Tissue Displacing Elements for Gastroesophageal Junction Reconstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs due to the deterioration of the gastroesophageal flap valve, allowing stomach contents to splash into the esophageal tract, shortening the tract and enlarging the stomach, which existing treatments have not effectively addressed.

Innovation Solution

A device with tissue displacing elements and a tissue shaper is used to reshape stomach tissue, forming a fold at the esophageal-stomach junction, utilizing independently movable elements, a common retractor, and a fastener applier to recreate the gastroesophageal flap valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing treatments are used for GERD, then the stomach contents can be managed to some extent, but the esophageal tract remains shortened and the gastroesophageal junction is not effectively restored

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of GERD treatmentVSAvoidesophageal tract length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary action by forming a tissue fold at the gastroesophageal junction before final fastening. The tissue displacing elements are positioned and adjusted to create the desired fold configuration, which is then secured with fasteners to restore the junction and lengthen the esophageal tract

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If a simple fastening device is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to independently manipulate and position tissue is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure of fastening deviceVSAvoidtissue manipulation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device is segmented into multiple independently movable tissue displacing elements (first, second, and third elements) that can be positioned and manipulated separately. This segmentation allows precise independent control of each element to achieve complex tissue folding patterns while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tissue displacing elements are designed to be independently movable along the shaft, allowing dynamic adjustment of their positions during the procedure. This dynamic capability enables the operator to manipulate tissue with fine control while keeping the device structure relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple tissue displacing elements are used to reshape tissue, then the tissue can be precisely positioned, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue positioning precisionVSAvoidnumber of displacing elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple tissue displacing elements serve universal functions of engaging, displacing, and positioning tissue. Each element can independently perform the same set of functions, allowing precise tissue positioning through coordinated action of multiple identical components rather than requiring complex specialized structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250235209A1Methods and devices for manipulating and fastening tissue

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A tissue displacing and fastening device is provided for manipulating and fastening tissue together. The device includes a tissue displacing elements, which displaces tissue. A fold is formed from the displaced tissue and the tissue is fastened together to secure the fold.