Cannula Suture Cleating With Seal-Slit Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cannula seals are prone to being pulled apart during suture cleating, leading to fluid leakage and jetting, especially when multiple sutures are manipulated in opposing directions.
Innovation Solution
A suture cleating system with an end cap and aligned seal slit, allowing sutures to be tensioned through a seal slit and secured in suture slots without significant deformation of the seal, maintaining seal functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sutures are pulled into the cleating feature under tension to firmly cleat them, then the suture cleating function is improved, but the flexible seal is stretched open leading to fluid leakage and jetting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the seal slit aligned with the aperture) that mediates between the suture cleating function and seal integrity. The seal slit provides a predetermined path for the suture to follow, allowing the suture to be cleated without directly stretching the seal material, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sutures are manipulated through the cannula seal, then the surgical procedure versatility is improved, but the seal is pulled apart increasing risk of fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seal function by creating a seal slit within the seal material, separating the sealing function from the suture passage function. This allows multiple sutures to be manipulated through the defined slit path without compromising the overall seal integrity, resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability
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
Prevents seal deformation and fluid leakage by securely cleating sutures while preserving the seal's integrity, thus enhancing the reliability of arthroscopic and endoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible seal limits fluid flow through the cannula, but also supports access of the surgical site with instruments, implants or sutures
Data Source
AI summary
A suture cleating system for arthroscopic or endoscopic cannula to facilitate suture management while preserving seal functionality. The suture cleating system includes an end cap with an aperture extending therethrough and one or more cleats extending therefrom. A cannula body extends distally from the end cap. A seal is connected between the cannula body and the end cap. The seal has a seal slit extending therethrough and the seal slit is substantially aligned with the aperture of the end cap. In use, a suture extends through the cannula, the seal slit, and the aperture in the end cap. The suture can be tensioned from the aperture in the end cap and secured in a suture slot between two cleats.