Tissue Retraction via Flexible Element Bowed Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical dissection within narrow body passages, such as the digestive tract, is inefficient due to poor visualization and obstruction of dissection tools by partially dissected tissue, which hinders effective tissue manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A tissue retractor system with an elongate flexible element that transitions from a constrained to an unconstrained bowed configuration, allowing for the immobilization and retraction of target tissue, improving visualization and access during dissection procedures by using a delivery catheter with an inner tubular element and outer sheath that deploy tissue anchors to secure the tissue in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conventional dissection tools are used in narrow body passages, then the procedure can be performed, but visualization of target tissue is poor and dissection tools are obstructed by partially dissected tissue
Solution Approach 1:
An elongate flexible element is introduced as an intermediary tool between the dissection instrument and the target tissue. This flexible element is advanced through the delivery catheter to engage and retract the target tissue, lifting it away from the dissection plane and removing the obstructing effect of partially dissected tissue while allowing the dissection tools to operate freely.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible element transitions from a constrained linear configuration within the catheter to a three-dimensional bowed configuration when deployed. This dimensional transition allows the element to effectively engage tissue in multiple planes and provide retraction force from various angles, improving visualization and access during dissection.
2Ease of operation
If the flexible element is constrained within the delivery catheter, then it can be delivered to the target site, but it cannot effectively retract tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible element is designed with dynamic configurational change capability. It transitions from a constrained straight configuration during delivery through the catheter to a deployed bowed configuration at the target site. This dynamic transformation enables the element to effectively engage and retract tissue while maintaining ease of delivery through the catheter system.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the flexible element changes from a constrained linear form to an expanded bowed form. This parameter change in shape and configuration allows the element to transition from a delivery-only mode to an active tissue retraction mode, improving productivity while maintaining delivery ease.
3Productivity
If the flexible element is deployed in a bowed configuration, then tissue retraction is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible element is designed to automatically transition from a constrained to a bowed configuration through its own elastic properties when released from the delivery catheter. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external configuration adjustment devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high dissection efficiency through effective tissue retraction.
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
Enhances tissue visualization and access, facilitating more precise and efficient dissection by lifting and immobilizing the dissected tissue, thereby reducing procedural time and improving the effectiveness of surgical dissection within confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate flexible element configured to transition between a first configuration when constrained and a second bowed configuration when unconstrained
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the field of tissue dissection. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to medical devices that lift and retract tissue during a dissection procedure to improve visualization of the target tissue and mitigate obstructions for dissection tools. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices that transition from a constrained to an unconstrained bowed configuration to immobilize and retract the dissected portion of target tissue during a dissection procedure.