Oral suturing apparatus
Patent Information
- Application Number
- KR1020250100021
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-10
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-17
Smart Images

Figure PAT00005_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] This is about an oral suture device. Background Technology
[0003] Conventional intraoral suturing has generally relied on manual threading methods dependent on the operator's manual dexterity, requiring repetitive tasks of manually threading the suture and tying knots. This method suffers from issues where quality depends on the operator's proficiency and the difficulty of the procedure increases in the narrow and limited-vision environment of the oral cavity. To address these challenges, automation technology is advancing across the medical device sector. In the field of oral suturing, however, semi-automatic methods capable of executing the suturing process with a single operation have not yet been implemented, as tissue characteristics require sensitive positioning and delicate pressure. In particular, complex movement control is necessary to ensure the stable insertion of the suture core depending on tissue strength and location; consequently, technology is required to implement this using a semi-automatic drive mechanism based on simple operation, rather than manual or fully automatic methods. In other words, there is a new demand for semi-automatic suturing technology capable of stable suture core insertion with a single motion within the narrow and irregular oral cavity.
[0004] Meanwhile, existing suturing devices are designed so that the suture core is sutured perpendicular to the tissue; while this is advantageous for implementing simple structures, it has limitations in accommodating various types of wounds or incision sites. In particular, for wide or obliquely spread tissues, repeated suturing in a vertical direction is required, which increases procedure time and can cause unnecessary tissue damage. Furthermore, vertical suturing has a structural limitation in that the sutured area is narrow, consequently acting as a disadvantage for efficient closure and healing. To overcome these problems, a technical configuration is required that enables suturing to be performed obliquely to the tissue, allowing a wide area to be sutured at once. In other words, a controllable structure is required so that suturing is performed in an oblique direction rather than a vertical one, depending on the shape and location of the tissue. The problem to be solved
[0006] We aim to provide a semi-automatic suturing method that enables the stable insertion of a suture core into tissue with a single operation, without requiring operator skill or positional adjustment, even in an oral environment where visibility is limited and visibility is poor.
[0007] In addition, we aim to provide a suturing technique that allows the suture core to be inserted into the tissue at an oblique angle rather than vertically, thereby reducing the number of repetitions for wide incision sites and improving suturing efficiency and tissue adhesion.
[0008] The problems solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem
[0010] According to one aspect, an oral suturing device is provided, comprising: an arm portion including a plurality of joints and a plurality of module arms connected to each other so as to be rotatable through the plurality of joints; a discharge guide portion connected to an end module arm disposed at one end of the arm portion, which guides the direction of a driving force transmitted in the longitudinal direction of the end module arm to a direction for discharging a suture core; and a discharge portion connected to the discharge guide portion, which fires the suture core according to the operation of a user in the switched direction.
[0011] According to one embodiment, the discharge guide includes a compression section bent in a first direction in which the suture core is fired from the longitudinal direction of the end module arm, and the compression section can advance in the first direction as it is pushed in the longitudinal direction of the end module arm by the driving force.
[0012] According to one embodiment, the discharge guide may further include a housing that communicates with the arm portion, which has a hollow structure, and guides the movement path of the compression portion.
[0013] According to one embodiment, the discharge guide may further include an elastic body that prevents the suture core from being discharged in the first direction.
[0014] According to one embodiment, the elastic body may be disposed inside the housing, below the compression part in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.
[0015] According to one embodiment, the compression member can advance in the first direction while compressing the elastic body downward when pushed in the longitudinal direction of the end module arm by the driving force.
[0016] According to one embodiment, the oral suture device includes a driving unit that transmits a driving force by the user inside the hollow arm portion, and the discharge guide may further include a link that transmits the driving force from the driving unit to the compression unit.
[0017] According to one embodiment, the discharge unit may include a rod that receives the driving force from the compression unit and pushes the suture core in the first direction, and the rod may include a compression rod formed to have a width that includes the movement path of the end of the compression unit as the compression unit advances in the longitudinal direction of the end module arm which is diagonal to the first direction; and a forward rod that pushes the suture core in the first direction.
[0018] According to one embodiment, the suture core includes a body portion that forms an opening in the shear in the first direction and includes one or more shapes among a closed curve and a polygon, and the discharge portion may include one or more spreading plates that serve as a guide to cause the opening to open when the suture core moves forward in the first direction.
