Capsule Needle and Thread Module for Secure Surgical Knotting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knot-tying processes during minimally invasive surgeries are inefficient and prone to poor knot quality, leading to increased risk of wound dehiscence and prolonged recovery.
Innovation Solution
A capsule knotting module with an operating member and knotting member, featuring a through hole, shaft, and sliding loop mechanism, allows for the formation of secure knots by varying the sliding loop size and applying tension to the suture, assisted by a stop portion to prevent slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional manual knot-tying is performed during minimally invasive surgery, then the surgeon can close the wound, but the process becomes complex and difficult resulting in poor knot quality
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the knot-tying process into distinct functional components: a capsule module for knot formation, a pull rod for tension application, and a needle for suture delivery. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, transforming the complex manual knot-tying into a simplified sequential process where the capsule creates the knot structure and the pull rod secures it through tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule module acts as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the tissue, performing the complex knot-tying function that would be difficult to execute manually. The capsule contains internal structures (shaft, sliding loop, pre-knot) that mediate the transformation of simple pulling motion into complex knot formation, eliminating the need for the surgeon to manually manipulate the suture through the wound.
2Reliability
If multiple secure knots are tied by conventional method, then wound closure is achieved, but it is inefficient and increases risk of wound dehiscence
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple knot-tying operations into a single integrated capsule module. Instead of tying separate knots individually, the capsule contains all necessary components (shaft, sliding loop, pre-knot formation structures) to create a secure knot structure in one deployment. The pull rod then applies tension to secure the entire knot structure simultaneously, achieving multiple knot functions through a unified device action.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is pre-configured with the shaft, sliding loop, and pre-knot structures before deployment. The pre-knot is formed in advance within the capsule, and the sliding loop is pre-positioned to facilitate tension application. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for step-by-step knot formation during surgery, allowing the surgeon to simply deploy the capsule and pull the rod to achieve secure wound closure.
3Reliability
If the sliding loop size is varied by changing distance between operating member and knotting member, then knot security is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustability where the distance between the operating member (pull rod) and the knotting member (capsule) can be varied to change the sliding loop size. This dynamic adjustment allows optimization of knot security for different wound sizes and tissue types. The sliding loop can expand or contract based on the pull rod position, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-size devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The knot security is optimized by changing the parameter of sliding loop size, which is controlled by the distance between the operating member and knotting member. This parameter adjustment allows the same device structure to adapt to different surgical requirements. The pre-knot configuration and sliding loop dimensions can be modified by adjusting the relative positions of components, providing flexibility in knot security without fundamentally changing the device architecture.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
A capsule knotting module has an operating member (10) and a knotting member (20). With a suture (A), a pre-knot (A1) and a sliding loop (A2) are formed at a front end of the knotting member (20). When in use, the pre-knot (A1) is tied to form a secure knot at a front end of the knotting member (20) to achieve the purpose of suturing and fixing a tissue wound.