Reloadable Endoscopic Clip Applicator for Tissue Ligation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic clipping systems require multiple devices for delivering and reloading clips, which is inefficient and increases procedural complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A reloadable endoscopic clipping system comprising a clip assembly with clip arms connected via a central member, a cartridge for housing the assembly, and an applicator that allows for easy loading and deployment of clips, enabling the same applicator to be reused multiple times by reloading new clips after deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for delivering and reloading clips, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the procedural complexity and number of devices required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clip delivery function and clip reloading function into a single integrated applicator device. The applicator includes a delivery mechanism for deploying clips and a reloading mechanism with a magazine that can be attached to load additional clips, eliminating the need for separate delivery and reloading devices while maintaining functional optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator is designed as a multi-functional device that can both deliver clips to tissue and be reloaded with additional clips during the same procedure. The single applicator performs multiple functions (delivery, reloading, storage) that would traditionally require separate specialized devices
2Reliability
If multiple devices are used for clip delivery and reloading, then specific functions can be performed independently, but procedural time and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator enables continuous operation by allowing clips to be reloaded during the procedure without removing the device. The magazine system provides a continuous supply of clips, eliminating downtime between clip deliveries and maintaining continuous useful action throughout the procedure
3Measurement precision
If specialized endoscopic clipping devices are used, then precise delivery to desired locations is achieved, but the cost and procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator maintains precise delivery capability while adding reloading functionality, allowing a single device to replace multiple specialized devices. The integrated design preserves the precision needed for targeted clip delivery to specific tissue locations while reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system for treating tissue includes a clip assembly including a pair of clip arms, each of the clip arms extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end of the clip arms connected to one another via a central member slidably received within a channel of a capsule to be moved between a tissue receiving configuration and a closed configuration, a cartridge for encasing the clip assembly including a groove formed therein to accommodate the clip assembly and an opening extending thereinto in communication with a portion of the groove such that the groove is open to an exterior of the cartridge via the opening, and an applicator releasably connectable to the clip assembly to move the clip assembly between the open and closed configurations, a distal portion of the applicator insertable through the opening of the cartridge to be connected to the clip assembly.