[0019] According to one embodiment, the suture core is composed of an elastic material and further includes one or more protrusions protruding perpendicularly to the first direction at a position adjacent to the opening in the body portion, and when moving forward in the first direction, the opening may open as the one or more protrusions move along the one or more spreading plates.
[0020] According to one embodiment, the suture core comprises: a first protrusion protruding to the left and right sides of the suture core perpendicular to the first direction at an upper end of the body portion; and a second protrusion protruding to the left and right sides of the suture core perpendicular to the first direction at a lower end of the body portion; and the discharge portion comprises a first V-shaped spreading plate positioned on the right side of the left and right sides and widening as it moves toward the first direction; and a second V-shaped spreading plate positioned on the left side of the left and right sides and widening as it moves toward the first direction; and the opening between the right side of the first protrusion and the right side of the second protrusion is opened by the first spreading plate as the suture core moves forward in the first direction, and the opening between the left side of the first protrusion and the left side of the second protrusion can be opened by the second spreading plate as the suture core moves forward in the first direction.
[0021] According to one embodiment, the discharge unit may include a rod that receives the driving force from the discharge induction unit and pushes the suture core in the first direction.
[0022] According to one embodiment, the discharge portion includes a compression rod adjacent to the discharge induction portion that receives the driving force; and a forward rod that moves forward in the first direction by the driving force to push out the suture core, and the width of the forward rod to the left and right sides may be narrower than the gap between the first spreading plate and the second spreading plate. Effects of the invention
[0024] According to one embodiment disclosed, even in an oral environment where visibility is limited and visibility is difficult, a suture core can be stably inserted into the tissue with a single operation without requiring the operator's proficiency or posture adjustment.
[0025] In addition, the suture core can be inserted into the tissue at an oblique angle rather than vertically, which can reduce the number of repetitions for wide incision sites and improve suturing efficiency and tissue adhesion.
[0026] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0028] The present disclosure can be easily understood from the combination of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, where reference numerals denote structural elements. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of an oral suture device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of a fastening part according to one embodiment. FIG. 3a is a plan view for explaining the first fastening part of a fastening part according to one embodiment. FIG. 3b is a plan view illustrating a second fastening part of a fastening part according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the interior of an oral suture device in its entirety, according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of a discharge guide according to one embodiment. FIGS. 6a to 6c are cross-sectional views of a discharge section to explain that a suture core is ejected from the discharge section according to one embodiment. FIGS. 6a to 6c are cross-sectional views of a discharge section to explain that a suture core is ejected from the discharge section according to one embodiment. FIGS. 6a to 6c are cross-sectional views of a discharge section to explain that a suture core is ejected from the discharge section according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a suture core according to one embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0029] Various embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below may be implemented in various different forms. In order to explain the features of the embodiments more clearly, detailed descriptions of matters widely known to those skilled in the art to which the following embodiments belong are omitted. Expressions in the singular form include the plural meaning unless explicitly stated otherwise. The terms used in the detailed description are merely for describing the embodiments of the present invention, and the invention is not limited to such terms. In the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily depicted for convenience of explanation, so the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is depicted.
[0030] Furthermore, the terms described below are defined in consideration of their functions in the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intentions or practices of the user or operator. Therefore, their definitions should be based on the content throughout this specification.
[0031] In this specification, terms such as “include” or “comprising” are intended to refer to certain characteristics, numbers, steps, actions, elements, parts or combinations thereof, and mean that other configurations may be included, rather than excluding other configurations, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
[0032] Additionally, in this specification, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first" or "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components shall not be limited by said terms. Such terms may be used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.
[0033] Furthermore, in this specification, where one component is described as being "connected" to another component, this should be understood to include not only cases where the two components are directly physically or logically connected, but also cases where they are indirectly connected through the intervening of one or more other components. In other words, two components are considered to be "connected" even when signals, power, operation, or functions are linked through an intermediate component.
