Integrated Polypectomy Catheter with Suction Snare
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing diminutive polyps between 3-7 mm in diameter are inefficient due to the difficulty in retrieving small specimens and the need for repetitive instrument channel intubations, which can result in specimen loss and complications during the polypectomy procedure.
Innovation Solution
A single polypectomy device with integrated suction, snaring, and irrigation capabilities, featuring a snare loop within a catheter with a suction source, allowing for specimen retrieval and retention within the catheter during removal from the endoscope, eliminating the need for multiple tool insertions and reducing the risk of specimen loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate suction trap is used to retrieve the specimen, then the specimen can be suctioned, but the snare instrument must be removed to provide a channel, causing potential specimen loss and requiring repetitive intubations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the snare loop and suction trap into a single integrated device. The snare loop is positioned within the catheter that also contains the suction channel, allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously without requiring separate instruments or repetitive intubations. This merging eliminates the need to remove the snare instrument to create a channel for suction, thereby preventing specimen loss and reducing procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions through a single instrument: it can snare the polyp, suction the specimen, and maintain the channel open simultaneously. The catheter serves both as a conduit for the snare loop and as a suction channel, making the device universal for both snaring and retrieval operations without requiring separate specialized instruments.
2Productivity
If electrocautery snares are used for polyps over 7 mm, then effective removal is achieved, but patient risk increases and the method is not suitable for smaller polyps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the suction function from separate instruments and integrates it directly with the snare loop. By positioning the suction channel within the same catheter as the snare, the system can immediately suction the specimen as it is being transected, preventing loss and reducing the need for additional instruments or repetitive procedures that increase patient risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction channel is pre-positioned within the catheter alongside the snare loop before the procedure begins. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the suction pathway is already established and ready to capture the specimen immediately upon transection, eliminating delays and the need for repetitive intubations that could compromise patient safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If biopsy forceps are used for polyps under 3 mm, then the small polyp can be biopsied, but the polyp is too small to use cautery and retrieval is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the snare loop and suction trap into a single integrated device that can handle polyps of various sizes. The flexible catheter and adjustable snare loop allow the device to adapt to diminutive polyps (3-7 mm) that are too large for biopsy forceps but too small for conventional cautery snares, while the integrated suction ensures reliable retrieval of these small specimens.
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 device enables efficient removal and recovery of diminutive polyps by providing suction to grasp and retain the specimen, allowing for secure holding and retrieval without repetitive intubations, thereby minimizing specimen loss and procedural complications.
Implementation Method 1
Suction allows the physician to grasp on to the specimen and pull it either partially or completely inside the catheter
Data Source
AI summary
A polyp removal tool and method of use is disclosed. The tool includes a main body, an elongated hollow conduit fixed to the body, a handle, a cable assembly, a suction assembly and an irrigation system. The handle is used to actuate a snare at the end of a cable for transecting of polypoid tissue. The suction assembly is used in pre-conditioning the tissue for cutting and in polyp retention after cutting. The irrigation system is included for tissue recovery after transection. The tool may include a screen for capture of tissue within the device.