Deflectable Endoscopic Suturing Instrument for Deep Tissue Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suturing instruments used in endoscopic procedures are limited by their rigidity, lack of maneuverability, and requirement for frequent instrument removal and reloading, making them inefficient and invasive, especially when accessing deep or obstructed tissue areas.
Innovation Solution
The development of suturing instruments with a deflectable and/or pivotable distal portion that allows for improved access and functionality, enabling multiple sutures to be placed without removing the instrument from the surgical site, utilizing a needle deployment mechanism and tension members for enhanced control and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If suturing instruments are made rigid for structural stability, then manufacturing precision is improved, but maneuverability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into multiple segments including a handle, shaft, and distal portion that can deflect relative to each other. This segmentation allows the proximal portions to remain rigid for precise control while the distal portion can flex to reach difficult anatomical areas, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and maneuverability
Solution Approach 2:
The distal portion is designed with dynamic deflection capabilities through tension members and articulation joints that allow it to change position and orientation during use. This dynamic design enables the instrument to adapt to varying anatomical configurations while maintaining overall structural integrity through the rigid proximal portions
2Device complexity
If traditional suturing instruments are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to frequent instrument removal and reloading
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple needles and sutures are pre-loaded into the instrument's needle carrier and deployment mechanism before insertion. This preliminary preparation allows the surgeon to place multiple sutures sequentially without removing the instrument from the patient, dramatically improving productivity while the modular design keeps overall complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple needles and sutures are nested within the instrument shaft and handle assembly. The nested configuration allows multiple surgical elements to be contained within a single instrument, enabling continuous suture placement without repeated instrument exchanges, thus enhancing productivity without proportionally increasing external complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used to access different tissue areas, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is designed with universal adaptability through its deflectable distal portion and rotatable capabilities, allowing a single instrument to access multiple different tissue areas and perform various suturing tasks. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized instruments, reducing overall device complexity and simplifying the surgical procedure
4Adaptability or versatility
If instruments are designed for deep tissue access, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to obstructed access
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is segmented into rigid proximal control portions and a flexible distal portion, allowing the surgeon to maintain precise control from the handle while the distal end can navigate through obstructed pathways to reach deep tissue areas. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between deep access capability and ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
Suturing instruments in accordance with the invention are dimensioned and configured to apply sutures to approximate, ligate, or fixate tissue in, for example, open, mini-incision, trans-vaginal, laparoscopic, or endoscopic surgical procedures. In some embodiments, the suturing instruments include a distal portion that is deflectably and/or pivotally coupled to the remainder of the instrument for improved maneuverability and functionality during surgery. In other embodiments, the suturing instruments are capable of housing multiple needle and suture assemblies and/or reloading the needle and suture assembly without removing the instrument from the surgical site.