Self-Expanding Collagen Anchors for Single-Handed Surgical Suturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suturing techniques require great dexterity, are difficult to perform in microenvironments, and often result in undesirable leakage due to the lack of control over suture tension and the need for multiple stitches, which can fail, leading to incomplete closure and hemostasis issues.
Innovation Solution
The Anchored Suture Line (ASL) surgical procedure and device utilize a bio-compatible suture thread with self-expandable collagen-based polymer anchors that expand upon contact with bodily fluids, allowing for single-handed operation without knot tying, providing simultaneous benefits of interrupted and continuous closure, and promoting hemostasis at suture puncture sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional suturing techniques are used, then dexterity and manual control are required, but the procedure becomes complex and time-consuming requiring multiple stitches and knot tying
Solution Approach 1:
The suture line is segmented into discrete anchor structures spaced at predetermined intervals, allowing each anchor to independently secure tissue at specific locations. This segmentation enables the suture to function as multiple independent fixation points rather than requiring continuous manual manipulation for each stitch.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor structures are pre-formed and pre-positioned along the suture line at predetermined intervals before the surgical procedure. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for manual knot tying and repeated needle insertions during surgery, as the anchors are already positioned to provide secure tissue attachment.
2Ease of operation
If multiple individually tied stitches are used, then control over each suture point is achieved, but the procedure requires both hands and great dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor structures are designed to self-expand upon contact with bodily fluids, automatically securing themselves in the tissue without requiring manual manipulation or knot tying. This self-service mechanism allows single-handed operation while maintaining reliable tissue attachment through the automatic expansion and fixation of each anchor.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor structures undergo a parameter change from a compressed or collapsed state to an expanded state upon contact with bodily fluids. This phase transition automatically provides the tension control and secure fixation needed for reliable suture attachment, eliminating the need for manual tension adjustment during the procedure.
3Productivity
If continuous closure suturing is used, then faster closure is achieved, but failure of a single suture compromises the entire suture line
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous suture line is segmented into discrete anchor structures spaced at predetermined intervals. Each anchor acts as an independent failure point, so that if one anchor fails, the other anchors continue to provide secure tissue attachment. This segmentation maintains the speed advantage of continuous closure while providing the reliability of distributed, independent fixation points.
4Reliability
If mechanical pressure is applied to puncture sites, then hemostasis is achieved, but leakage may occur due to lack of control over suture tension
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor structures undergo a parameter change from a compressed state to an expanded state upon contact with bodily fluids. This expansion automatically provides controlled tension at each puncture site, eliminating the need for manual pressure application while ensuring reliable hemostasis. The predetermined spacing and expansion characteristics of the anchors provide consistent tension control throughout the suture line.
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
The ASL device enables efficient, single-handed suturing with reduced material requirements, minimizing leakage and ensuring secure closure by expanding anchors that prevent dislodgement, thus enhancing surgical efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
said anchor structures are comprised of self-expandable compressed matrix collagen-based polymer that volumetrically expands on contact with bodily fluids, distinct from said first bio-compatible suture thread material, and that can be caused to transition from a compressed state to an expanded state after implantation in biological tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
Anchored suture line (ASL), comprising a suture thread upon which is located a plurality of anchor structures permanently attached to said suture thread at predetermined intervals, may be advantageously employed for surgical suturing procedures. An ASL suturing device may be employed to sequentially implant the anchors, still tethered to the suture line. As they are implanted, the anchors expand thereby becoming secured in the tissue. The process may be repeated without cutting the suture line until the wound is sealed.