complexity increases due to addition of chambers, pistons, and valves
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic actuation system using chambers, pistons, and valves provides reliable actuation through controlled gas pressure expansion. The compressible gas fills the chamber, expands to push the piston with consistent force, and reliably actuates the distal end components for tissue engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in gas pressure parameters to control the actuation cycle. By varying the pressure of the compressible gas within the chamber, the system achieves reliable and controllable actuation of the piston and distal end components without requiring complex mechanical linkages.
3Ease of operation
If pneumatic actuation is used to deliver force to distal end, then operator fatigue is reduced, but device complexity increases due to fluid delivery systems and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic actuation system transfers the operator's input force through gas pressure to the distal end, amplifying the applied force and reducing operator fatigue. The compressible gas medium efficiently transmits force over the length of the device while requiring minimal operator effort compared to direct mechanical actuation.
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
Enhances the ability to puncture and staple tissue effectively, reducing operator fatigue and ensuring reliable actuation in complex anatomical environments.
Implementation Method 1
A compressible gas may be provided within the chamber. The compressible gas may be operable to expand to push the piston
Implementation Method 2
pressure from a fluid within the chamber actuates the tissue engagement component
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to systems, medical devices, and methods for closing an opening in a target tissue using hydraulics and/or pneumatics. In some embodiments, a medical device may include an endoscopic device operable to close an opening in a target tissue, and an actuator operable with the endoscopic device, wherein the actuator includes a piston within a chamber. The piston may include a piston head engaged with an interior surface of the chamber, and a piston rod coupled to a tissue engagement component of the endoscopic device, wherein pressure from a fluid within the chamber actuates the tissue engagement component.