Polymeric Ligation Clip With Flexible Hinge for Larger Vessels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Suture-based ligation techniques are inefficient in minimally invasive surgeries due to the skill and time needed for complex knot tying, particularly in endoscopic or laparoscopic surgeries, and metallic ligation clips have limitations such as incompatibility with MRI and CT imaging and size constraints.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric ligation clip design with asymmetric jaws, flexible hinge, and piercing elements that securely close larger vessels using a locking mechanism, allowing for easier application and compatibility with medical imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic ligation clips are used to close vessels, then the clips can be permanently deformed to restrict flow, but the clips cannot be used in patients that may undergo MRI or CT imaging and the size of vessel a given clip size can close is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metallic to polymeric, which fundamentally alters the magnetic properties to enable MRI compatibility while maintaining CT compatibility. This material parameter change also allows the clip to be used on larger vessels without permanent deformation, as the polymeric material can elastically expand to accommodate larger vessel diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material design by combining polymeric material with specific geometric features (asymmetric jaws, flexible hinge, locking mechanism) to achieve both imaging compatibility and enhanced vessel size adaptability. The polymeric material itself acts as a composite structure that provides both flexibility for large vessel accommodation and rigidity for secure closure.
2Reliability
If suture-based ligation techniques are used, then the vessel can be ligated, but the space and time needed for complex knot tying limits efficacy in minimally invasive surgeries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex knot-tying operation from the ligation process by replacing it with a simple clip application. The suture and knot-tying steps are completely removed and replaced by a single clip that achieves ligation through its locking mechanism, dramatically reducing surgical time while maintaining ligation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip is designed to be self-ligating through its locking mechanism, eliminating the need for surgeon skill in knot tying. The clip applies its own closing force and locks into position automatically, making the ligation process independent of surgeon expertise and significantly faster to perform.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If polymeric ligation clips are designed to degrade after a specified amount of time, then the clips are biocompatible, but the duration of clip function is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces temporal dynamics to the clip material properties, allowing the clip to transition from a stable, non-degradable state during the critical healing period to a degradable state after vessel maturation. This dynamic behavior enables the clip to provide long-term support when needed while eventually degrading to eliminate long-term foreign body presence.
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 polymeric ligation clip effectively secures larger vessels with ease, ensuring compatibility with MRI and CT imaging, and reduces the risk of clip failure, enhancing surgical efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
resilient hinge means
Implementation Method 2
latch means
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A surgical ligation clip and method of operation are described and include a top jaw member and bottom jaw member joined at a hinge section for movement about the hinge section. The hinge section can be offset or space laterally from one or both of the jaw members. Teeth arrangements and distributions are also described, as well as closing and jaw ends engagement configurations, for example for more easily engaging/piercing connective or other tissue.