[0034] Additionally, in this specification, the terms “part” and “module” refer to components that perform specific mechanical operations or physical control functions, and these may be independent physical devices or may be implemented as hardware or a combination thereof that induces or supports mechanical operations as part of an overall device. “Part” and “module” may perform specific mechanical functions such as power transmission, position adjustment, pressure application, rotation, opening and closing operations, and may be operated by electronic control signals or may include independent driving mechanisms. In exemplary embodiments, “part” and “module” may include or be composed of physical parts such as gears, actuators, motors, cylinders, valves, link structures, etc., and may operate in conjunction with sensors, control circuits, or software for controlling them. Furthermore, the "parts" and "modules" described in this specification may include one or more sub-parts or modules according to their functional configurations, and may be divided according to specific functions to subdivide into a larger number of "parts" or modules, or combined with other functions to be integrated into a smaller number of "parts" or modules. Additionally, according to embodiments of the present invention, additional "parts" or modules may be added in addition to the existing configurations.
[0035] In this specification, "oral suturing device" may mean a device configured to allow a user to suture soft tissues within the oral cavity. The oral suturing device of the present invention may be designed to include a plurality of joints and rotatable fasteners so as to be able to precisely eject sutures in a desired direction without changing the orientation of the device itself or the user's posture.
[0036] In addition, the oral suturing device of the present invention can be operated such that a driving force is generated through a single operation of the operating part (e.g., a trigger method in which a trigger is pulled with a finger), and this driving force is transmitted along the driving part (power transmission part, direction change part, compression part, and link) to the discharge part to insert or fix the suture core into the tissue. The oral suturing device enables the user to perform suturing of consistent quality in a short time, regardless of the user's skill level or surgical environment, and can significantly improve surgical efficiency and safety, particularly in that it provides suturing without directly handling the thread.
[0037] In this specification, the "suture core" may be a component that is inserted into the affected area through the discharge portion of an oral suturing device and performs the function of physically joining incised or separated soft tissues. The suture core has a structure in which both ends curl inward or bend when pressed by an external force, and may be configured to bring the tissues to be sutured into close contact with each other by folding both sides inward and fixing them after penetrating the tissue.
[0038] For example, suture cores can generally be made of metal materials that possess excellent biocompatibility and sufficient mechanical strength. For instance, suture cores can be made of metals with low corrosion resistance and bioreactivity, such as stainless steel or titanium alloys. Additionally, if necessary, suture cores may be made of biodegradable materials (e.g., polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, etc.) that decompose and are absorbed within the human body after a certain period, allowing them to naturally disappear without the need for removal procedures after surgery.
[0039] For example, suture cores can be provided with specifications of various sizes and strengths depending on the distance between wound tissues to be sutured, tissue strength, healing conditions, etc. For example, if the distance between wound tissues to be sutured is large or the density and strength of the wound tissue are high, the suture core may be formed from a thicker and more rigid material. On the other hand, if the distance between wound tissues to be sutured is short and the wound tissue is soft, it may be manufactured with a thin and flexible structure.
[0040] In this specification, "target direction" may refer to the direction in which a suture core is inserted into the affected area through an oral suturing device. For example, the target direction may be the direction of the force applied to cause the suture core to penetrate or press against tissue to bond. Additionally, the target direction may be the target direction that the suture core is intended to reach. The target direction may vary depending on the shape, accessibility, and visibility conditions of the anatomical structures of the wound tissue that the operator wishes to suture. By configuring the fastening portion or arm of the oral suturing device to rotate or bend, the user can precisely adjust to the desired target direction without changing the position and orientation of the entire device.
[0041] In this specification, "target location" may refer to a point where a suture core must accurately reach and perform suturing through an oral suturing device. For example, the target location may be the edges at both ends of a gum incision site or a boundary where periodontal tissues have separated. For example, there may be two or more target locations, and the suture core may physically fix the wound tissues by penetrating between them or joining them in close contact.
[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of an oral suture device according to one embodiment.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, the oral suture device (100) may include an arm (110), a discharge guide (116), a discharge part (120), a fastening part (130), an operating part (115-2), a grip part (152), and a finger loop (154). The oral suture device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example of an oral suture device (100) being constructed, and the oral suture device (100) may be implemented with more components than those illustrated, or with fewer components. Each component does not necessarily have to be a physical device and may be implemented in the form of software that performs each function.
