Shape Memory Endoscope Clip for Large Tissue Defect Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope clips are ineffective for suturing perforations larger than 1 cm or in tissues with reduced elasticity, requiring additional equipment and procedures like Apollo surgery or OTSC, which can cause tissue tearing and necessitate emergency surgery.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope clip made of shape memory alloy that can be fixed to a conventional endoscope, featuring a coupling part, bending parts, and a pin part that are restored to their original shape at a preset temperature, allowing secure suturing of wide or weak tissue defects without additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional endoscope clip is used, then it can be applied to small perforations, but it fails when the perforation size is 1 cm or more or when tissue elasticity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clip utilizes shape memory alloy that changes its mechanical properties (rigidity, shape) in response to temperature changes. The alloy transitions from a deformed state during insertion to an original shape state at body temperature, enabling the clip to adapt to different perforation sizes and provide reliable suturing across a range of conditions
2Reliability
If Apollo surgery or OTSC is used to treat large perforations, then suturing capability is improved, but additional equipment and separate operating methods are required
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope clip integrates multiple functions into a single device: it can be attached to conventional endoscopes, adapts to various perforation sizes through shape memory effects, and provides effective suturing without requiring separate specialized equipment like Apollo surgery devices or OTSC systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the advantages of different surgical approaches into one unified clip design that can be used with existing endoscope infrastructure, eliminating the need to separate conventional endoscopy from specialized suturing procedures
3Strength
If OTSC with saw-tooth structure is used, then strong tissue connection is achieved, but tissue tearing occurs due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy clip modulates its gripping force through temperature-dependent shape changes. At insertion temperature, the clip is deformable for easy placement; at body temperature, it transitions to its original shape providing adequate holding force without the excessive stress concentration caused by saw-tooth structures, thereby preventing tissue tearing
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 secure suturing of large or weak tissue defects using a conventional endoscope, reducing the need for additional equipment and emergency surgery, and facilitating conservative treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory clip which is made of a shape memory alloy, fixed to an edge portion thereof, and restored to its original shape at a preset shape change temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope clip using a shape memory alloy, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises a shape memory clip which is made of a shape memory alloy, and which is fixed to an edge portion thereof and restored to the original shape at a preset shape change temperature, wherein the shape memory clip includes a coupling part and pin parts vertically bent from the ends of the coupling part so as to be inserted into and fixed to the edge portion.