Anatomical Tissue Closure Device with Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional closure devices for anatomical cavities, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries, face challenges in sealing thicker tissues and irregular inner surfaces, often resulting in inadequate sealing forces and tissue tearing due to the reliance on piercing gripping elements and the need for precise angle alignment.
Innovation Solution
A medical system featuring an elongated member with a bending portion and an orientation control unit that allows for articulated movement and adjustment of the distal portion relative to the proximal portion, including a clip with inflatable members to adjust spacing between piercing elements, enabling effective sealing by aligning with the tissue surface and distributing forces to prevent tearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional piercing gripping elements are used to close openings in thicker tissue, then the device can be delivered via catheter, but the tissue tearing increases and sealing reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is divided into multiple gripping elements distributed around the opening, each independently engaging the tissue. This segmentation allows the forces to be distributed across multiple points rather than concentrated at a single piercing point, reducing tissue tearing while maintaining deliverability via catheter.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping elements are designed with specific local characteristics - some portions are sharp for initial penetration while other portions are broader for distributing force. This local quality variation allows the device to penetrate and then seal without causing excessive tissue damage.
2Force
If piercing gripping elements are used to apply closure forces, then the device can constrict the opening, but the tissue tearing occurs and healing is negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a cushioning element that is positioned between the gripping elements and the tissue before the closure force is fully applied. This cushioning element distributes the force more evenly across the tissue surface, preventing concentrated stress points that would cause tearing while still allowing effective constriction of the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping elements are designed to dynamically adjust their engagement with the tissue - initially penetrating with sharp portions, then transitioning to a configuration where broader portions contact the tissue to distribute forces. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to apply closure force while minimizing tissue damage.
3Reliability
If the closure device is inserted at a precise angle relative to the inner heart surface, then the sealing effectiveness improves, but the device complexity increases and adaptability to irregular surfaces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device incorporates a flexible or articulating section that allows it to dynamically adapt its orientation to the irregular inner heart surface. This dynamic capability enables the device to maintain effective sealing without requiring precise initial angle alignment, as the device can adjust itself to conform to the surface geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for changes in its geometric parameters - such as the angle of the gripping elements relative to the shaft - to adapt to different surface orientations. This parameter adjustment capability enables effective sealing on irregular surfaces without increasing overall device complexity.
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
The system provides a reliable and effective closure of anatomical cavity openings by aligning with irregular surfaces, reducing tissue tearing and ensuring a secure seal, even in thicker tissues, through the use of an inflatable member to adjust the spacing between piercing elements and distribute closure forces.
Implementation Method 1
An inflatable member is positioned between the piercing elements. A fluid source is coupled to the inflatable member and is selectively operable for expanding the inflatable member to increase a spacing between the piercing elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for closing at least one opening leading to an anatomical cavity is delivered via a catheter positioned in a first opening leading to the anatomical cavity. An orientation control unit is positioned within the anatomical cavity. The orientation control unit defines an orientation of a portion of a tissue surface within the anatomical cavity that is skewed with respect to the first opening and orients a closure member of the device with the tissue surface. An occluding member and a constricting unit of the device are positioned within the anatomical cavity with the occluding member blocking a portion of an opening that is constricted by the constricting unit. An intermediate member of the device is positioned within the anatomical cavity and a closure unit employing at least one piercing element pierces through the intermediate member into a tissue wall surrounding the anatomical cavity.