[0045] The arm (110) may include one or more joints (114-1, 114-2, 114-3) and one or more module arms (112-1, 112-2, 112-3). According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more module arms (112-1, 112-2, 112-3) may be rotatably connected to one another, so that the entire arm (110) may bend into various shapes. Thus, the user can flexibly adjust the discharge part (120) to various positions within the oral cavity without changing the position of the arm or wrist.
[0046] The discharge guide (116) is positioned between the end module arm (112-1) of the arm (110) and the discharge section (120), and can switch the direction of the driving force transmitted along the arm (110) to the direction in which the suture core (200) is discharged from the discharge section (120) (hereinafter, the first direction).
[0047] The discharge unit (120) is connected to one end of the discharge guide unit (116), and can fire the suture core (200) to the position to be sutured by the driving force transmitted through the discharge guide unit (116).
[0048] The connecting part (130) may include a first connecting part (132) and a second connecting part (134). The first connecting part (132) and the second connecting part (134) may be coupled to correspond to each other to perform the function of connecting the arm part (110) and the discharge part (120).
[0049] The control unit (115-2) can be formed in a shape that allows it to be rotated around a rotation axis placed in the arm (110) by pressing it with a finger. The user can generate a driving force by applying pressure to one end of the control unit (115-2) to rotate it.
[0050] The grip portion (152) may be provided in a shape for the user to grip the oral suture device (100).
[0051] The finger loop (154) can prevent the hand from slipping when the user grips the grip portion (152).
[0052] According to an exemplary embodiment, with this external configuration, the oral suturing device (100) can be stably fixed even in an environment where the user in the oral cavity has difficulty seeing, and suturing can be performed with a single operation.
[0054] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of a fastening part according to one embodiment.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 2, the fastening portion (130) may include a first fastening portion (132) and a second fastening portion (134). The fastening portion (130) illustrated in FIG. 2 is an example of the fastening portion (130) being constructed, and the fastening portion (130) may be implemented by more components than illustrated, or by fewer components. Each component does not necessarily have to be a physical device and may be implemented in the form of software that performs each function.
[0056] The first fastening portion (132) may include a first plate (132-1) and a plurality of first sub-fastening portions. Each of the plurality of first sub-fastening portions may include a coupling column (132-2) and a coupling projection (132-3). The coupling column (132-2) may be arranged in a column shape protruding from the surface of the first plate (132-1). At the end of the coupling column (132-2), a coupling projection (132-3) may be provided, the cross-section parallel to the contact surface between the first fastening portion (132) and the second fastening portion (134) may be larger than that of the coupling column (132-2). As the cross-section of the coupling projection (132-3) is wider than the cross-section of the coupling column (132-2), the first sub-fastening portion may be coupled to a second sub-fastening portion disposed on the second fastening portion (134).
[0057] The second fastening part (134) may include a second plate (134-1) and a plurality of second sub-fastening parts. Each of the plurality of second sub-fastening parts may include an insertion hole (134-2) and a fixing hole (134-3). The insertion hole (134-2) may be formed such that its cross-section is wider than the cross-section of the coupling projection (132-3) so that the coupling projection (132-3) can be inserted. The fixing hole (134-3) may be in communication with the insertion hole (134-2) on the second plate (134-1). In a direction perpendicular to the tangential direction in which the first fastening part (132) and the second fastening part (134) are twisted and rotated, the width of the fixing hole (134-3) may be narrower than the width of the insertion hole (134-2). Additionally, the width of the fixing hole (134-3) may be wider than the width of the coupling column (132-2).
[0058] According to the structure of the first fastening part (132) and the second fastening part (134) as described above, the connecting pillar (132-2) and the connecting projection (132-3) are inserted into the corresponding insertion hole (134-2), and when the first plate (132-1) is twisted and rotated, the connecting projection (132-3) is caught in the fixing hole (134-3) and can be fixed without falling off the second plate (134-1).
[0059] Additionally, each of the plurality of first sub-fastening parts may be arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the first plate (132-1). For example, each of the plurality of first sub-fastening parts may be arranged sequentially on the circumference in a clockwise direction with respect to the 12 o'clock direction as the 1-1 sub-fastening part, the 1-2 sub-fastening part, the 1-3 sub-fastening part, and so on. Each of the plurality of second sub-fastening parts may also be arranged on the second plate (134-1) in the same manner as above.
