Retroflexed End Effector Jaws for Esophageal Hemostasis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical instruments with end effectors and medical-treatment electrodes for treating esophageal tissue face limitations in effectively stopping bleeding and achieving hemostasis while minimizing tissue charring and allowing for visual monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A medical instrument featuring a flexible sheath with an end effector having opposing and retroflexed jaws, at least one of which is rotatable, and supported by medical-treatment electrodes that can be operated in bipolar or monopolar modes, allowing for precise tissue treatment and grasping of endoscope tubes for enhanced suction and contact with tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the end effector uses medical RF energy to treat tissue, then hemostasis is achieved, but tissue charring occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing bipolar RF energy delivery between two electrodes on the second jaw, which distributes energy more evenly across the tissue contact area. This bipolar configuration, combined with controlled impedance matching and adjustable power levels, reduces localized overheating and tissue charring while maintaining effective hemostasis. The system dynamically adjusts electrical parameters to optimize therapeutic effect and minimize thermal damage.
2Volume of moving object
If the jaws are in a more-closed position during insertion, then the end effector profile is reduced for easier insertion, but tissue access and treatment capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics through the rotatable second jaw that can transition between different operational positions. During insertion, the jaw remains in a low-profile closed position to facilitate navigation through the endoscope. Once positioned, the jaw can be rotated to achieve optimal engagement with the tissue or endoscope tube, enabling effective treatment. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the device to adapt its geometry based on operational requirements.
3Reliability
If the second jaw is pressed against patient tissue for treatment, then hemostasis is achieved, but visual monitoring capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the endoscope as an intermediary tool to enable visual monitoring during treatment. The end effector is designed to engage with the endoscope tube, allowing the endoscope to be used as a stabilizing and visualizing medium. The endoscope provides real-time visual feedback of the treatment area while the second jaw applies therapeutic energy, resolving the conflict between effective tissue engagement and visual monitoring capability.
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 solution enables improved hemostasis, reduced tissue charring, and better visual monitoring during treatment by allowing the end effector to grasp and treat tissue with minimal damage, facilitating effective medical procedures such as treating Barrett's disease.
Implementation Method 1
A medical radio-frequency (RF) generator, which has been operatively connected to the electrodes, provides the electrodes with medical RF energy to stop bleeding in esophageal tissue of the patient.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument includes a flexible sheath and an end effector. The sheath has a distal end. The end effector is attached to the sheath proximate the distal end and is insertable into a patient. The end effector includes opposing and retroflexed first and second jaws and includes at least one medical-treatment electrode supported by the second jaw. At least one of the first and second jaws is rotatable. In one implementation, the at-least-one medical-treatment electrode is operatively connectable to a medical radio-frequency (RF) generator. In one application, the end effector is insertable into the esophagus of a patient. In one employment, the first and second jaws are adapted to grasp a working end of a flexible tube of an endoscope.