Minimally Invasive Tissue Folding and Stapling System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures for obesity and gastric disorders are invasive, leading to significant recovery time, pain, and limited accessibility, with existing devices for tissue approximation and fixation being inadequate for less invasive solutions.
Innovation Solution
A system for minimally invasive tissue approximation and fixation within hollow body organs, comprising a tissue acquisition and folding device with a vacuum chamber and a stapling or fixation device, allowing for the creation of tissue folds and secure stapling without external incisions, using a guidewire for precise placement and biocompatible materials for durability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical procedures are performed through open incisions with staples or sutures applied externally, then tissue approximation and fixation can be achieved, but the procedure becomes highly invasive leading to significant recovery time, pain, and limited accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by performing tissue approximation from the inside of the hollow organ rather than from outside. The folding device is inserted through the lumen of the stomach or intestine and creates folds internally, eliminating the need for external incisions and staples while achieving the same tissue approximation effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a guidewire as an intermediary device that facilitates the placement of the folding device. The guidewire is inserted first to establish a pathway, then the folding device is advanced over the guidewire to the target location, enabling precise positioning without external access.
2Strength
If existing stapling devices are used for tissue approximation, then secure fixation can be achieved, but the devices are too complex and require external access making them unsuitable for minimally invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tissue fixation function into two separate components: a folding device that creates the tissue fold, and a separate stapling device that is advanced over the folding device to apply staples. This segmentation allows each device to be simpler and more suitable for minimally invasive insertion while maintaining effective fixation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the stapling device is advanced over the folding device through the same access pathway. The folding device serves as a delivery mechanism for the stapling device, allowing both functions to be performed through a single minimally invasive access point.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate devices are used for tissue acquisition and stapling, then precise tissue manipulation can be achieved, but the procedure time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the folding device and stapling device into a single integrated system that can be inserted through one access point. The folding device is first positioned and deployed to create the tissue fold, then the stapling device is advanced over it to apply staples, completing both tissue acquisition and fixation in a single continuous procedure without removing or replacing devices.
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 efficient, less invasive tissue approximation and fixation within the gastrointestinal tract, reducing recovery time and improving accessibility for a broader range of patients by allowing for precise tissue manipulation and secure stapling without the need for external incisions.
Implementation Method 1
a tissue acquisition and folding device with a vacuum chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A single fold system for tissue approximation and fixation is described herein. The devices are advanced in a minimally invasive manner within a patient's body to create at least one fold within a hollow body organ. The system comprises a tissue acquisition and folding device and a tissue stapling or fixation device, each of which is used together as a system. The acquisition device is used to approximate a single fold of tissue from within the hollow body organ and the stapling device is advanced through a main lumen defined through the acquisition device and is used to affix the tissue. The stapling device is keyed to maintain its rotational orientation relative to the acquisition device and to provide the user positional information of the stapling device. The acquisition device is also configured to provide lateral stability to the stapling device prior to the stapling device being clamped onto tissue.