[0060] According to the above-described arrangement of equal spacing on the circumference, a specific first sub-fastening part (e.g., 1-1 sub-fastening part) is not necessarily coupled only with a second sub-fastening part of the same number (e.g., 2-1 sub-fastening part), but may also be coupled with a 2-2 sub-fastening part, a 2-3 sub-fastening part, etc., depending on the relative twisted rotation angle (with respect to the normal of the contact surface) of the first plate (132-1) and the second plate (134-1).
[0061] As such, since the corresponding number pairs between the first sub-fastening part and the second sub-fastening part are not fixed, the user can adjust the fastening angle along a preset interval of 360 by adjusting the relative rotation angle between the first fastening part (132) and the second fastening part (134). o It can also be changed.
[0062] Accordingly, the user can adjust the discharge part (120) more precisely and flexibly to adjust the target direction connecting the two ends to be sealed.
[0064] FIG. 3a is a plan view illustrating a first fastening portion of a fastening portion according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3a, the first fastening portion (132) includes a plurality of connecting pillars (132-2) and connecting protrusions (132-3), which may be arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of a first plate (132-1). The illustrated example is an embodiment in which the cross-section of the connecting protrusion (132-3) is formed in a circular shape.
[0065] FIG. 3b is a plan view illustrating a second fastening portion of a fastening portion according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5b, the second fastening portion (134) includes a plurality of insertion holes (134-2) and fixing holes (134-3), which may be arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the second plate (134-1). The illustrated example is an embodiment in which the cross-section of the insertion hole (134-2) is formed in a circular shape.
[0067] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the interior of an oral suture device in its entirety, according to one embodiment.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 4, the oral suture device (100) may include a driving unit (115), an ejection guide (116), and an ejection unit (120). Each of the driving unit (115), the ejection guide (116), and the ejection unit (120) illustrated in FIG. 4 is an example of constituting each of the driving unit (115), the ejection guide (116), and the ejection unit (120), and each of the driving unit (115), the ejection guide (116), and the ejection unit (120) may be implemented by more components than those illustrated, and each of the driving unit (115), the ejection guide (116), and the ejection unit (120) may also be implemented by fewer components. Each component does not necessarily have to be a physical device and may be implemented in the form of software that performs each function.
[0069] The driving unit (115) can convert the user's physical input into mechanical driving force and transmit it to the discharge induction unit (116). The details according to an exemplary embodiment are as follows. The driving unit (115) may include an operating unit (115-2), a first power transmission unit (115-4), a direction changing unit (115-6), and a second power transmission unit (115-8). The operating unit (115-2) may be a rotary lever structure formed to be operated by pressing with a user's finger. When one side of the operating unit (115-2) is pressed by the user, it may rotate around a central axis placed in the arm (110). The first power transmission unit (115-4) may be a member that performs translational movement along with the rotation of the operating unit (115-2). The first power transmission unit (115-2) may transmit driving force to the second power transmission unit (115-6) through the direction changing unit (115-6). The direction changer (115-6) changes the direction of transmission of the driving force, and at this time, the translational direction of the driving force is changed and can lead to the second power transmission unit (115-8). The second power transmission unit (115-8) is connected to the link (116-4) of the discharge induction unit (116) so that linear motion resulting from operation through the user's control unit (115-2) can be transmitted to the discharge induction unit (116).
[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, when a user presses one end of the operating part (115-2), the first power transmission part (115-4) is translated, and the force can be deflected through the direction change part (115-6) and transmitted to the second power transmission part (115-8). The driving force through the second power transmission part (115-8) can be transmitted to the discharge induction part (116).
[0071] The discharge guide (116) is located at the end of the arm (110) and can advance the compression section (116-6) by converting the driving force transmitted from the driving section (115) into a first direction in which the suture core (200) is discharged. The details according to an exemplary embodiment are as follows. The discharge guide (116) is located at the end of the arm (110) and may include a first housing (116-2), a link (116-4), a compression section (116-6), and an elastic body (116-8).
