Adaptive Devices and Methods for Endoscopic Wound Closures

Abstract

This invention is directed to devices and methods for improving wound closures produced during endoscopic surgery. These methods are directed to delivering and applying a quantity of hemostatic agents in either powder, solid, liquid, or gel form onto an open wound produced e.g., by polyp removal, followed by the application of pressure. The method is implemented preferably using existing endoscopic equipment; however, modifications to existing endoscopic insertion tubes, application and tamping devices and endoscopic clips deployed from the distal end of the insertion tube during endoscopic surgery are also within the scope of this invention.

1 . A device for arresting blood flow from a wound within the alimentary canal of a living organism accessible only from a natural body orifice by endoscopic surgery, comprising:
 an endoscopic instrument inserting into the living organism through the natural body orifice;   a retaining device traversing said endoscopic instrument for positioning in close proximity to, or in contact with the wound;   a hemostatic substance traversing and exiting said endoscopic instrument into close proximity to the wound;   said retaining device retaining said hemostatic substance adjacent to the wound for a time period sufficient to achieve hemostasis; and   said hemostatic substance being a resin/ferrate or hydrogen resin in powder or tablet form.   
     
     
         2 . A device for arresting blood flow from a wound within the alimentary canal of a living organism as set forth in  claim 1 , said retaining device comprising:
 an expandable bowl traversing said endoscopic instrument and expanding upon exiting said endoscopic instrument for positioning in close proximity to, or in contact with the wound;   said expandable bowl retaining said hemostatic substance adjacent to the wound for a time period sufficient to achieve hemostasis and to form a scab over the wound.   
     
     
         3 . A device for arresting blood flow as set forth in  claim 2 , further including:
 a plurality of barbed ends coupled to said expandable bowl for penetrating the alimentary canal adjacent to the wound for holding said expandable bowl in place.   
     
     
         4 . A device for arresting blood flow as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 said expandable bowl includes an expandable magnetic bowl; and   said hemostatic substance includes magnetite for holding said hemostatic substance against the wound.   
     
     
         5 . A device for arresting blood flow from a wound within the alimentary canal of a living organism as set forth in  claim 1 , said retaining device comprising:
 a first barbed magnet traversing said endoscopic instrument and piercing the alimentary canal in close proximity to, or in contact with the wound;   a second barbed magnet traversing said endoscopic instrument and piercing the alimentary canal in close proximity to, or in contact with the wound;   a pull suture interengaging between said first barbed magnet and said second barbed magnet to pull said first barbed magnet and said second barbed magnet together to close the wound;   said first barbed magnet and said second barbed magnet retaining said hemostatic substance adjacent to the wound for a time period sufficient to achieve hemostasis.   
     
     
         6 . A device for arresting blood flow from a wound within the alimentary canal of a living organism as set forth in  claim 1 , said retaining device comprising:
 a push/pull wire coupling with a spring wire traversing said endoscopic instrument and rotating said spring wire upon exiting said endoscopic instrument for positioning in close proximity to, or in contact with the wound;   a first and second barbed ends coupled to said spring wire for penetrating the alimentary canal adjacent to the wound for holding said spring wire in place; and   said spring wire defining an arcuate form upon said spring wire abutting said endoscopic instrument and causing said first and said second barbed ends to pull together and close the wound.   
     
     
         7 . A device for arresting blood flow from a wound within the alimentary canal of a living organism as set forth in  claim 1 , said retaining device comprising:
 an expandable clip traversing said endoscopic instrument and expanding upon exiting said endoscopic instrument for engaging in close proximity to, or in contact with the wound;   said expandable clip collapsing for defining a wire jaw to pull together and close the wound;   a magnetic barrel coupled to said expandable clip;   a hemostatic substance and magnetite magnetically coupled to said magnetic barrel and retaining said hemostatic substance adjacent to the wound for a time period sufficient to achieve hemostasis.   
     
     
         8 . A device for arresting blood flow from a wound within the alimentary canal of a living organism accessible only from a natural body orifice by endoscopic surgery, consisting of:
 an endoscopic instrument insertable into the living organism through the natural body orifice;   an expandable bowl traversing said endoscopic instrument and expanding upon exiting said endoscopic instrument for positioning in close proximity to, or in contact with the wound;   a hemostatic substance traversing and exiting said endoscopic instrument into close proximity to the wound;   said expandable bowl retaining said hemostatic substance adjacent to the wound for a time period sufficient to achieve hemostasis and to form a scab over the wound; and   said hemostatic substance being a resin/ferrate or hydrogen resin in powder or tablet form.