Reloadable Endoscopic Clip Assembly for Multiple Tissue Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic clipping devices lack the ability to be efficiently reloaded with new clips during procedures, necessitating multiple device exchanges for multiple clip applications.
Innovation Solution
A reloadable endoscopic clipping system featuring a clip assembly that can be loaded onto an applicator, allowing for multiple clip deployments using the same applicator by engaging and disengaging the clip assembly with a catheter via proximal and distal tabs and an abutment structure, enabling seamless reloading and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional endoscopic clipping device is used, then a single clip can be deployed, but the device must be exchanged for each additional clip application
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components: a reusable applicator and replaceable clip assemblies. The applicator remains in the body while clip assemblies can be exchanged at the distal end, allowing multiple clip applications without removing the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip assembly is nested within the applicator catheter. The capsule containing the clip is positioned inside the catheter lumen, and the control member extends through the catheter to control the nested clip assembly from the proximal end.
2Productivity
If multiple device exchanges are performed for multiple clip applications, then each clip can be deployed, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clip assemblies can be pre-loaded onto the applicator or quickly exchanged at the distal end. The capsule and control member are prepared in advance, allowing rapid deployment of successive clips without removing the applicator from the treatment site.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator remains continuously positioned at the treatment site while multiple clip assemblies are deployed in sequence. The control member can be manipulated to release successive clips from the same proximal position, maintaining continuous useful action without device removal and reinsertion.
3Productivity
If a reloadable clip assembly is implemented, then multiple clips can be deployed with one applicator, but the engagement mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is extracted and simplified to basic mechanical elements: tabs on the capsule that engage with corresponding features on the catheter, and an abutment structure on the control member that interfaces with the capsule. This allows reliable engagement and disengagement without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule and control member are designed to self-align and self-engage through their geometric features. The tabs and abutment structures automatically engage when components are assembled, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms or additional actuation steps.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for treating tissue includes an applicator including a catheter and a control member extending therethrough, the control member longitudinally movable relative to the catheter and including an abutment structure proximate a distal end thereof, and a clip assembly releasably coupleable to a distal end of the applicator, the clip assembly including a pair of clip arms, a proximal end of each of the clip arms slidably received within a channel of a capsule and configured to be releasably coupled to the distal end of the control member so that the clip arms are movable relative to the capsule between a tissue receiving configuration and a tissue clipping configuration, the capsule including proximal tabs movable between a biased non-engaging and an engaging configuration, in which the proximal tabs engage an engaging portion of the catheter, when the abutment structure is received within the capsule.