[0072] The first housing (116-2) encloses the drive path and accommodates the link (116-4), the compression section (116-6), and the elastic body (116-8), and can guide the movement of the compression section (116-6). The link (116-4) transmits the driving force transmitted from the second power transmission section (115-8) to the compression section (116-6) and can be arranged to enable translational movement. The compression section (116-6) proceeds diagonally along the longitudinal direction of the end module arm (112-1) and advances in a first direction in which the suture core (200) is ejected by the driving force, and in this process, can press the elastic body (116-8) downward. The elastic body (116-8) provides resistance to the movement of the compression section (116-6) and can return the compression section (16-6) to its original position after the ejection of the suture core (200). The elastic body (116-8) may be composed of one or more of rubber, a spring, or an elastic polymer. More specific details regarding the operation of the discharge guide (116) will be described later through FIG. 5 below.
[0073] The discharge unit (120) pushes the suture core (200) in a first direction according to the driving force transmitted through the discharge guide unit (116), and in this process, the opening of the suture core (200) can be opened in the up and down direction. The details according to an exemplary embodiment are as follows. The discharge unit (120) may include a second housing (122), a rod (124), and a spreading plate (126).
[0074] The second housing (122) can house and protect the rod (124) and the spreading plate (126). The rod (124) may include a compression rod (124-2) and a forward rod (124-4). The spreading plate (126) may include a first spreading plate (126-1) and a second spreading plate (126-2). Each of the first spreading plate (126-1) and the second spreading plate (126-2) may be positioned on the left and right sides of the suture core. Each of the first spreading plate (126-1) and the second spreading plate (126-2) is shaped like a V that spreads in a first direction, so that it can serve as a guide to spread the opening of the suture core (200) up and down. The forward rod (124-4) may be formed narrower than the gap between the left and right spreading plates (126-1 and 126-2) so as to push the suture core (200) to the end of the discharge section (120). More specific details regarding the operation of the discharge section (120) will be described later through FIGS. 6a to 6c and FIG. 7.
[0076] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of a discharge guide according to one embodiment.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 5, the discharge guide (116) located at the end of the arm (110) may include a first housing (116-2), a link (116-4), a compression part (116-6), and an elastic body (116-8).
[0078] The first housing (116-2) is an outer structure that encloses the path through which the driving force is transmitted, and can accommodate a link (116-4), a compression part (116-6), and an elastic body (116-8) inside, and can serve as a guide to guide their movement path. Additionally, the first housing (116-2) can connect the arm (110) and the discharge part (120) and control the direction of bending, thereby ensuring stable conversion of the driving force. The link (116-4) can transmit the driving force by connecting between the second power transmission part (115-8) and the compression part (116-6). The compression part (116-6) can advance by a length d1 in the first direction while moving diagonally in the first direction in which the suture core (200) is discharged and compressing the elastic body (116-8) downward. The elastic body (116-8) can provide resistance to the suture core (200) being pressed by the compression part (116-6).
[0079] The link (116-4) may be a connecting part that connects the second power transmission part (115-8) and the compression part (116-6). The link (116-4) can transmit the driving force generated according to the user's operation to the discharge induction part (116). The link (116-4) may be arranged to enable translational movement in a straight line. The link (116-4) can enable the discharge of the suture core by transmitting the driving force after the change of direction to the compression part (116-6) without loss.
[0080] The compression section (116-6) can translate by the driving force transmitted through the link (116-4) to transmit force in the first direction in which the suture core (200) is ejected. The compression section (116-6) can move along the longitudinal direction of the end module arm (112-1) which is diagonal to the first direction. The movement path of the compression section (116-6) includes a directional component (d1) toward the first direction in which the suture core (200) is ejected. That is, the movement of the compression section (116-6) along the longitudinal direction of the end module arm (112-1) may mean that the compression section (116-6) simultaneously moves forward by a length d1 in the first direction in which the suture core (200) is ejected. Thus, the compression section (116-6) can convert the movement in the longitudinal direction of the end module arm (112-1) toward the direction in which the suture core (200) is ejected. The movement path of the compression unit (116-6) can be determined by the housing surrounding the compression unit (116-6). The compression unit (116-6) can switch the direction of the driving force in the first direction and transmit it to the discharge unit (120). At this time, the compression unit (116-6) can move while pressing downward on the elastic body (116-8) located at the bottom in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.
