Tissue Alignment Device for Laparoscopic Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic devices face challenges in efficiently aligning and closing tissue edges during surgical procedures, particularly in gastrointestinal anastomosis, as they often require additional sutures or resection of intestine, which can lead to complications like narrowing.
Innovation Solution
A device with tissue engaging components, such as prongs or graspers, that are inserted into a tissue opening and moved apart to align edges parallel to each other, allowing for precise stapling or suturing without the need for extra tissue resection, using a mechanism that includes a spreader component and a control for external operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current laparoscopic devices are used to close tissue edges, then the tissue can be closed, but additional sutures or resection of intestine are required which leads to complications like narrowing
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the tissue closing function into separate modular components: tissue engaging components (prongs or graspers) that align the tissue edges, and a stapling component that performs the closure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving reliable closure without the need for additional sutures or resection that cause narrowing
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges multiple functions into a single integrated tool: tissue alignment, edge approximation, and stapling/closure are all performed by one device. This eliminates the need for separate suturing or resection steps that currently cause intestinal narrowing, thereby improving surgical outcomes while avoiding harmful effects
2Ease of operation
If tissue edges are aligned using traditional methods, then closure can be achieved, but the process requires additional sutures and tissue resection
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue engaging components (prongs or graspers) are designed to preliminarily align and approximate the tissue edges into the correct configuration before the stapling action occurs. This preliminary alignment ensures that the tissue is properly positioned for closure, eliminating the need for subsequent sutures or resection to achieve proper alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions in sequence: it engages and aligns tissue edges, approximates them into proper position, and then performs stapling/closure. This multi-functionality consolidates what were previously separate steps (alignment, suturing, and potential resection) into one unified process, preventing tissue loss while maintaining ease of operation
3Manufacturing precision
If a device with tissue engaging components is used to align edges, then precise stapling can be achieved without extra tissue resection, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates rests or alignment structures at specific locations to guide the stapler into the correct position. These localized alignment features provide precise positioning without requiring the entire device to be complex, achieving manufacturing precision through targeted structural elements rather than overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue engaging components act as intermediaries between the surgeon's manipulation and the final stapling action. These components translate simple user input into precise tissue alignment and positioning, mediating the process to achieve high precision while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple and intuitive to operate
Data Source
AI summary
A device for laparoscopically approximating edges of a tissue opening toward each other for surgical attachment, the device including a first tissue engaging component, and a second tissue engaging component, a spreader component for moving the first tissue engaging component away from the second tissue engaging component, and a control for moving the first tissue engaging component away from the second tissue engaging component. Related apparatus and methods are also described.