Transparent Hemorrhoid Device with Ligation and Suction Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for inspecting and treating internal hemorrhoids are either limited to inspection only or treatment only, lacking the capability for both functions simultaneously, and are often difficult to visualize due to their design.
Innovation Solution
A device with an elongated, optically transparent housing featuring multiple ports for tissue inspection and treatment, including a ligation band deployment mechanism and vacuum suction for tissue manipulation, allowing for simultaneous visualization and treatment of internal hemorrhoids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a scope (anoscope) is used for inspection, then visualization capability is improved, but treatment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines inspection and treatment functions into a single integrated device. The anoscope housing includes both visualization capabilities (optical system, illumination) and treatment capabilities (ligation band deployment mechanism, suction ports) that can be used simultaneously or sequentially through the same device platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a multi-functional tool that can perform both inspection and treatment of hemorrhoids. The housing serves as both an inspection scope and a treatment platform, with ports and mechanisms that enable multiple therapeutic interventions (ligation, suction, injection) in addition to visualization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a treatment tool is used, then treatment capability is improved, but visualization capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment mechanisms (ligation band system, suction ports, injection ports) are integrated within the transparent housing that provides visualization. This allows the operator to see tissue through the housing while simultaneously applying treatment through the various ports and mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a treatment device is inserted blind, then treatment capability is improved, but measurement precision is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines blind insertion capability with real-time visualization through its transparent housing. The operator can insert the device without direct visual guidance (blind insertion) but once positioned, the transparent housing allows continuous visualization of the treatment area and tissue manipulation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports are added for treatment, then treatment capability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ports (first port, second port, third port) are integrated into the housing to enable different treatment modalities (ligation, suction, injection) through a single device structure, avoiding the need for multiple separate instruments.
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
Enables effective inspection and treatment of internal hemorrhoids by allowing for the visualization of tissue through a transparent housing, deployment of ligation bands for constriction, and application of suction for tissue manipulation, addressing the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a source of negative fluid pressure selectively couplable to the first vacuum chamber to apply suction to the first port to draw target tissue through the first port into the first vacuum chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include an elongated housing formed of an optically transparent material, the housing extending from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lateral wall extending from the proximal end to a distal tip of the housing, the housing defining a lumen extending into the housing from a proximal opening in the proximal end of the housing. The device also may include a first port extending through the lateral wall of the housing to open the lumen of the housing to an exterior of the housing, the first port being sized and shaped to receive therein a target portion of tissue to be inspected and/or treated.