Absorbable Surgical Clip Locking Structure Against Premature Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ligation clips, particularly those made of absorbable materials, often lack sufficient strength and can wear or break, leading to unintended opening due to uneven absorption and degradation, compromising the integrity of the tissue ligation.
Innovation Solution
The surgical clip features a dual locking mechanism with a hook and recess interaction at the distal ends and an elongate member with an undercut configuration between the proximal and distal ends, providing enhanced stability and preventing the clip from opening even when the material weakens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If absorbable materials are used for the surgical clip, then the clip is biocompatible and resorbed by the body, but the clip lacks sufficient strength and can wear or break leading to unintended opening
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical clip is divided into multiple segments including a body portion and multiple leg members (first leg member, second leg member, third leg member, fourth leg member). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity despite using absorbable materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism features nested structures where locking members are positioned within recesses of adjacent leg members. The first locking member engages with the second leg member, while the third locking member engages with the fourth leg member, creating interlocking nested structures that prevent unintended opening even as materials degrade.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple clip structure is used, then the device is easy to manufacture and apply, but the clip cannot provide sufficient locking strength to remain closed during intended use
Solution Approach 1:
The clip structure is segmented into distinct functional components (body portion, leg members, locking members) that can be manufactured separately and assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring proper fit and function of each component for reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are pre-configured in specific positions on the leg members during manufacturing. The first locking member is positioned on the first leg member and the second locking member on the second leg member, establishing predetermined engagement points that ensure reliable locking when the clip is applied.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the clip material degrades unevenly, then the material is absorbed by the body, but the clip opens prematurely before desired tissue necrosis
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple redundant locking mechanisms are built into the clip structure beforehand to compensate for potential material degradation. The interlocking locking members create mechanical constraints that maintain the closed configuration even when the absorbable material weakens or degrades unevenly during the intended duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical clip utilizes absorbable polymer materials that are engineered to provide sufficient mechanical strength during the critical period before tissue necrosis is complete. The composite structure of multiple leg members and locking members creates a system where overall integrity is maintained despite individual material degradation.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical clip may include first and second leg members, each having inner surfaces. The surgical clip may include a first locking member positioned on a first distal end portion of the first leg member, and a second locking member positioned on a second distal end portion of the second leg member. The first and second leg members may be movable between an open position and a closed position. The first and second locking members interact to secure the first and second leg members in the closed position. A first proximal end portion of the first leg member may include a barrel, and a second proximal end portion of the second leg member may include a hinge pin. The barrel and the hinge pin may be releasably connected at a hinge portion such that the first and second leg members are separable at the hinge portion.