Articulating Suture Passer for Timed Needle and Jaw Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suture passing devices lack optimal control over suture direction, timing of jaw and needle articulation, and suture retainment and release, limiting their effectiveness in suturing delicate tissues and restricting the types of suture patterns that can be created.
Innovation Solution
A suture passing apparatus with a needle featuring a curvilinear region, a jaw mechanism that axially articulates, a retractable suture control ribbon, and system control means for synchronizing these functions, allowing for synchronized control of tissue engagement, needle articulation, and suture retention and release with a single hand motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional suture passing devices are used, then basic suture passage can be achieved, but optimal control over suture direction and timing of jaw and needle articulation is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw mechanism is designed to articulate axially along the shaft rather than rotating, providing dynamic control over suture direction. The needle can be independently articulated to different angles, allowing real-time adjustment of suture passage trajectory. This dynamic articulation system enables precise control over when and how the jaw and needle articulate during the suturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into independently controllable segments: the jaw mechanism, the needle assembly, and the suture retainment system. Each component can be actuated separately through the elongated shaft, allowing independent timing and control of jaw closure, needle articulation, and suture retention/release. This segmentation enables complex suturing maneuvers through coordinated action of discrete components.
2Ease of operation
If conventional suture passing devices are used, then suture passage through soft tissue is possible, but control over suture retainment and release timing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The suture retainment system is designed to hold the suture in a predetermined position within the jaw mechanism before needle articulation. The releasable suture retainment means is pre-configured to release the suture at a specific timing during the articulation sequence, allowing controlled timing of suture passage through tissue. This preliminary positioning and timed release enables precise control over when the suture is deployed.
3Reliability
If conventional suture passing devices are used, then basic suturing can be performed, but ability to suture delicate or sensitive soft tissues is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The needle assembly can be articulated to different angles and positions relative to the jaw mechanism, changing the geometric parameters of suture passage. This allows the needle to approach tissue from optimal angles and pass suture through delicate structures with minimal trauma. The curvilinear needle path enables navigation through confined surgical sites while maintaining control over suture tension and tissue engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for passing suture through biological tissue. The apparatus including a jaw mechanism adapted to grasp tissue, a needle, a jaw articulation system for inducing axial articulation of the jaw mechanism, a needle articulation system for inducing articulation of the needle, a suture control system for controlling ensnarement and release of a suture, and a multifunction actuation system having an actuation trigger. The multifunction actuation system adapted to sequentially induce the axial articulation of the jaw mechanism, the ensnarement of the suture and articulation of the needle during a single continuous rotation of the trigger.