Sphincterotome Variable-Thickness Covers Against Cutting Edge Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sphincterotomes with single-layer cutting edge covers are susceptible to damage during use, leading to exposure of the cutting edge and potential patient harm due to undesired sparking and reduced cutting ability.

Innovation Solution

A sphincterotome with a variable thickness cover or multi-layer cover design that includes a distal taper and multiple materials to enhance damage resistance, minimizing exposure of the cutting edge and maintaining cutting efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-layer cutting edge cover is used, then the device structure is simple, but the cover is susceptible to damage during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover structureVSAvoidcover damage resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting edge cover is divided into multiple layers (first cover layer, second cover layer, third cover layer) with each layer serving specific functions. The first layer provides initial protection, the second layer provides backup protection, and the third layer provides additional durability, collectively preventing single-point failures and enhancing overall reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover system uses composite material construction with different layers potentially made of different materials optimized for specific properties such as electrical insulation, mechanical strength, and flexibility. This composite approach allows each layer to contribute its unique properties to the overall system performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If the cutting edge is exposed, then cutting ability is improved, but sparking may occur causing patient harm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidsparking risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover design provides localized electrical insulation properties at specific regions where the cutting edge interacts with tissue and endoscope components. The insulating layers are strategically positioned to prevent sparking at critical interfaces while maintaining cutting efficiency at the exposed cutting edge tip

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the cutting edge catches on endoscope components, then the cover may be damaged, but this exposes the cutting edge causing harmful sparking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover integrityVSAvoidsparking from exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-layer cover structure provides preemptive protection against damage from catching events. The redundant layers ensure that even if the outer layer is compromised during catching incidents, inner layers remain intact to prevent exposure of the cutting edge and subsequent sparking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover layers are designed with varying thickness parameters and material properties to optimize the balance between protection and flexibility. The thickness and material composition are engineered to absorb mechanical stresses from catching events while maintaining electrical insulation properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250235259A1Sphincterotomes with damage resistant cutting edge covers

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A sphincterotome includes a variable thickness cover that covers an insulated portion of a cutting edge. The variable thickness cover includes a distal taper distally extending from a first outer diameter to a second outer diameter, where the first outer diameter is larger than the second outer diameter.