Circular Spider Suture Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suturing techniques after laparotomy fail to effectively reduce the incidence of incisional hernias, as they do not adequately disperse stress across the suture line, leading to tissue tearing at puncture sites.
Innovation Solution
The 'spider suture' technique, which involves creating a circular suture that disperses stress along rows of puncture sites using multiple suture threads, both within and outside the suture area, to inhibit tissue tearing by introducing a stress component parallel and perpendicular to the suture line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional continuous sutures are used, then the suturing process is simple and quick, but the stress concentration at puncture sites causes tissue tearing and increases incisional hernia incidence
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous suture is divided into multiple segments by creating a circular suture pattern with designated suture areas and rows of puncture sites. This segmentation distributes the stress along the circular path rather than concentrating it at single points, preventing tissue tearing while maintaining closure function.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture technique transitions from a linear continuous suture to a two-dimensional circular suture pattern. By arranging puncture sites in rows within a circular configuration, the stress distribution is extended across multiple dimensions, dispersing forces more effectively across the tissue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If resorbing suture materials are used, then the suture is biocompatible and eventually absorbed, but the resorption time may not provide sufficient long-term support to prevent hernia formation
Solution Approach 1:
The circular suture configuration provides beforehand cushioning by distributing stress across multiple puncture sites along a circular path. This pre-distribution of stress prevents tissue tearing during the critical healing period, even as the resorbing material gradually loses strength over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the suture configuration from linear to circular, with specific parameters including the radius of the circular suture, the spacing between rows of puncture sites, and the distance of puncture sites from the incision edges. These parameter optimizations enhance stress distribution while maintaining biocompatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Suturing techniques and sutures capable of reducing the incidence of incisional herniae, including but not limited to subcutaneous surgical sutures performed after laparotomy. Such a suture includes a circular suture having at least first portions that are within a first region of tissue of a suture area that further contains rows of puncture sites aligned approximately parallel to an incision on opposite sides of the incision. The first region of tissue is located between the rows of puncture sites and surrounds the incision, and the first portions of the circular suture extend along the rows of puncture sites. The suture further includes a continuous suture in the suture area that penetrates the puncture sites and traverses the incision. The circular suture disperses stresses induced by tension in the continuous suture to inhibit tearing of tissue at the puncture sites.