Tissue Retraction Mechanism for Unobstructed Endoscopic Resection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments used in endoscopic procedures face challenges in retracting tissue independently of the delivery device movement, leading to obstruction during tissue resection and dissection, particularly when dealing with larger lesions.
Innovation Solution
A medical instrument comprising a delivery device with a retractor mechanism that includes a target tissue anchor and a stabilizing anchor, which can be anchored to the body wall or the delivery device, utilizing tension mechanisms like springs, wires, or pulleys to retract tissue without being affected by the movement of the delivery device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional medical instruments are used for tissue resection, then the procedure can be performed, but the resected tissue flap obstructs the instrument from accessing the remainder of the lesion
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functionally independent segments: a delivery device for instrument transmission and a separate retractor mechanism with anchors for tissue retraction. This segmentation allows the cutting instrument and retractor to operate independently, with the retractor holding tissue away from the cutting path while the instrument accesses the lesion without obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor mechanism acts as an intermediary between the delivery device and the tissue. It includes a first stabilizing anchor that attaches to the delivery device and a second stabilizing anchor that attaches to the tissue, creating a mediating structure that holds tissue away from the cutting path while allowing the cutting instrument to pass through the delivery device's working channel unobstructed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the delivery device moves during the procedure, then navigation and positioning are enabled, but the tissue retraction is affected by the movement
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction function is extracted from the delivery device and implemented as a separate, independently controllable mechanism. The retractor has its own stabilizing anchors and tensioning system that can maintain stable tissue retraction even when the delivery device moves for navigation or positioning, as the retraction force is generated independently of delivery device motion.
3Productivity
If aggressive resection of larger lesions is performed, then more tissue can be removed, but the tissue flap becomes larger and causes more obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor mechanism is deployed before or during the resection of larger lesions to preliminarily retract the tissue flap away from the cutting path. This preliminary retraction action prevents the formation of obstructing tissue flaps during the procedure, allowing aggressive resection of larger lesions to proceed without the cutting instrument being blocked by resected tissue.
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 retractor mechanism effectively pulls tissue away from the body wall, providing a clear working area for cutting instruments, allowing for precise and independent tissue retraction during procedures like EMR and ESD.
Implementation Method 1
The tension mechanism may include at least one of a spring, a string, a wire, a rod, a pulley, and an elastic band
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a medical instrument. The medical instrument may include a delivery device and a retraction mechanism including a target tissue anchor and a first stabilizing anchor, wherein the target tissue anchor attaches to target tissue and connects to the delivery device.