Clamshell Suturing Tool for Robotic Suture Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Suture management in robotic surgery is a common barrier to efficient surgical workflow, leading to increased operative times, knotting, fracturing, or accidental cutting of sutures, frustration for surgeons, and higher costs due to longer procedures and potential patient risks.
Innovation Solution
A suturing device with a clamshell body and suture retainer that allows for efficient suture management, enabling the suture to be wound around pegs, positioned using notches, and extended through the body for easy access and manipulation by a robotic arm, facilitating secure closure of surgical sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If multiple shorter suture lengths are used instead of a single long suture, then suture management is improved and operative time is reduced, but total suture volume and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is divided into multiple segments of different lengths that are stored within the device body. Each segment can be individually deployed through the deployment mechanism, allowing the surgeon to use only the portion of suture needed for each specific closing task, thereby reducing overall suture consumption while maintaining efficient operative time management.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple suture segments are pre-loaded and organized within the device body in a predetermined configuration. The deployment mechanism is pre-configured to deliver these segments in a controlled sequence, eliminating the need for intraoperative suture preparation and reducing operative time while optimizing suture usage efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If a single long suture is used to complete a case, then total suture volume is reduced, but operative time increases and suture management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The long suture is segmented into multiple manageable portions within the device, each portion corresponding to a specific surgical task or anatomical region. The deployment mechanism allows selective release of individual segments, enabling the surgeon to complete multiple closing operations without replacing the suture, thus reducing operative time while maintaining suture volume efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a dynamic deployment mechanism that allows the suture segments to be selectively released and deployed in a controlled manner during the surgical procedure. This dynamic system adapts to the surgeon's needs in real-time, allowing efficient suture management without increasing operative time or requiring multiple suture replacements.
3Ease of operation
If traditional suture management methods are used in robotic surgery, then surgical workflow is maintained, but suture-related complications increase including knotting, fracturing, or accidental cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The device acts as an intermediary system between the robotic arm and the suture. It incorporates a specialized deployment mechanism that interfaces with the robotic arm's end effector while providing protected delivery of the suture through the tissue. This intermediary system eliminates direct manipulation of the suture by the robotic arm, preventing knotting, fracturing, or accidental cutting while maintaining seamless integration with the robotic surgical workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical manipulation of suture by the robotic arm is replaced with an automated deployment mechanism within the device. The suture is delivered through a controlled mechanical system that guides it through the tissue without requiring direct robotic manipulation, thereby eliminating suture-related complications while maintaining the precision and control of robotic surgery.
Data Source
AI summary
A suturing device comprising includes a body having a means for actuating between an open position and a closed position. A means is provided to assist in positioning a suture around a means for receiving a suture. The means to assist in positioning the suture is removably positioned in the means for receiving a suture.