Tissue Ligation Device with Ratchet Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical tissue ligation methods are cumbersome, often requiring two hands and additional surgical procedures for removal, especially when dealing with thin tissues or metal clips.
Innovation Solution
A medical device featuring an elongated, flexible band with ratchet members and a device head that allows one-handed operation, includes a lock mechanism for secure ligation without knots, and can be made from resorbable materials for easy absorption post-healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional ligature thread is used for tissue ligation, then the ligation can be performed with simple materials, but the operation becomes cumbersome requiring two hands and multiple medical persons
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service operation where the band itself provides the locking function through its integrated ratchet members and lock member, eliminating the need for manual knot tying and allowing single-handed operation while maintaining structural simplicity
2Productivity
If metal clips are used for tissue ligation, then the ligation can be performed quickly, but a further surgical procedure is required for removing the clips
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the material parameter from non-biodegradable metal to biodegradable polymer, allowing the ligation to be performed quickly like metal clips while the material naturally degrades over time, eliminating the need for surgical removal procedures
3Ease of manufacture
If a traditional ligature is used for thin tissues, then the material is simple, but the ligature may slip along the tissue during and after ligation
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality by adding tissue engaging members at specific locations on the band to provide grip on thin tissues, while the rest of the band maintains its simple structure, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall complexity
4Ease of operation
If the band loop diameter is large when pulled through the channel, then the device is easier to operate, but it cannot achieve effective ligation of thin tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses preliminary action by providing a protrusion that engages with the ratchet members before the band is fully pulled through, guiding the band to reduce its loop diameter progressively and achieve precise positioning for thin tissue ligation while maintaining ease of insertion
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device (100) comprises an elongated, flexible band (110) equipped with ratchet members (120) and connected to a device head (130) having a channel (135) dimensioned for reception of the band (110). A lock member (140) is connected to the head (130) and configured to interlock the ratchet members (120) when the band (110) is pulled through the channel (135) to form a reverse-motion brake. A protrusion (160) and a matching protrusion receiving member (150) are arranged in the head (130) in connection with the channel entrance and in the band (110) in connection with the band-head interface. The protrusion receiving member (150) is dimensioned for reception of the protrusion ( 160) when the band (110) is close to fully pushed into the head (130).