Self-Expanding End Effector for Intact Tissue Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current morcellators used in Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) procedures are inefficient due to their narrow return conduit and small opening, requiring significant time for tissue removal, and pose risks of damaging the bladder, with complications including tissue bouncing off or being deflected, and the need for multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with an extraction tool featuring a channel greater than 26 Fr, an optical device for visualization, and a self-expanding end effector that can grasp and secure tissue without morcellation, allowing for the removal of tissue through the urethra without cutting it into smaller pieces, facilitating faster and safer removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a morcellator with narrow return conduit and small opening is used, then tissue can be removed through the urethra, but the time required for tissue removal increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of channel diameter from the traditional narrow size (less than 20 Fr) to a larger size (greater than 20 Fr, preferably greater than 26 Fr). This parameter change allows intact tissue to pass through the extraction tool without requiring morcellation, thereby significantly reducing tissue removal time while maintaining safe passage through the urethra.
2Ease of manufacture
If a morcellator with moving blades is used, then tissue can be cut into small pieces for removal, but the risk of damaging the bladder increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the dangerous moving blades from the extraction tool, replacing them with a static end effector that uses suction and a basket-like structure to capture and retrieve tissue. This eliminates the harmful factor of moving blades that could damage the bladder while maintaining the capability to remove tissue effectively.
3Area of stationary object
If a morcellator with small opening is used, then tissue can be drawn to the opening, but tissue tends to bounce off or be deflected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a basket-like end effector with a curved, three-dimensional structure that surrounds and encloses tissue. This curved geometry allows tissue to be captured from multiple angles and prevents bouncing or deflection, as the tissue is contained within the basket structure rather than being targeted at a single small opening.
4Productivity
If multiple components are used in the morcellator procedure, then tissue can be morcellated and removed, but the setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated extraction tool: the end effector combines tissue capture, containment, and retrieval functions; the extraction tool itself integrates the channel for passage and the mechanism for intact tissue removal. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate morcellation devices and reduces the number of components required, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices, systems, and related methods of use are disclosed. The systems may comprise a sheath for insertion into a body lumen and an extraction tool for passage through the sheath, wherein the extraction tool may include a handle, an end effector, and an optical device. Methods disclosed herein include introducing an extraction tool into a urethra for retrieving and removing tissue from the body, e.g., with an end effector, without morcellating the excised tissue.