[0081] The elastic body (116-8) is positioned at the bottom in a direction perpendicular to the first direction of the compression part (116-6) to provide resistance when the compression part (116-6) moves downward (the downward component in the longitudinal direction of the end module arm (112-1)). The elastic body (116-8) can generate a restoring force to return the compression part (116-6) to its original position before and after operation under user control. The elastic body (116-8) can be composed of various elastic materials such as rubber, springs, and elastic polymers, and can be designed to have an appropriate compressive strength to ensure stable restoration operation even with repeated ejection of the suture core. Additionally, the elastic body is installed within the housing in correspondence with the movement path of the compression part (116-6) to enable semi-automatic operation of the oral suture device (100).
[0083] FIGS. 6a to 6c are cross-sectional views of a discharge section to explain that a suture core is ejected from the discharge section according to one embodiment.
[0084] Referring to FIGS. 6a to 6c, the discharge unit (120) pushes the suture core (200) in a first direction according to the driving force transmitted through the discharge guide unit (116), and in this process, the opening of the suture core (200) can be opened in the up and down direction. The details according to an exemplary embodiment are as follows. The discharge unit (120) may include a second housing (122), a rod (124), and a spreading plate (126).
[0085] Referring to FIG. 6a, the second housing (122) is configured to enclose and house the rod (124) and the spreading plate (126), thereby protecting the outer edge of the discharge part (120).
[0086] The rod (124) may include a compression rod (124-2) and a forward rod (124-4). The compression rod (124-2) can translate by receiving driving force from the compression section (116-6) of the discharge guide section (116). The forward rod (124-4) can push the suture core (200) by a length d1 in the first direction by the received driving force.
[0087] Each of the first spreading plate (126-1) and the second spreading plate (126-2) may be positioned on the left and right sides of the suture core (200). Each of the first spreading plate (126-1) and the second spreading plate (126-2) may be configured in a V-shape that widens as it moves in the first direction. Each of the first spreading plate (126-1) and the second spreading plate (126-2) may act as a guide to spread both sides of the opening of the suture core (200) up and down. To enable the advancing rod (124-4) to push the suture core (200) to the end of the discharge section (120), the left and right width of the advancing rod (124-4) may be narrower than the gap between the first spreading plate (126-1) and the second spreading plate (126-2).
[0089] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a suture core according to one embodiment.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 7, the suture core (200) may have a body portion having a closed curve or polygonal shape, and may have an opening in the front of the first direction. A first protrusion (204-1) may protrude to the left and right sides of the first direction from the upper side of the opening. A second protrusion (204-2) may protrude to the left and right sides of the first direction from the lower side of the opening.
[0091] Referring again to FIG. 6b, when the suture core (200) advances in the first direction, the opening of the suture core (200) may open. According to an exemplary embodiment, the details may be as follows. As the suture core (200) advances in the first direction, the right side of the first protrusion (204-1) and the right side of the second protrusion (204-2) may each move along the upper and lower sides of the V-shaped first opening plate (126-1). Accordingly, the space between the right side of the first protrusion (204-1) and the right side of the second protrusion (204-2) at the opening may open up and down as the suture core (200) advances in the first direction.
[0092] Additionally, as the suture core (200) advances in the first direction, the left side of the first protrusion (204-1) and the left side of the second protrusion (204-2) can each move along the upper and lower sides of the V-shaped second spreading plate (126-2). Accordingly, the space between the left side of the first protrusion (204-1) and the left side of the second protrusion (204-2) at the opening can be opened up and down as the suture core (200) advances in the first direction.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 6c, the opened opening of the suture core (200) can be closed again by elastic restoring force after the suture core (200) is ejected from the ejection part (120).
[0095] According to one embodiment disclosed, a suture core can be stably inserted into tissue with a single operation without requiring operator skill or posture adjustment, even in an oral environment where visibility is limited and visibility is difficult. Additionally, since the suture core can be inserted into tissue at an oblique angle rather than vertically, the number of repetitions can be reduced for wide incision sites, and suturing efficiency and tissue adhesion can be improved.
