Rotating Distal Head for Simultaneous Hemorrhoid Ligation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hemorrhoid treatment methods, such as rubber band ligation, are inadequate for treating multiple internal hemorrhoids simultaneously in a minimally invasive manner, as they often require multiple procedures and are not efficient for addressing multiple sites simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotating distal head and multiple ligation bands that stretches and constricts around hemorrhoid tissue, allowing for simultaneous ligation of multiple hemorrhoids using a vacuum mechanism to draw tissue into the device and breakable holding members to release the bands, facilitating efficient treatment of multiple hemorrhoids in a single procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single rubber band ligation is performed, then one hemorrhoid is treated, but multiple procedures are required to treat multiple hemorrhoids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ligation bands (first, second, and third bands) onto a single device, enabling simultaneous treatment of multiple hemorrhoids in one procedure. The device integrates multiple holding members and band deployment mechanisms that work together to ligate hemorrhoids at different locations concurrently, eliminating the need for separate procedures for each hemorrhoid.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with multi-functionality to treat multiple hemorrhoids simultaneously. It includes multiple openings for receiving different hemorrhoids, multiple holding members for securing bands, and a rotating distal head that can position bands at various locations. This universal design allows a single device to perform what previously required multiple separate treatments.
2Productivity
If multiple ligation bands are used simultaneously, then multiple hemorrhoids can be treated in one procedure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: multiple holding members (first, second, third holding members) that can be independently activated, multiple openings for different hemorrhoid locations, and a rotating distal head with segmented control mechanisms. This segmentation allows complex functionality to be broken down into manageable, independently controllable units, reducing operational complexity despite multiple bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable distal head that can rotate about a longitudinal axis to position bands at different locations, and a mechanism that allows selective activation of different holding members. This dynamic design enables the complex multi-band system to be controlled through a single rotational motion and selective actuation, simplifying the user interface despite the multiple components.
3Ease of operation
If the distal head rotates to stretch ligation bands, then bands can be deployed around hemorrhoids, but precise control of band release is required
Solution Approach 1:
The holding members are pre-configured with predetermined break points during manufacturing. These break points are designed to fail at specific rotation angles, ensuring that bands are released at the correct moment during the rotation cycle. This preliminary preparation of failure points eliminates the need for complex active release mechanisms and ensures precise timing of band deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding members are designed as disposable components with built-in break points that fail after a single use. This approach simplifies the device design by eliminating the need for complex release mechanisms, as the holding members are discarded after deploying their bands. The breakable design ensures precise band release while reducing manufacturing complexity of the release mechanism.
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
Enables the simultaneous ligation of multiple hemorrhoids, reducing the need for multiple procedures and improving treatment efficiency by effectively cutting off blood flow to the hemorrhoids, leading to their elimination.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum mechanism is used to draw the tissue into the device
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a housing having a first opening for receiving tissue therein and a distal head disposed at least partly within the housing. The distal head is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the distal head. The device also includes a first holding member coupled to the housing and a second holding member coupled to the distal head. The first and second holding members are configured so that rotating the distal head stretches a first ligation band coupled to the first and second holding members, permitting tissue drawn into the first opening to pass through an opening of the first ligation band.