Diathermic Endotherapeutic Device for Protected Snare and Knife Interchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current endoscopic procedures for removing colon polyps, such as EMR and ESD, require multiple instruments to be interchanged, complicating the operation and increasing the risk of contamination and tissue trauma.

Innovation Solution

A diathermic endotherapeutic device with a flexible sheath and a control wire that allows for interchangeable treatment members, such as a snare and knife, using a protection member to ensure only one instrument is exposed at a time, minimizing tissue trauma.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple instruments are interchanged during endoscopic procedures, then different treatment functions (cutting, snaring) can be performed, but operational complexity increases and risk of contamination and tissue trauma increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment function versatilityVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple treatment instruments (snare and knife) into a single integrated device that can be advanced through the endoscope together. The snare is positioned on the control wire and the knife is positioned on the snare, allowing both instruments to be delivered through a single channel and exchanged as a unified system, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining treatment versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device serves multiple functions by incorporating both snare and knife instruments in one configuration. The device can perform both snaring and cutting operations without requiring separate instrument exchanges, making it a universal tool that handles multiple treatment requirements through a single integrated system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple instruments are interchanged during endoscopic procedures, then different treatment functions can be performed, but risk of contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment function versatilityVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple instruments into a single integrated delivery system, the number of times instruments need to be exchanged is reduced. The unified device maintains a continuous sealed environment through the endoscope channel, minimizing opportunities for contamination during instrument exchange while still providing multiple treatment functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple instruments are interchanged during endoscopic procedures, then different treatment functions can be performed, but tissue trauma increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment function versatilityVSAvoidtissue trauma
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated device allows both snare and knife instruments to be positioned and exchanged within a single sealed channel, preventing the treatment members from contacting tissue during exchange. This eliminates unintended trauma that would occur if instruments were removed and reinserted separately, while still enabling multiple treatment functions to be performed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If treatment members are completely removed during interchange, then instrument exchange is possible, but procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstrument interchangeabilityVSAvoidprocedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple treatment members into a single integrated device, the exchange process occurs internally within the endoscope channel rather than requiring complete removal from the patient. This internal exchange mechanism significantly reduces procedure time while maintaining full instrument interchangeability for different treatment functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates seamless instrument interchange during procedures like ESD without complete removal, reducing operational complexity and minimizing tissue trauma.

Implementation Method 1

a control wire configured to move axially within the flexible sheath

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a protection member that is configured to cover the second treatment member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

Diathermic endotherapeutic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 4

An electrosurgical current is then passed through the snare in order to transect the tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4613224A1Diathermic endotherapeutic device
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)
  • EP4613224A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4613224A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4613224A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A treatment device includes a flexible sheath; a control wire that can move axially within the flexible sheath; a first treatment member connected to a distal end of the control wire; a second treatment member connected to a distal end of the first treatment member; and a protection member that covers the second treatment member depending on the mode of operation. When the treatment device is in a first treatment mode, the second treatment member projects from a distal end of the protection member. When the treatment device is in a second treatment mode, the first treatment member projects from the distal end of the flexible sheath, and the protection member covers the second treatment member.