Suture needle and suture thread with suture needle

Abstract

To provide a suture needle and a suture thread with a suture needle having an excellent piercing property.SOLUTION: A suture needle (10) according to the present invention is a suture needle for suturing a biological tissue, and includes: a first linear part; a bend part connected to the first linear part; and a second linear part connected to the bend part. The first linear part includes a proximal end of the suture needle. The second linear part includes a distal end of the suture needle. Among the distal end and the proximal end, only the distal end is sharp and a crossing angle is 90° or more and 120° or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a suture needle and a suture thread with a suture needle that have excellent penetration properties. [Background technology]

[0002] Suture needles used to suture blood vessels, organs, etc. have a curved shape determined by the curvature of a circle. When suturing blood vessels, organs, etc., the suture needle held by a needle holder is inserted into a living body (blood vessel, organ, etc.), and the needle is advanced following the curved shape of the suture needle. After the suture needle is exposed outside the living body, it is grasped by the needle holder and pulled out.

[0003] At this time, in order to advance the suture needle in accordance with the curved shape of the suture needle, it is necessary to continuously maintain and adjust the angle at which the suture needle advances constant to match the curvature of the circle from the time the suture needle is inserted until it is pulled out.

[0004] In addition, in a typical surgical procedure, the doctor (operator) holds a needle holder in his right hand and forceps in his left hand, grasps the suture needle with the needle holder and manipulates (rotates) it, then holds the suture needle with the forceps, re-grasps the suture needle with the needle holder, and manipulates (rotates) it again, repeating this action.

[0005] In such suturing operations, there is a demand for the suture needle to reduce resistance when passing through a living body and improve pierceability. There is also a demand for reducing the burden on the doctor (operator). Patent Document 1 discloses a structure for the tip (needle tip) of a suture needle to improve pierceability. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-305397 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, with suture needles, not only the structure of the needle tip but also the shape of the entire suture needle affects the suturing action, so the shape of the entire suture needle is also an important issue in improving penetration performance.

[0008] Specifically, to achieve a suturing action with excellent penetration, the doctor had to keep rotating the needle holder so that the trajectory was an arc, and he had to continuously manipulate the needle by following the curvature of the circle from the time the needle was inserted until it was pulled out.

[0009] To do this, doctors had to frequently change needle holders and rotate their wrists, which was a significant burden and required advanced techniques.

[0010] Furthermore, if the suture needle cannot be advanced in accordance with the curved shape of the suture needle, excessive force may be applied to the needle, causing damage to the needle or causing injury to the living body, which is a problem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the suture needle of the present invention is characterized in that it has a straight portion and a curved portion, the length of the straight portion being between 1 / 4 and 3 / 4 of the length from the tip to the base end, and the intersection angle being between 90° and 180°.

[0012] The suture needle according to the present invention is characterized in that it has at least a curved portion, and the shape of the curved portion includes a clothoid curve.

[0013] The suture needle according to the present invention is characterized in that the curvature of the clothoid curve increases at a constant rate from the base end to the tip end.

[0014] The suture needle according to the present invention is characterized in that the curvature of the clothoid curve decreases at a constant rate from the base end to the tip end.

[0015] The suture needle according to the present invention is characterized in that the clothoid curve includes a clothoid curve whose curvature increases at a constant rate from the base end to the tip end, and a clothoid curve whose curvature decreases at a constant rate from the base end to the tip end.

[0016] The suture thread with a suture needle according to the present invention is characterized in that the suture needle is attached to a suture thread. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a suture needle and a suture thread with a suture needle that have excellent penetration properties. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of a suture needle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the suture needle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the central shaft of the suture needle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the suturing operation by the suture needle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a suturing operation using a conventional suture needle. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an external view of a suture needle according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of a suture needle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the central shaft of a suture needle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the suturing operation by the suture needle according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of a suture needle according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a side view of a central shaft of a suture needle according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the suturing operation by the suture needle according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view of a suture needle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view of a central shaft of a suture needle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the suturing operation by the suture needle according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side view of a central shaft of a suture needle according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side view of a suture needle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an external view of a suture thread with a suture needle according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] First Embodiment A suture needle 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0020] <Suture needle configuration> 1 and 2 are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a suture needle 10 according to the present embodiment. In the side view, the longitudinal direction of the suture needle 10 is the X direction, and the direction in which the tip of the suture needle 10 is curved upward is the upward direction (positive Z direction).

