Tubular Structure Extraction Device with Longitudinal Operational Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing tubular body members like blood vessels from the body are time-consuming and painful, often causing damage due to extensive handling and requiring multiple incisions, which can be inefficient and uncomfortable for patients.
Innovation Solution
A device with a handle and an operational head that is longitudinally movable, featuring a resilient hook member and actuator, allowing for the extraction of tubular structures by inserting the device into the vessel, actuating the operational head to engage and secure the distal end, and then removing the vessel while minimizing lateral or radial movement to reduce tissue damage and discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional methods are used to remove blood vessels through long incisions and extensive dissection, then the blood vessel can be removed, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and causes extensive tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the extraction process into distinct functional segments: the elongate body for access, the operational head for engagement, and the actuator for controlled movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall procedure time while minimizing tissue disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational head is pre-configured with engagement structures (such as hooks or grasping elements) that are ready to immediately secure the blood vessel upon insertion. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming dissection and manual manipulation during the extraction process.
2Ease of operation
If extensive handling is performed to remove surrounding tissue, then the blood vessel can be extracted, but damage to the blood vessel occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts only the blood vessel from the surrounding tissue without requiring removal of adjacent fat or connective tissue. The operational head is designed to selectively engage and secure the blood vessel while leaving surrounding tissues undisturbed, thereby eliminating damage from extensive handling and dissection.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational head acts as an intermediary between the elongate body and the blood vessel, providing a controlled interface that secures the vessel gently. This intermediary structure allows for secure engagement without the need for forceful manipulation or extensive tissue removal, protecting the blood vessel from damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple incisions are made to access the blood vessel, then the vessel can be removed, but patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with universal applicability to access blood vessels through various incision configurations. The elongate body can navigate through different tissue paths, and the operational head can adapt to secure vessels at different locations, allowing the procedure to be performed through minimal incisions while maintaining versatility for different vessel sizes and locations.
4Reliability
If the operational head moves laterally or radially during actuation, then engagement may be achieved, but tissue damage and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The operational head is designed with dynamic movement capabilities that are constrained to the longitudinal axis only. This dynamic design allows the head to move forward and backward for engagement and disengagement while the structural constraints prevent lateral or radial movement, ensuring reliable engagement without causing tissue damage from unintended motion.
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 device enables quick and efficient removal of tubular structures with reduced patient discomfort and tissue damage, capable of handling various vein sizes and thicknesses, potentially reducing extraction time from 1.5 hours to 0.5 hours.
Implementation Method 1
the operational head including a resilient hook member
Data Source
AI summary
A method for extracting a tubular structure from tissue using a device including a handle having an actuator, an elongate body with a first end coupled to and extending from the handle, and an operational head disposed at a second end of the elongate body. The operational head is longitudinally movable between a neutral position and an actuated position. The method includes inserting the elongate body into the tubular structure; placing the operational head into the actuated position; engaging the tubular structure with the operational head when in the actuated position; and pulling the tubular structure from the tissue by moving the operational head.