Surgical Cannula Closure Guides for Precise Wound Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for closing incision sites after minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic and ophthalmic surgeries, are often time-consuming and challenging due to bleeding and tissue swelling, which obscure visualization and require invasive techniques like suturing through conjunctiva.
Innovation Solution
A tissue-penetrating device with a guide structure, such as slits and corresponding visual/tactile indicators, facilitates precise placement of closure devices like sutures or needles, allowing for efficient closure of wounds by guiding the closure device through the tissue layer before the device is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wound closure is performed using traditional suture methods after cannula removal, then the wound can be closed, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and difficult due to obscured visualization from bleeding and tissue swelling
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure is integrated into the cannula body before the procedure, allowing the closure device to be positioned and guided through the tissue while the cannula is still in place. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need to search for the correct suture path after the cannula is removed, significantly reducing closure time and difficulty even in the presence of bleeding and swelling.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure acts as an intermediary element that facilitates the passage of the closure device through the tissue. By providing a predefined path within the cannula body, it mediates between the closure device and the tissue, making the closure process straightforward regardless of post-removal tissue conditions.
2Device complexity
If traditional closure methods are used without guidance structures, then simpler device design is maintained, but additional sutures and more invasive techniques are required
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula body is segmented to include an integrated guide structure (such as slits or channels) that is distinct from but part of the overall cannula assembly. This segmentation allows the guide structure to provide closure guidance without requiring a completely redesign of the cannula, adding functionality while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If closure is attempted without visual guidance structures on the device, then device manufacturing is simpler, but precise placement of closure devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure may incorporate visual indicators such as colored rings, patterns, or contrasting materials that make the guide features easily visible during the procedure. These visual cues enhance placement precision without significantly complicating manufacturing, as they can be applied through standard coloring or material selection processes.
Data Source
AI summary
The distal portion of a tissue-penetrating device includes a structure to guide a closure device associated with closing the tissue layer while the device remains in position, prior to removal of the device. The proximal portion of the device includes a visual and/or tactile indication corresponding to the guide structure. The guide structure may include a plurality of passageways such as slits or gaps to pass a suture, for example. The device may assume the shape of a conventional cylindrical cannula having inner and outer diameters defining a cylindrical wall, in which case the guide structure may include a plurality of passageways in the wall. The cannula may have any gauge associated with any surgical procedure, including procedures involving large wounds or incisions, and microsurgical procedures involving minute punctures, including vitrectomies.