Pull-Actuated Endoscopic Medical Delivery Assembly for Viscous Fluids

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical devices struggle to efficiently deliver highly viscous fluids to treat conditions in the gastrointestinal tract, such as bleeding ulcers or fistulas, due to the high force or pressure required, which can deform or break components and prolong procedure time.

Innovation Solution

A medical device with a grasping portion and actuation wire system that deploys viscous fluids using a pull force, allowing easier and effective delivery through a working channel of an endoscope, reducing the risk of component failure and shortening procedure time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional medical devices use high force or pressure to deliver viscous fluids, then the fluid delivery effectiveness is improved, but the device components may deform or break

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid delivery effectivenessVSAvoidcomponent integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device inverts the conventional approach by using a pull force instead of a push force to deliver viscous fluids. The actuation wire is pulled proximally to draw the fluid capsule through the sheath and deploy the fluid at the target site, which reduces the force required and prevents component deformation while maintaining delivery effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes the mechanical parameter from high force/push to low force/pull. By using a pull mechanism where the actuation wire is drawn proximally to move the capsule and deploy fluid, the system achieves effective fluid delivery with significantly reduced force requirements, preventing component damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional medical devices use high force or pressure to deliver viscous fluids, then the fluid delivery effectiveness is improved, but the procedure time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid delivery effectivenessVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The inverted pull mechanism allows for smoother and more efficient fluid delivery. By pulling the actuation wire proximally to draw the capsule through the sheath, the system achieves rapid fluid deployment without the resistance and time delays associated with high-pressure push mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The device replaces the conventional high-pressure mechanical push system with a low-force pull system. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for high-pressure generation and maintains control, significantly reducing procedure time while ensuring effective viscous fluid delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional medical devices deliver viscous fluids through a working channel, then the treatment can be performed endoscopically, but the high force required causes component failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveendoscopic capabilityVSAvoidcomponent durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device adapts to endoscopic working channels by inverting the force application method. Instead of pushing viscous fluids through the narrow channel (which requires high force), the system pulls the fluid capsule through the channel using a proximal pull on the actuation wire, enabling endoscopic delivery with minimal force and maximum component durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20250331832A1Medical delivery devices, assemblies, and related methods

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 BOSTON SCI MEDICAL DEVICE LTD

AI summary

A medical device may include a sheath, an actuation wire extending through the sheath and movable relative to the sheath, and a grasping portion affixed to a distal end of the actuation wire. The grasping portion may include a plurality of members configured to receive a capsule and proximal movement of the actuation wire may be configured to move at least a proximal portion of the grasping portion within the sheath in order to deploy a fluid from the capsule.