[0097] Although representative embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims set forth below as well as equivalents thereof. Explanation of the symbols
[0099] 100: Oral sutures 110: Ambu 110-1: 1st Arm 112-1, 112-2, 112-3: Module arms 114-1, 114-2. 114-3: Joints 115: Drive unit 115-2: Control Panel 115-4: 1st Power Transmission Unit 115-6: Direction change section 115-8: Second power transmission unit 116: Discharge induction section 116-2: 1st Housing 116-4: Link 116-6: Compression section 116-8: Elastomer 120: Discharge section 122: 2nd Housing 124: Load 126: Spreader 130: Connecting part 132: First connecting part 132-1: First Plate 132-2: Connecting Column 132-3: Connecting protrusion 134: Second connecting part 134-1: Second Plate 134-2: Insertion hole 134-3: Fixing hole 152: Grip section 154: Finger loop
Claims
Claim 1 An oral suturing device comprising: an arm portion including a plurality of joints and a plurality of module arms connected to each other so as to be rotatable through the plurality of joints; a discharge guide portion connected to an end module arm disposed at one end of the arm portion, which guides the direction of a driving force transmitted in the longitudinal direction of the end module arm to a direction for discharging a suture core; and a discharge portion connected to the discharge guide portion, which fires the suture core according to user operation in the switched direction. Claim 2 An oral suture device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge guide comprises a compression portion bent in a first direction in which the suture core is fired from the longitudinal direction of the end module arm, and the compression portion advances in the first direction as it is pushed in the longitudinal direction of the end module arm by the driving force. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the discharge guide part further comprises a housing that communicates with the arm part having a hollow structure and guides the movement path of the compression part, an oral suture device. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the above discharge induction part further comprises an elastic body that prevents the above suture core from being discharged in the first direction, an oral suture device. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the above elastic body is disposed within the housing, below the compression part in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, in an oral suture device. Claim 6 In claim 5, the compression part advances in the first direction while compressing the elastic body downward when pushed in the longitudinal direction of the end module arm by the driving force. Claim 7 In paragraph 2, the oral suture device comprises a driving unit that transmits a driving force by the user into the interior of the arm portion having a hollow structure, and the discharge induction unit further comprises a link that transmits the driving force from the driving unit to the compression unit. Claim 8 In paragraph 2, the discharge portion comprises a rod that receives the driving force from the compression portion and pushes the suture core in the first direction, wherein the rod comprises a compression rod formed to have a width including the movement path of the end of the compression portion as the compression portion advances in the longitudinal direction of the end module arm diagonally to the first direction; and a forward rod that pushes the suture core in the first direction, an oral suture device. Claim 9 An oral suture device according to claim 1, wherein the suture core comprises a body portion having one or more shapes among a closed curve and a polygon, forming an opening in the shear in the first direction, and the discharge portion comprises one or more spreading plates that serve as a guide to cause the opening to open when the suture core moves forward in the first direction. Claim 10 In claim 9, the above-mentioned suture core is composed of an elastic material and further comprises one or more protrusions protruding perpendicularly to the first direction at a position adjacent to the opening in the body portion, and when moving forward in the first direction, the one or more protrusions move along the one or more opening plates, thereby opening the opening, an oral suture device. Claim 11 In claim 9, the above suture core comprises: a first protrusion protruding to the left and right sides of the suture core perpendicular to the first direction at an upper end of the body portion; and a second protrusion protruding to the left and right sides of the suture core perpendicular to the first direction at a lower end of the body portion; the discharge portion comprises: a first V-shaped spreading plate positioned on the right side of the left and right sides and widening as it moves toward the first direction; and a second V-shaped spreading plate positioned on the left side of the left and right sides and widening as it moves toward the first direction; the opening between the right side of the first protrusion and the right side of the second protrusion is opened by the first spreading plate as the suture core moves forward in the first direction, and the opening between the left side of the first protrusion and the left side of the second protrusion is opened by the second spreading plate as the suture core moves forward in the first direction, an oral suture device. Claim 12 In claim 9, the above-mentioned discharge unit comprises a rod that receives the driving force from the above-mentioned discharge induction unit and pushes the suture core in the first direction, an oral suture device. Claim 13 In claim 11, the discharge portion comprises a compression rod that receives the driving force adjacent to the discharge induction portion; and a forward rod that moves forward in the first direction by the driving force to push out the suture core, wherein the width of the forward rod to the left and right sides is narrower than the gap between the first spreading plate and the second spreading plate, an oral suture device.
