Articulating Suture Jaw Mechanism for Precise Soft Tissue Stitching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suture passing systems face challenges in manipulating soft tissue in confined surgical sites, require cumbersome and sight-dependent suture loading, lack means for engaging and capturing tissue, and struggle with precise stitch placement and needle durability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function jaw mechanism with articulating top and bottom jaw members that can transition between open and closed configurations, featuring a suture engagement region, measurement markers, and a suture backstop to facilitate precise stitch placement and enhanced needle durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional suture passing systems are used, then basic suture passage function is achieved, but manipulation of soft tissue in confined surgical sites becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components including a jaw mechanism with articulating members, a needle assembly, and a suture passing mechanism. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently manipulated, enabling precise control in confined surgical spaces while maintaining overall system manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The needle assembly is nested within the jaw mechanism, and the suture passing mechanism is integrated within the needle assembly. This nested configuration allows the entire suture passing system to be contained within a compact delivery catheter, facilitating access to confined surgical sites while providing full functionality upon deployment
2Ease of operation
If conventional suture passing systems are used, then suture can be passed through tissue, but suture loading becomes cumbersome and sight-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is pre-loaded onto the needle within the jaw mechanism before the needle is advanced into the surgical site. The suture loading slot and suture retention features enable the suture to be positioned and secured in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming sight-dependent loading procedures during the surgical procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw mechanism includes self-aligning features and retention structures that automatically secure the suture in the correct position during loading. The suture passage through the needle is facilitated by the needle's geometry and the jaw's internal features, reducing the need for manual manipulation and visual guidance
3Measurement precision
If conventional suture passing systems are used, then basic tissue approximation is achieved, but precise stitch placement measurement is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces manual visual estimation with an integrated measurement system that uses mechanical or electronic markers to precisely determine stitch placement positions. The measurement markers are incorporated into the jaw mechanism and needle assembly, providing objective quantitative data for stitch placement without requiring complex external measurement equipment
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional suture passing systems are used, then simple suture passage is achieved, but engagement and capture of soft tissue or surgical instruments is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw mechanism is designed with multi-functional capabilities including tissue grasping, needle retention, suture loading, and instrument engagement. The articulating jaw members can adapt their configuration to perform different functions, providing versatility without requiring separate specialized devices for each task
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw members are designed to be articulating rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and configuration during the procedure. This dynamic capability enables the jaws to engage different types of tissue and instruments while maintaining secure hold, enhancing adaptability without adding significant complexity
5Reliability
If conventional suture passing systems are used, then basic surgical function is achieved, but needle protection from breakage is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is provided with protective features such as a protective coating or structural reinforcement before it is advanced into the surgical site. The jaw mechanism includes features that shield the needle during loading and manipulation, preventing breakage from contact with hard tissue or bone before the needle is fully deployed and functional
Data Source
AI summary
A system for passing suture into and through soft tissue that includes a multi-function jaw mechanism, and a needle adapted to engage a suture and pierce into the soft tissue. The multi-function jaw mechanism adapted to capture the soft tissue, provide highly reliable suture loading and retrieval with minimal visual guidance, and measure stitch placement positions in the soft tissue in a confined surgical site for accurate and precise provision of complex stitch patterns. The system also includes system control means for synchronizing articulation of the jaw mechanism, articulation of the needle, and engagement of the suture by the needle and release of the suture therefrom.