Tissue Tunneling via Blunt Dissection and Segmented Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for third space endoscopy struggle with efficient and safe tunneling between tissue layers, often requiring multiple small cuts and risking tissue integrity.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an elongate delivery member, a cutting device, and an inflatable device positioned on the distal end, where the inflatable device is designed to facilitate insertion into cut tissue and separate layers by exerting mechanical pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple small cuts are made sequentially to create tissue separation, then the risk of creating too large a cut is reduced, but the procedure time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting process is divided into multiple sequential small cuts made by the cutting instrument, rather than attempting a single large cut. This segmentation allows precise control over tissue separation while maintaining tissue integrity and reducing the risk of complications.
Solution Approach 2:
A lifting agent is injected into the submucosal layer before cutting to elevate the tissue and create a bleb. This preliminary action facilitates safer cutting by providing tissue elevation and separation, enabling more efficient tunneling while maintaining control over the cutting process.
2Manufacturing precision
If a sharp cutting instrument is used to tunnel through tissue, then cutting precision is improved, but the procedure complexity increases and safety risks arise from creating large cuts
Solution Approach 1:
The complex tunneling process is broken down into manageable sequential steps using a multi-functional device that integrates cutting, lifting, and tunneling capabilities, reducing overall procedure complexity while maintaining cutting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions (lifting agent injection, cutting, and tunneling) into a single integrated system delivered through one scope, reducing the number of separate instruments and procedures needed while maintaining precise cutting control.
3Ease of operation
If fluid injection is used to elevate tissue before cutting, then cutting facilitation is improved, but the risk of tissue perforation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting agent is injected in advance to create controlled tissue elevation and separation before cutting begins. This preliminary action facilitates easier cutting by pre-separating tissue layers while allowing controlled management of tissue tension and perforation risk during the subsequent cutting process.
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 enables safer and more efficient tissue separation by allowing for blunt dissection, reducing the risk of tissue perforation and shortening procedure time.
Implementation Method 1
the inflatable device is designed to facilitate insertion into cut tissue and separate layers by exerting mechanical pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Blunt tissue dissection using a sharp cutting instrument to make an initial cut in tissue and an inflatable device to further separate tissue layers on either side of the cut. The sharp cutting instrument may be advanced through the lumen of an elongate delivery member such as through a working channel of a medical scope. The inflatable device is inserted over the exterior of the elongate delivery member.