Tissue-Spreading Vascular Clip With Locking Hinge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical clips face challenges such as difficulty in tissue penetration, slipping during application, and ease of removal, particularly in endoscopic procedures, leading to potential bleeding and increased morbidity.
Innovation Solution
A surgical clip design featuring a pair of opposed arms with a tissue-penetrating head mechanism, non-slip clamping surfaces, and a locking hinge portion to maintain tension and secure tissue, allowing for atraumatic tissue penetration and easy release without damaging the clamped tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surgical clips are used, then the procedure can be performed, but the clips slip during application making accurate placement difficult and may cause catastrophic dislodgment
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping surfaces are given a specific local quality through grooves and protrusions that increase friction. The grooves extend across the clamping surface and protrusions are positioned to engage with tissue, creating high-friction contact points that prevent slipping during application and maintain stable placement.
2Strength
If conventional clips with thick hinge and arm sections are used, then the clip provides sufficient strength, but the clip becomes extremely difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is segmented from the main body of the clip arms, allowing it to be cut separately. The hinge is designed with a specific geometry that enables it to be removed through the clamped tissue after the clip has served its purpose, while the main clip body remains in place to maintain its structural strength during the procedure.
3Strength
If metal clips are used, then the clip provides sufficient strength and radio-opaque visibility, but the clip interferes with x-ray imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The clip uses a composite material structure with a polymer body that provides sufficient strength and radiolucency for x-ray visibility, combined with embedded radiopaque markers that provide necessary visibility during the procedure without interfering with x-ray imaging. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between strength and imaging compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical clip includes a pair of opposed arms joined at one end by an integrally formed flexible hinge and a hinge lock. A male head element near the free end of one arm is configured to spread tissue when the male head element is urged towards a head mating element near the end of the opposite arm. The clamping side of an arm may include a protruding feature, such as a wedge shape elongated ridge, while the clamping side of the opposite arm includes a corresponding trough or aperture that receives the protruding feature. Clamping surfaces may include non-slip protrusions, such as ribs, ridges, cones or pins. An applicator holding feature, such as a boss, near the hinge prevents the clip from yawing and becoming askew during application.