Composite Suture End Effector for High-Strength Wound Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-retaining sutures face challenges in creating a strong and effective stop at the distal end without altering the physical properties of the suture material, as methods like thermal forming or welding can weaken the suture, and previous designs may not provide sufficient surface area for tissue anchoring, leading to reduced holding strength and potential failure.
Innovation Solution
A composite end effector is developed, comprising a fixation tab and an overlying attachment piece that securely fits over the tab, providing increased surface area and holding strength without altering the suture material's properties, formed from a single unitary construction or separate materials secured together, enhancing the suture's ability to resist being pulled through tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If thermal forming or welding is used to create a stop at the distal end of the suture, then a stop structure is formed, but the physical properties and tensile strength of the suture material adjacent to the stop are weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The suture device is divided into two separate components: the suture body and the stop structure. The stop structure is formed from the suture material itself through material removal, creating a tab that is structurally separate from the suture body, thereby preventing thermal or mechanical damage to the suture's tensile strength while still forming an effective stop.
Solution Approach 2:
Material is removed laterally from the distal end of the suture to create a tab structure. This extraction of material creates a distinct stop feature that does not require welding or thermal forming, thus preserving the integrity and tensile strength of the remaining suture material while providing the necessary stop function.
2Strength
If a planar stop structure is formed by removing material lateral to the central longitudinal axis, then the suture properties adjacent to the stop are preserved, but the surface area parallel to tissue is insufficient for adequate anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The tab structure is designed with three-dimensional geometry, extending laterally from the suture body in multiple dimensions. This dimensional expansion creates a stop structure with increased surface area parallel to the tissue plane, enhancing anchoring capability while maintaining the integrity of the suture material through non-thermal formation methods.
Data Source
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Figure 4A~4C
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AI summary
A suture device with a composite end effector, the composite end effector including a suture with an unmodified fixation element at a distal end and an overlying attachment piece disposed over the proximal end of the unmodified fixation element. The resulting composite end effector has improved strength and avoids the need for affixation methods such as welding or chemical affixation.