[0021] The suture needle 10 according to this embodiment has a curved body 11, a sharp tip (needle tip) 12, and a base end 13 to which a suture thread (not shown) is attached.

[0022] There are no limitations on the cross-sectional shape of the main body 11, and it is possible to apply a circular shape or a polygonal shape such as a triangle. In addition, the cross-sectional shape may be a shape that changes in the longitudinal direction of the suture needle 10.

[0023] The suture needle 10 is made of stainless steel, but may be made of other materials, such as polymers, alloys, or any other material with suitable rigidity.

[0024] The main body 11 has a tapered shape in which the diameter decreases toward the tip 12, and the tapered shape is in a range of about 1 mm from the tip.

[0025] The base end 13 is provided with a resilient hole (spring hole), which is the portion where a suture (not shown) is attached. The resilient hole is a long, narrow hole with a forked tip, and the suture is attached to the suture needle 10 by pressing the side of the suture against the fork and passing it through the hole. The base end 13 is not limited to a resilient hole (spring hole), but may also be provided with a flat hole (normal hole). Alternatively, a blind hole of a predetermined depth may be formed in the end surface of the base end 13, and the suture may be attached to the suture needle 10 by inserting the suture into this blind hole and crimping the periphery of the base end 13.

[0026] 3 shows a schematic view of the central axis when viewed from the side of the main body 11. The main body 11 has a linear portion (hereinafter referred to as the "linear portion") from the base end 13 to a predetermined length (P1-P2 in the figure) and from the tip end 12 to a predetermined length (P3-P4 in the figure), and the curved portion (P2-P3 in the figure, hereinafter referred to as the "curved portion") has a curved shape with a constant circular curvature.

[0027] The total length L0 of the suture needle 10 is 5 mm, the length L1 of the straight portion is about 2.5 mm, and L2 is about 1 mm. The length L1 of the straight portion is not limited to this, and is preferably between 1 / 4 and 3 / 4 of the length from the tip to the base end.

[0028] The intersection angle IA of the curved portion is 90°. However, the intersection angle IA of the curved portion is not limited to this, and is preferably between 90° and 180°.

[0029] <Effects of suture needles> The suturing operation using the suture needle 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. For comparison, Fig. 5 shows the case where a conventional suture needle 101 having a curved shape determined by the curvature of a circle (hereinafter referred to as a "conventional needle") is used.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 5, when using a conventional needle 101, first, the conventional needle 101 held by a needle holder is inserted into a living body, and the needle holder is rotated widely (FIG. 5A).

[0031] After insertion, the needle is advanced by rotating the needle holder so that the trajectory follows an arc following the curvature of the circle, and even after the conventional needle 101 is exposed outside the body, the needle holder continues to be rotated so that the trajectory follows an arc following the curvature of the circle, and the conventional needle 101 is advanced and pulled out (Figures 5B-D).

[0032] At this time, the needle holder is held in one hand and forceps in the other, the suture needle is grasped with the needle holder and manipulated (rotated), the suture needle is held with the forceps, the suture needle is grasped again with the needle holder, and the operation (rotation) is repeated.

[0033] In this way, it is necessary to keep rotating the needle holder so that the trajectory forms an arc, and it is necessary to operate the conventional needle 101 by continuously following the curvature of the circle from the time the conventional needle 101 is inserted until it is pulled out. In other words, it is necessary to advance the conventional needle 101 while adjusting the angle to a constant value so that it follows the curvature of the circle.

[0034] To do this, the doctor must frequently change needle holders and rotate their wrists, which places a great burden on the doctor and requires advanced techniques.

[0035] Furthermore, if the suture needle is only curved (does not include a straight shape), it is difficult to transmit force to the tip of the suture needle during suturing, especially when inserting and removing the suture needle. As a result, the frequency of attempts to insert and remove the suture needle increases, making it difficult to immediately determine the insertion and removal positions. Furthermore, if the suture needle is only curved (does not include a straight shape), it is difficult for the surgeon to intuitively grasp the insertion and removal positions of the suture needle.

