Curved Needle Holder for Minimally Invasive Dural Suturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for repairing dural tears during spinal surgery, especially using minimally invasive methods, face challenges due to anatomical constraints, obstruction by cerebrospinal fluid or blood, and limited maneuverability of traditional suturing tools, leading to time-consuming and costly repairs.
Innovation Solution
A suturing device comprising a curved needle, suture, elongate body, actuator, and curved needle holder, which allows for precise needle deployment and retraction, enabling effective suturing through a tubular retractor with enhanced maneuverability and visibility, facilitating a watertight closure of the dura mater.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional suturing tools are used through a tubular retractor, then minimally invasive access is achieved, but maneuverability and needle passage capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The needle holder is configured with a curved geometry that matches the curvature of the tubular retractor, allowing the device to navigate the confined space effectively. The curved needle holder enables the needle to be advanced through the retractor at various angles while maintaining proper orientation for dural repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle holder incorporates a rotatable joint that allows dynamic adjustment of the needle orientation relative to the elongate body. This rotational capability enables the surgeon to adjust the needle angle to navigate around obstructions and achieve optimal positioning for suture placement through the tubular retractor.
2Reliability
If traditional suturing techniques are used, then dural repair can be performed, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines the needle holder, elongate body, and actuator into an integrated system that performs multiple functions (needle delivery, suture placement, and knot tying) through a single instrument. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate tools and simplifies the repair procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator automatically advances the needle and suture through the tissue and facilitates knot formation without requiring manual manipulation by the surgeon. This self-actuating mechanism reduces surgical time and complexity while maintaining reliable dural closure.
3Manufacturing precision
If the needle is advanced through the needle holder, then suture placement is achieved, but needle retention and positioning precision are challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The curved needle holder geometry provides natural alignment and positioning guidance for the needle, ensuring accurate orientation as it advances through the tissue. The curved path constrains the needle to a precise trajectory, improving positioning accuracy without complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle holder acts as an intermediary device that interfaces between the actuator and the needle, providing a controlled environment for needle advancement. The holder's internal geometry and friction characteristics maintain needle retention while allowing smooth advancement when actuated.
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 device improves the efficiency and accuracy of dural repair by allowing surgeons to navigate anatomical obstructions and maintain a clear line of sight, reducing the complexity and cost of surgical procedures while ensuring effective closure to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leaks.
Implementation Method 1
The curved needle has a curved needle radius and the curved needle passage has a curved needle passage radius that is different than the curved needle radius and the curved needle frictionally engages the inner surface when the needle is in a retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A suturing device includes a curved needle, a suture, an elongate body, an actuator and a curved needle holder. The suture connects with the curved needle. The actuator interacts with the elongate body and is operable between a first operating position and a second operating position. The curved needle holder extends away from a distal end portion or is provided as part of the distal end portion of the elongate body. The curved needle holder includes a distal end section having a distal-most tip. The curved needle holder includes an inner surface defining a needle passage for holding the needle and a distal opening. The curved needle has a curved needle radius and the curved needle passage has a curved needle passage radius that is different than the curved needle radius and the curved needle frictionally engages the inner surface when the needle is in a retracted position.