How a Surgical Device Temporarily Anchors in the Intestine

This patent describes a surgical device designed to temporarily attach itself to the inner wall of the intestine using a controllable suction mechanism and a radially elastic wall.

What it covers

This surgical device, as described in the abstract, is designed to temporarily anchor itself to the mucous membrane of the inner wall of the intestine. It features a temporary anchor element with a first substantially cylindrical, multiply-perforated wall that can change its outer diameter in a controlled way due to its radial elasticity. An independent, leakproof inner sheath lines a portion of this wall, creating a suction chamber between the sheath and the perforated wall. A flexible tube connects to this suction chamber, allowing air to be injected or sucked out, which controls the device's anchoring by varying its diameter and creating suction. For example, a surgeon could use this device to hold an endoscope or other surgical tool steady during a delicate procedure inside the bowel.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover permanent anchoring devices, as this patent describes a 'temporary anchor element'.
• —Does not cover anchoring methods that rely solely on mechanical clamps, sutures, or adhesives, as it specifies a 'suction chamber' mechanism.
• —Does not cover devices that anchor in other body organs, as the abstract specifies the 'mucous membrane of the inner wall of the intestine'.
• —Does not cover anchoring devices where the anchoring force cannot be 'modified in a controlled manner'.
• —Does not cover devices lacking a 'multiply-perforated wall' or an 'independent leakproof inner sheath' to form the suction chamber.

The clever bit

The novelty lies in combining a radially elastic, perforated wall with an inner sheath to form a controllable suction chamber. This allows for precise, temporary anchoring by actively varying the device's diameter and creating suction, offering a non-traumatic way to secure a device inside a delicate organ.

Why it matters

Precise, temporary anchoring is crucial for many delicate surgical procedures within the intestine, especially in minimally invasive settings. This device offers a way to secure instruments or provide traction without requiring sutures or more invasive clamping. It could improve the stability and control for surgeons, potentially leading to safer and more effective interventions in the digestive tract.

Real-world examples

• 1.Minimally invasive intestinal surgery
• 2.Endoscopic procedures requiring temporary device fixation
• 3.Delivery of therapeutic agents to specific intestinal locations