Biodegradable Trocar Closure Device with Spring Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suturing methods for closing trocar site defects in laparoscopic surgery are technically difficult, often incomplete, and carry a high risk of hernia complications, especially in obese patients, due to the need for blind manipulation and the limitations of single suture closure techniques which can lead to increased trauma and infection risks.
Innovation Solution
An implantable biodegradable wound closure device comprising an inner button, a cylindrical segment, and an outer button with a spring retention feature, which compresses and holds tissue in place until healing is complete, allowing for predictable biodegradation and absorption, thus eliminating the need for subsequent surgical removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional suturing methods are used to close trocar site defects, then the procedure can be performed with standard surgical tools, but the closure is often incomplete and carries high risk of hernia complications due to blind manipulation and single suture limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized closure device with a needle, shaft, and buttons as an intermediary tool to perform the closure. The device includes a needle for passing through tissue, a shaft for manipulation, and buttons for securing the closure. This intermediary device eliminates the need for blind manual suturing while providing reliable multi-point closure of the trocar site defect.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device is divided into multiple functional segments: a needle portion for penetrating tissue, a shaft for manipulation and positioning, and button elements for securing the closure. The needle itself may include segmented features such as a beveled tip, collar, and engagement portions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, improving both reliability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If repeated needle suture grasper insertions are performed to repair multiple trocar defects, then closure can be achieved, but the risk of iatrogenic injury increases and the procedure becomes time-consuming and clumsy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple closure functions into a single integrated device. The needle, shaft, and buttons work together as one unit to accomplish the entire closure process in a single insertion and manipulation sequence. This merging eliminates the need for repeated insertions of separate needle graspers, reducing procedure time and minimizing the risk of iatrogenic injury while ensuring complete closure of all trocar defects.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradable materials are used for the closure device, then subsequent surgical removal is eliminated and trauma is minimized, but the device must maintain structural integrity during the healing period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes biodegradable materials whose physical and chemical parameters change over time. The device is designed with controlled degradation rates, maintaining full structural integrity and mechanical strength during the initial healing period (typically 2-6 weeks), then gradually degrading as tissue regeneration occurs. This parameter change allows the device to provide necessary support when needed while ultimately eliminating the need for removal surgery.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable biodegradable device consisting of an inner button attached to a cylindrical segment, and an outer button attached to a retainment feature. The cylindrical segment is threaded on one end, with a surface groove. The retainment feature consists of radial strips with bent ends. The diameter of the radial strips is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylinder. The bent ends fit into the groove. An insertion tool can attach to the threads in the cylinder and push the inner button through a wound, then, holding the inner button in place, push the outer button toward the inner button until the bent ends engage with the groove. The top of the threaded end of the cylindrical segment is adjacent to the back surface of the outer button when the bent ends of the retainment feature are engaged with the groove.