[0036] On the other hand, when using the suture needle 10 according to this embodiment, after inserting the suture needle 10 into the living body, the needle is advanced following the curvature of the circle (FIGS. 4A-4C), and when withdrawing it, it is sufficient to pull it out in a straight line (FIGS. 4D-4E).

[0037] Therefore, there is no need to continuously manipulate the suture needle 10 following the curvature of a circle from the time the suture needle 10 is inserted until the time it is pulled out. After the suture needle 10 is inserted and then advanced into the living body following the curvature of a circle, the suture needle 10 can be pulled out simply by manipulating it in a straight line.

[0038] Furthermore, when advancing the suture needle following the curvature of a circle (Fig. 4A-C), it is necessary to hold the suture needle with forceps, re-grasp the needle with the needle holder, and manipulate (rotate) it again, but when withdrawing the suture needle in a straight line (Fig. 4D-E), it is sufficient to hold the suture needle with the forceps and withdraw it; there is no need to re-hold it in the needle holder and manipulate (rotate) it.

[0039] In this way, the doctor does not need to frequently change needle holders, reducing the burden on the doctor and enabling highly accurate suturing without requiring advanced techniques.

[0040] Furthermore, because the suture needle 10 includes a straight shape, force can be easily transmitted to the tip of the suture needle when inserting or withdrawing the suture needle. As a result, the suture needle can be inserted or withdrawn quickly, making it easy to determine the insertion or withdrawal position. Furthermore, by using the suture needle 10 including a straight shape, the surgeon can intuitively grasp the insertion or withdrawal position of the suture needle.

[0041] Furthermore, although the suture needle according to this embodiment has a straight portion on the base end side, it may have a straight portion on the tip end side as shown in FIG. 6 (suture needle 14).

[0042] In this case, after inserting the suture needle 14 and operating it linearly, the suture needle 14 is advanced into the living body following the curvature of a circle and then pulled out. As a result, it is not necessary to continuously operate the suture needle 14 following the curvature of a circle from the time the suture needle 14 is inserted until it is pulled out.

[0043] Furthermore, when manipulating the suture needle 14 linearly, it is sufficient to hold and manipulate the suture needle 14 with forceps, and there is no need to re-hold it in the needle holder and manipulate (rotate) it. In this way, the doctor does not need to frequently change needle holders, reducing the burden on the doctor and enabling highly accurate suturing without requiring advanced techniques.

[0044] Furthermore, since the suture needle 14 includes a linear shape, similar to the suture needle 10, the surgeon can easily determine and intuitively grasp the positions for inserting and removing the suture needle.

[0045] Furthermore, the suture needle 14 according to this embodiment is effective for suturing in deep surgical fields, such as end-to-side anastomosis of the internal jugular vein. When suturing in deep surgical fields, such as end-to-side anastomosis of the internal jugular vein, requires inserting the suture needle in a straight line, the suture needle 14 has a straight portion from the tip, making it easy to insert into deep surgical fields. As a result, suturing in deep surgical fields can be easily performed, which shortens the suturing time compared to when conventional needles are used, and reduces the burden on the surgeon.

[0046] In this embodiment, a circular shape is used as the curved shape, but other curved shapes such as a quadratic function curve may also be used.

[0047] <Second embodiment> A suture needle 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0048] <Suture needle configuration> 7 is a side view of a suture needle 20 according to the present embodiment. The suture needle 20 according to the present embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the first embodiment, and includes a main body 21, a tip end 22, and a base end 23, but the curved shape of the main body 21 is different.

[0049] 8 shows a schematic view of the central axis when the main body 21 is viewed from the side. A portion of a predetermined length from the base end 23 (P1-P2 in the figure) is a straight section, and the curved section (P2-P3 in the figure) has a clothoid curved shape in which the curvature increases at a constant rate from the base end 23 side toward the tip 22 side. Here, the straight section is provided only on the base end side, but a straight section may also be provided on the tip end side.

[0050] The total length L0 of the suture needle 20 is 4.5 mm, and the length L1 of the straight portion is about 1 mm (about 22% of the total length L0). The length L1 of the straight portion is not limited to this, and is preferably 1 / 2 or less of the total length L0.

