Tissue Retraction Delivery Structure for Clearer Endoscopic Dissection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical procedures for extracting cancerous lesions are inefficient and time-consuming due to poor visualization and tissue obstruction, necessitating a device that improves visualization and mitigates tool obstruction during tissue dissection.

Innovation Solution

A tissue retraction device and delivery system comprising engagement members, elastic members, and alignment members, which can be deployed through a delivery catheter to lift and retract target tissue, enhancing visualization and facilitating efficient dissection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional medical procedures are used for extracting cancerous lesions, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the procedure is inefficient and time-consuming due to poor visualization and tissue obstruction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocedural efficiencyVSAvoiddissection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tissue retraction device is deployed before dissection begins, with engagement members positioned to grasp and retract tissue edges. This preliminary action clears the surgical field and improves visualization before the actual dissection procedure starts, eliminating the need to pause during dissection to manage tissue obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device divides the tissue manipulation function into separate engagement members that can independently grasp and retract different portions of tissue. This segmentation allows simultaneous control of multiple tissue edges, improving procedural efficiency by eliminating the need to sequentially manage different tissue portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Illumination intensity

If tissue is left in place during dissection, then the surgical field remains simple to manage, but visualization is poor and tools are obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisualization qualityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment member serves as an intermediary structure that guides the elastic member through the delivery catheter and maintains proper positioning during deployment. This intermediary component ensures the retraction device is correctly positioned without requiring complex positioning mechanisms, balancing visualization improvement with manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The tissue retraction device is nested within a delivery catheter for minimally invasive delivery. The engagement members and elastic members are contained within the catheter lumen during delivery, allowing the complex device to be delivered through a simple catheter structure, thus improving visualization without proportionally increasing external device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of moving object

If the elastic member is allowed to fold during delivery, then the device can be compacted for delivery, but the elastic member may not function properly upon deployment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery profileVSAvoidelastic member function
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment member has an asymmetric cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the asymmetric folding pattern of the elastic member. This asymmetric design ensures the elastic member folds in a controlled, predictable manner during delivery while maintaining its structural integrity and functional properties upon deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment member is designed as a flexible tubular structure that allows the elastic member to flex and fold during delivery without compromising the elastic member's functionality. The flexible shell protects the elastic member while permitting the necessary deformation for catheter-based delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 improves procedural efficiency by lifting and retracting tissue, reducing obstruction and improving visualization, thereby shortening dissection times and enhancing procedural accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a first elastic member disposed between the first engagement member and the second engagement member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the elastic member is designed to shift from a first position to a second elongated position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP4717146A2Tissue retraction device and delivery system
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC
  • EP4717146A2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4717146A2 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4717146A2 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present invention realtes to a tissue retraction device, comprising: a first engagement member having a first end and a second end; a second engagement member having a first end and a second end; a first elastic member disposed between the first engagement member and the second engagement member; and a first swivel disposed between the first engagement member and the second engagement member.