Bi-directional Barbed Suture with Tailored Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures require multiple sutures or wound closure devices with different properties for various tissue layers, increasing procedure time and anesthesia duration due to the need for multiple selections and applications.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional suture device comprising multiple suture segments with varying configurations and materials, connected via a transition zone, allowing for multi-purpose or multi-layer tissue closure without the need for knot tying, using thermoplastic materials like polydioxanone (PDS) and RF energy for joining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sutures or wound closure devices with different properties are used for various tissue layers, then appropriate size, length, material, and construction can be selected for each tissue layer, but procedure time and anesthesia duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple suture segments with different properties (size, length, material, construction) into a single integrated suture device. Each segment is tailored for specific tissue layers, and they are joined together to form one continuous device that can close multiple tissue layers in sequence, eliminating the need to handle multiple separate suture devices and reducing procedure time
Solution Approach 2:
The single suture device performs multiple functions by incorporating different suture segments designed for different tissue layers. The device can approximate skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and other layers simultaneously, making one device universal for multi-layer closure rather than requiring specialized devices for each layer
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sutures or wound closure devices are used for various tissue layers, then appropriate properties can be selected for each layer, but the number of device selections and applications increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple suture devices with different properties are merged into a single integrated device. The different segments are joined together to create one complex but unified suture that incorporates the properties of what would otherwise require multiple separate devices, simplifying the selection process to just one device
Solution Approach 2:
The single suture device is segmented into multiple sections, each with properties optimized for specific tissue layers. This segmentation allows each portion to be tailored for its intended use while maintaining the simplicity of using only one device overall, resolving the contradiction between customization and device complexity
3Strength
If barbed sutures are used to eliminate knot tying, then holding strength increases and knot tying is eliminated, but the suture requires thermoplastic materials like PDS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters to thermoplastic materials like polydioxanone (PDS) that can be molded into barbed configurations. This parameter change enables the creation of barbed sutures with enhanced holding strength while the material properties allow for the specific geometric features (barbs) needed to eliminate knot tying
4Productivity
If suture segments are joined using RF energy or heat sources, then the connecting section is formed efficiently, but additional energy input is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical joining methods with RF energy or heat sources to form connecting sections between suture segments. This substitution enables more efficient joining with better control over the connection process, and the thermal energy method is particularly suited for thermoplastic materials, creating strong bonds without complex mechanical fastening systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient closure of multiple tissue layers with a single device, reducing procedure time and anesthesia duration, while also minimizing packaging materials and allowing for longer suture lengths without additional equipment, thereby enhancing surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
radiofrequency (RF) energy or another appropriate energy sources, heat sources, and/or the like can be used to join the anchors, tabs, and/or the like together thereby joining the suture segments together
Implementation Method 2
radiofrequency (RF) energy or another appropriate energy sources, heat sources, and/or the like can be used to join the anchors, tabs, and/or the like together
Data Source
AI summary
A wound closure device can be provided as described herein. In an example, the wound closure device includes a first suture segment having a first suture configuration and a second suture segment having a second suture configuration. The first and second suture configurations can be different from each other. For example, the first suture configuration can includes a first set of characteristics such as barbed or non-barbed, barb sizes, filament sizes, colors, materials, and/or the like and the second suture configuration can include a second set of characteristics such as barbed or non-barbed, barb sizes, filament sizes, colors, materials and/or the like that can be different from the first set of characteristics. The wound closure device can further include connecting section configured to provide a transition from the first suture segment to the second suture segment.