[0051] The diameter of the suture needle 20 is 100 μm. The diameter of the needle becomes smaller from the tip 22 to a point within a range of about 1 mm, and the tip 22 is sharp.

[0052] <Effects of suture needles> First, let's explain about clothoid curves. A clothoid curve is a path that is drawn when the curvature is changed at a constant rate. When the radius of curvature and the length of the curve from the starting point are R and L, respectively, the product of the two is constant, as shown in the following formula.

[0053] R·L=A2

[0054] A is a constant having the dimension of length, called the clothoid parameter.

[0055] For example, in the case of a car traveling at a constant speed, the path of travel that is created when the car moves forward while turning the steering wheel at a constant angular velocity is a clothoid curve.

[0056] When a car traveling at a constant speed turns a curve with a constant curvature (composed of part of a circle), the steering becomes abrupt, generating large centrifugal forces and making stable driving difficult.On the other hand, when turning a curve that uses a clothoid curve, the car can turn the steering wheel at a constant angular velocity, suppressing centrifugal forces and enabling stable driving.

[0057] In the suture needle 20 according to this embodiment, the radius of curvature R is 1.6, the curve length L is 5, and the clothoid parameter A is 2.83. The intersection angle IA is 114°.

[0058] The suturing operation using the suturing needle 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0059] First, the suture needle 20 held by the needle holder is inserted into a living body (FIG. 9A).

[0060] After insertion, the needle is advanced by gradually decreasing the rotation of the needle holder following a clothoid curve (Figs. 9B-C). After the suture needle 20 is exposed outside the body, the needle is advanced linearly and then withdrawn (Figs. 9D-E).

[0061] In this way, after the suture needle 20 is inserted into the living body, the needle is advanced by gradually decreasing the rotation of the needle holder following the clothoid curve, but when withdrawing, it is sufficient to withdraw it in a straight line.

[0062] Therefore, unlike conventional suture needles, it is not necessary to manipulate the suture needle 20 by continuously following the curvature of a circle from the time the suture needle 20 is inserted until it is pulled out. After inserting the suture needle 20, the rotation of the needle holder is gradually reduced by following a clothoid curve, and the suture needle 20 is advanced into the living body, and then the suture needle 20 can be pulled out simply by manipulating it in a straight line.

[0063] When suturing with a conventional needle, if the conventional needle has a constant circular curvature and a semicircular curved shape (1 / 2·R), one rotation is 180°, so the rotation ratio is 0.5 compared to the rotation required for one suturing (360°).

[0064] On the other hand, when using the suture needle 20 of this embodiment, one rotation is 114°, so the rotation rate is 0.316. The lower the rotation rate, the less wrist movement (movement) the surgeon has to make during the suturing operation, and the less strain there is on the surgeon. Therefore, it can be seen that the suture needle 20 of this embodiment stabilizes the suturing operation and reduces the strain on the surgeon compared to conventional needles.

[0065] Furthermore, since a clothoid curve is used for the bending portion, when switching from an operation of bending in the advancing direction to an operation of straightening, it is only necessary to change the angle of the suture needle 20 with respect to the advancing direction at a constant angular velocity.

[0066] In the suturing operation using the suture needle 10 according to the first embodiment, when transitioning from a curved section to a straight section, a situation similar to the sudden steering when turning a curve with a certain curvature while driving a car as described above occurs, and a large centrifugal force is generated, making it difficult to perform a stable suturing operation.

[0067] Furthermore, as the centrifugal force increases, the frictional resistance between the suture needle 10 and the living tissue increases, which may result in breakage of the suture needle or damage to the living body.

[0068] On the other hand, in the suturing operation using the suture needle 20 according to this embodiment, when transitioning from a curved section to a straight section, the suture needle 20 is rotated at a constant angular velocity while suturing, similar to when a car turns a clothoid curve as described above, so centrifugal force can be suppressed and a stable suturing operation becomes possible.

[0069] Furthermore, because centrifugal force can be suppressed, the frictional resistance between the suture needle and biological tissue, i.e., the resistance (penetration resistance) when penetrating tissue of the human body, etc., can be reduced, improving penetration performance, thereby preventing breakage of the suture needle or damage to the living body.

