Tissue Retraction Jaw Mechanism for Clearer Lesion Dissection

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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 dissection.

Innovation Solution

A tissue retraction device and delivery system comprising a tissue engagement member with jaws and an actuation portion, deployable from a delivery catheter, allowing manipulation to shift jaws from a closed to an open position for effective tissue retraction.

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 efficiencyVSAvoidprocedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tissue retraction device is divided into distinct functional components: a delivery catheter for minimally invasive insertion, a tissue engagement member with jaws for grasping tissue, and a support structure for stability. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall procedural productivity while reducing complications that would extend procedure time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tissue retraction device acts as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the target tissue. By introducing this intermediate device that can retract and hold tissue, the surgeon gains improved visualization and access to the surgical field, enabling more efficient lesion extraction without directly manipulating tissue with surgical instruments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If tissue is not retracted during the procedure, then the procedure is simpler with fewer devices, but visualization is poor and tool obstruction occurs

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

Solution Approach 1:

The tissue retraction device extracts or removes the obstacle (tissue) from the surgical field by retracting it away from the target lesion. This extraction of tissue from the immediate surgical field improves visualization and prevents tool obstruction, allowing the surgeon to clearly see and access the lesion without complex multi-device configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The tissue retraction device combines multiple functions in a single integrated structure: it serves as a delivery system, a tissue grasping mechanism, and a retraction tool. This multi-functionality achieves improved visualization without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the jaws remain in closed position, then the device structure is simpler, but tissue retraction cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejaw actuationVSAvoidactuation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tissue retraction device is designed to be self-actuating through the manipulation of the delivery catheter. By simply pulling or pushing the delivery catheter, the jaws automatically open or close to engage or release tissue. This self-service mechanism achieves ease of operation without requiring complex external actuation systems, motors, or multiple control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3932326B1Tissue retraction device and delivery system
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC
  • EP3932326B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3932326B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3932326B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a tissue retraction delivery system (1910), including a tissue retraction device (1922) positioned within a delivery catheter (1926), a support catheter (1970) with a distal end (1974), and a pull-back member (1972) extending within a lumen (1977) of the support catheter (1970), wherein the tissue retraction device (1922) includes a tissue engagement member (1952), wherein the tissue engagement member (1952) comprises jaws and an actuation portion (1953), wherein the support catheter (1970) and/or the pull-back member (1972) are configured to be manipulated such that pulling the actuation portion (1953) against the distal end (1974) of the support catheter (1970) shifts the jaws of the tissue engagement member (1922) from a closed position to an open position.