Curved Needle Catch Geometry for Reliable Surgical Suturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Suturing devices often require a needle catch that effectively and reliably secures the needle after it has passed through bodily tissue and/or a bodily implant, which is time-consuming and challenging in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A suturing device with an elongate member, a needle, and a needle catch featuring a non-planar plate member with curved edges and slots to guide and secure the needle, allowing for efficient needle retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional needle catch design is used, then the structure is simple, but the needle capture reliability is insufficient and procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle catch incorporates a curved surface that complements the curvature of the needle, enabling the needle to rest securely against the curved surface upon engagement. This curvature matching enhances capture reliability by ensuring stable geometric contact between the needle and catch mechanism, while the streamlined curved design facilitates smoother needle insertion and engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle catch is divided into distinct functional components including a reception portion with curved surface, a retention portion with engagement features, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the curved surface provides stable needle resting, the retention features secure the needle, and the release mechanism enables controlled disengagement, collectively improving reliability without adding excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If a complex needle catch mechanism is used, then needle retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle catch design merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the curved reception surface provides needle guidance and initial positioning, the retention portion with engagement features secures the needle, and the release mechanism is incorporated within the same structure. This merging achieves reliable needle retention through coordinated geometric features rather than separate mechanical components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining retention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved surface of the reception portion automatically guides the needle into the correct position and orientation upon approach, utilizing the natural geometry of the components rather than requiring active positioning mechanisms. The needle's own movement and geometry work with the curved surface to achieve proper alignment and engagement, reducing the need for complex active control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a suturing device used to please sutures inside of a body of a patient during various medical procedures. The apparatus includes an elongate member, a needle configured to extend from a portion of the elongate member, and a needle catch configured to receive at least a portion of the needle The needle catch has a plate member defining an opening. The plate member has an edge portion that is disposed adjacent to the opening. The edge portion of the plate member has a curved portion. The curved portion is curved about a center of curvature. At least a portion of the opening being disposed between the edge portion and the center of curvature.