[0070] As described above, in the suturing operation using the suture needle 20 according to this embodiment, there is no need to suddenly bend the direction of travel, so centrifugal force can be suppressed, improving penetration and enabling easy and stable suturing. As a result, the doctor does not need to frequently change needle holders, reducing strain and fatigue, and enabling highly accurate suturing without requiring advanced techniques.

[0071] The suture needle 20 according to this embodiment has a shape with a straight portion and a curved portion, similar to the suture needle 10 according to the first embodiment, and therefore naturally has the same effects as the suture needle 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0072] <Third embodiment> A suture needle 30 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0073] <Suture needle configuration> 10 is a side view of a suture needle 30 according to this embodiment. The suture needle 30 according to this embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the first and second embodiments, and includes a main body 31, a tip end 32, and a base end 33, but the curved shape of the main body 31 is different.

[0074] 11 shows a schematic view of the central axis when the main body 31 is viewed from the side. The main body 31 has a straight section extending a predetermined length from the tip 32 (P2-P3 in the figure), and the curved section (P1-P2 in the figure) has a clothoid curved shape in which the curvature decreases at a constant rate from the base end 33 side toward the tip 32 side. Here, the straight section is provided only on the tip side, but a straight section may also be provided on the base end side.

[0075] The total length L0 of the suture needle 30 is 4.5 mm, and the length L1 of the straight portion is about 1 mm (about 22% of the total length L0). The length L1 of the straight portion is not limited to this, and is preferably 1 / 2 or less of the total length L0.

[0076] In the suture needle 30 according to this embodiment, the radius of curvature R is 1.6, the curve length L is 5, and the clothoid parameter A is 2.83. The intersection angle IA is 117°.

[0077] The diameter of the suture needle 30 is 100 μm. The diameter of the needle becomes smaller from the tip 32 to the tip 32 within a range of about 1 mm, and the tip 32 is sharp.

[0078] <Effects of suture needles> The suturing operation using this suture needle 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0079] First, the suture needle 30 held by the needle holder is inserted linearly into the living body (FIGS. 12A-B). At this time, there is no rotational movement of the needle holder, just like when using a straight needle.

[0080] After insertion, gradually increase the rotation of the needle holder following the clothoid curve to advance the needle and then withdraw it (Figure 12C-E).

[0081] In this way, there is no need to rotate the needle holder when inserting the needle, and the needle is then pulled out by gradually increasing the rotation of the needle holder.

[0082] Therefore, it is not necessary to operate the suture needle 30 by continuously following the curvature of a circle from the time the suture needle 30 is inserted until it is pulled out, as with conventional suture needles 30. The suture needle 30 can be inserted in a straight line, and then the rotation of the needle holder can be gradually increased to follow a clothoid curve, allowing the suture needle 30 to be advanced into the living body and pulled out.

[0083] When using the suture needle 30 of this embodiment, one rotation is 117°, so the rotation rate is 0.325. The lower the rotation rate, the less wrist movement (movement) the surgeon has to make during the suturing operation, and the less strain they place on the surgeon. Therefore, it can be seen that the suture needle 20 of this embodiment stabilizes the suturing operation and reduces the strain on the surgeon compared to a conventional needle (rotation rate: 0.5).

[0084] Furthermore, since a clothoid curve is used for the bending portion, when switching from a linear operation to an operation of bending the direction of advancement, it is only necessary to change the angle of the suture needle 30 relative to the direction of advancement at a constant angular velocity.

[0085] In this way, in the suturing operation using the suture needle 30 according to this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, when transitioning from a curved section to a straight section, the suture needle 30 can be rotated at a constant angular velocity while suturing, similar to when a car turns a clothoid curve as described above, so centrifugal force can be suppressed and a stable suturing operation becomes possible.

[0086] Furthermore, because centrifugal force can be suppressed, the frictional resistance between the suture needle and biological tissue, i.e., the resistance (penetration resistance) when penetrating tissue of the human body, etc., can be reduced, improving penetration performance, thereby preventing breakage of the suture needle or damage to the living body.

[0087] As described above, in the suturing operation using the suture needle 30 according to this embodiment, there is no need to suddenly bend the direction of travel, so centrifugal force can be suppressed, improving penetration and enabling easy and stable suturing. As a result, the doctor does not need to frequently change needle holders, reducing strain and fatigue, and enabling highly accurate suturing without requiring advanced techniques.

[0088] Furthermore, the suture needle 30 according to this embodiment is effective for suturing in deep surgical fields, such as end-to-side anastomosis of the internal jugular vein. When suturing in deep surgical fields, such as end-to-side anastomosis of the internal jugular vein, requires inserting the suture needle in a straight line, the suture needle 30 has a straight portion from the tip, making it easy to insert into deep surgical fields. As a result, suturing in deep surgical fields can be easily performed, which shortens the suturing time compared to when conventional needles are used, and reduces the burden on the surgeon.

[0089] The suture needle 30 according to this embodiment has a shape with a straight portion and a curved portion, similar to the suture needle 14 according to the first embodiment, and therefore naturally also achieves the same effects as the suture needle 14 according to the first embodiment.

[0090] <Fourth embodiment> A suture needle 40 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0091] <Suture needle configuration> 13 is a side view of a suture needle 40 according to the present embodiment. The suture needle 40 according to the present embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the first to third embodiments, and includes a main body 41, a tip end 42, and a base end 43, but the curved shape of the main body 41 is different.

[0092] 14 shows an overview of the central axis when viewed from the side of main body 41. Main body 41 has straight sections from base end 43 to a predetermined length (P1-P2 in the figure) and from tip 42 to a predetermined length (P3-P4 in the figure), and the curved section (P2-P3 in the figure) is used in combination with a clothoid curve whose curvature increases at a constant rate toward tip 42 and a clothoid curve whose curvature decreases at a constant rate toward tip 42.

[0093] The total length L0 of the suture needle 30 is 4.5 mm, and the lengths L1 and L2 of the straight portions are approximately 1.0 mm and 1.0 mm, respectively. The lengths L1 and L2 of the straight portions are not limited to these values, and it is desirable that the total length of the straight portions be 1 / 2 or less of the total length L0.

[0094] <Effects of suture needles> The suturing operation using this suture needle 40 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0095] First, the suture needle 40 held by the needle holder is inserted linearly into the living body (FIG. 15A). At this time, there is no rotational movement of the needle holder, just like when using a straight needle.

[0096] After insertion, the needle is advanced by gradually increasing the rotation of the needle holder, following a clothoid curve (Figure 15B-C).

[0097] Next, gradually reduce the rotation of the needle holder to follow the clothoid curve, and then advance the needle and pull it out in a straight line (Figure 15D-E).

[0098] In this way, there is no need to rotate the needle holder when inserting the needle, and thereafter the needle holder is gradually increased or decreased in rotation before being pulled out linearly.

[0099] Therefore, it is not necessary to operate the suture needle 40 by continuously following the curvature of a circle from the time the suture needle 40 is inserted until it is pulled out, as with conventional suture needles 40. After inserting the suture needle 40 in a straight line, the rotation of the needle holder can be gradually increased and decreased following a clothoid curve, allowing the suture needle 40 to be advanced into the living body and then pulled out in a straight line.

[0100] Furthermore, since a clothoid curve is used for the bending section, when switching from a linear operation to an operation that bends the direction of travel, and then back to a linear operation, the angle of the suture needle 40 relative to the direction of travel can be increased or decreased at a constant angular velocity.

[0101] In this way, in the suturing operation using the suturing needle 40 according to this embodiment, as in the second and third embodiments, when transitioning from the curved portion to the straight portion, the suturing is performed while rotating the suturing needle 40 at a constant angular velocity, thereby suppressing centrifugal force and enabling a stable suturing operation.

[0102] Furthermore, because centrifugal force can be suppressed, the frictional resistance between the suture needle 40 and the living tissue, i.e., the resistance (penetration resistance) when piercing the tissue of the human body, etc., can be reduced, improving pierceability. As a result, breakage of the suture needle 40 or damage to the living body can be avoided.

[0103] As described above, in the suturing operation using the suture needle 40 according to this embodiment, there is no need to suddenly bend the direction of travel, so centrifugal force can be suppressed, improving penetration and enabling easy and stable suturing. As a result, the doctor does not need to frequently change needle holders, reducing strain and fatigue, and enabling highly accurate suturing without requiring advanced techniques.

[0104] The suture needle 40 according to this embodiment has a shape with a straight portion and a curved portion, similar to the suture needles 10 and 14 according to the first embodiment, and therefore naturally also achieves the same effects as the suture needles 10 and 14 according to the first embodiment.

[0105] In this embodiment, the bending section is configured by combining a clothoid curve on the base end side whose curvature increases at a constant rate toward the tip and a clothoid curve on the tip side whose curvature decreases at a constant rate toward the tip, but as shown in Figure 16, a curve (arc) of constant curvature may be arranged between the two clothoid curves.

[0106] <Fifth embodiment> A suture needle 50 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0107] <Suture needle configuration> 17 is a side view of a suture needle 50 according to the present embodiment. The suture needle 40 according to the present embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the first to fourth embodiments, and includes a main body 51, a tip 52, and a base end 53, but does not have a straight portion, and the main body 51 consists only of a curved portion.

[0108] The curved portion of the main body 51 has a clothoid curved shape, as in the second and third embodiments. The clothoid curve may be a shape in which the curvature increases at a constant rate from the base end 53 side to the tip end 52 side, or a shape in which the curvature decreases at a constant rate from the base end 53 side to the tip end 52 side.

[0109] Here, an example in which the main body 51 has a curved shape has been shown, but the area of ​​about 1 mm from the tip 52 may be linear.

[0110] The suture needle 50 according to this embodiment has a curved clothoid shape, similar to the second and third embodiments. Therefore, in the suturing operation using the suture needle 50, similar to the second and third embodiments, the suture needle 30 can be rotated at a constant angular velocity while suturing, thereby suppressing centrifugal force and enabling stable suturing operations.

[0111] In this way, doctors do not need to frequently change needle holders, reducing strain and fatigue, and enabling highly accurate suturing without requiring advanced techniques.

[0112] Furthermore, because centrifugal force can be suppressed, the frictional resistance between the suture needle and biological tissue, i.e., the resistance (penetration resistance) when penetrating tissue of the human body, etc., can be reduced, improving penetration performance, thereby preventing breakage of the suture needle or damage to the living body.

[0113] Sixth Embodiment A suture thread 60 with a suture needle according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0114] <Suture needle configuration> 18 shows a perspective view of a suture thread 60 with a suture needle according to this embodiment. The suture thread 60 with a suture needle according to this embodiment comprises the suture needle 20 according to the second embodiment and a suture thread 61.

[0115] The suture needle 20 has a body 21, a tip 22, and a base end 23. The suture thread 61 is inserted into a blind hole provided in the base end 23 and attached to the suture needle 20 by crimping the periphery of the base end 23. The suture thread 61 may be attached to the suture needle 20 by heat treatment, adhesive, or the like.

[0116] The suture thread 61 is made of nylon monofilament (single thread) and has a diameter of 0.05 mm. The material of the suture thread 51 is not limited to this, and it can also be polyester, silk, or braid (knitted thread). The diameter can be 0.001 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0117] The suture thread 60 with suture needle according to this embodiment has the same effects as those described in the second embodiment, and because there is no need to suddenly turn the direction of travel during the suturing operation, centrifugal force can be suppressed, penetration performance is improved, and suturing can be performed easily and stably. As a result, the doctor does not need to frequently change needle holders, reducing strain and fatigue, and enabling highly accurate suturing without requiring advanced techniques.

[0118] In this embodiment, the same effect can be achieved even if the suture needles 30, 40, 50 according to the third to fifth embodiments are used as the suture needle. Also, the suture needle 10 according to the first embodiment may be used, and the doctor does not need to frequently change needle holders, reducing the burden on the doctor and enabling highly accurate suturing.

[0119] The suture needle in the embodiment of the present invention may be a round needle with a conical tip, a square needle with a triangular pyramidal tip (sharp on the inside of the curve), an inverted triangular needle with a triangular pyramidal tip (sharp on the outside of the curve), a tapered cut needle with a cylindrical shape and only the tip shaped like a triangular pyramid, or a blunt needle with a slightly rounded and blunt tip. The tip may also be an inverted square needle with an inverted triangular cross section, or a spatula-shaped inverted square needle with the tip (apex) removed.

[0120] In the embodiments of the present invention, the length of the suture needle is 4.5 mm or 5 mm, and the needle diameter is 100 μm, but this is not limited to these. The length of the suture needle can range from 1 mm to 100 mm, and the needle diameter can range from 50 μm to 1.5 mm. In particular, for microsurgery such as brain surgery, a length of 3 mm to 7 mm and a needle diameter of 50 μm to 250 μm are desirable. The length of the suture needle is desirable to be 9 mm to 24 mm for vascular suturing, 10 mm to 70 mm for surgical procedures, and 9 mm to 25 mm for plastic surgery.

[0121] The intersection angle of the clothoid curve of the suture needle in the embodiment according to the present invention is 114° to 117°, but is not limited to this and is preferably 110° to 134°. Also, the intersection angle of the curved portion is preferably 90° to 180°.

[0122] The suture needle according to the embodiment of the present invention is manufactured using the usual manufacturing method. For example, after cutting the stainless steel material to a predetermined length, a hole for the suture thread is formed. Next, the tip and main body (body) are processed, including the formation of a curved portion, and then polished and sterilized.

[0123] In the embodiments of the present invention, examples of the structure, dimensions, materials, etc. of each component in the configuration and manufacturing method of the suture needle and suture thread with suture needle are shown, but the present invention is not limited to these. Any material may be used as long as it can exhibit the functions and effects of the suture needle and suture thread with suture needle. [Industrial Applicability]

[0124] The present invention has industrial applicability as a medical device used in surgical operations such as brain surgery and digestive surgery, and plastic surgery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 suture needles 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 Main unit 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 Tip 13, 23, 33, 43, 53 proximal end 60 Suture with Needle 61 Sutures 101 Conventional needle (conventional suture needle)

Claims

1. A suture needle for suturing biological tissue, a first linear portion; a curved portion connected to the first straight portion; a second straight portion connected to the curved portion; and and the first straight portion includes a base end of the suture needle, the second straight portion includes a tip of the suture needle, Of the distal end and the proximal end, only the distal end is sharp; A suture needle having an intersection angle of 90° or more and 120° or less.

2. A suture needle for suturing biological tissue, a first linear portion; a curved portion connected to the first straight portion; a second straight portion connected to the curved portion; and and the first straight portion includes a base end of the suture needle, the second straight portion includes a tip of the suture needle, Of the distal end and the proximal end, only the distal end is sharp; the second linear portion is shorter than the first linear portion; A suture needle having an intersection angle of 90° or more and 180° or less.

3. 3. The suture needle according to claim 1, wherein the length of the first straight portion is equal to or greater than 1 / 4 and equal to or less than 3 / 4 of the length from the base end to the tip end.

4. 4. The suture needle according to claim 1, wherein the second straight portion is configured to be inserted into the biological tissue, the curved portion is configured to advance following the curvature of the curved portion, and the first straight portion is configured to be pulled out linearly from the biological tissue.

5. 5. The suture needle according to claim 1, wherein the curvature of the curved portion gradually increases from the base end toward the tip end with respect to the curvature of the tip end side of the connecting portion of the curved portion with the first straight portion.

6. 6. The suture needle according to claim 1, wherein the curvature of the curved portion gradually decreases from the base end toward the tip end with respect to the curvature of the tip end side of the connecting portion of the curved portion with the first straight portion.

7. 7. The suture needle according to claim 1, wherein the curvature of the curved portion includes a curved shape in which the curvature gradually increases from the base end toward the tip end with respect to the curvature of the tip end side of a portion of the curved portion that connects with the first straight portion, and a curved shape in which the curvature gradually decreases from the base end toward the tip end with respect to the curvature of the tip end side of a portion of the curved portion that connects with the first straight portion.

8. A suture thread with a suture needle, comprising the suture needle according to any one of claims 1 to 7 attached to the suture thread.

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