Endoscopic Anchor Suturing for Faster Full-Thickness Tissue Closure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual suturing in endoscopic procedures is time-consuming, error-prone, and difficult to perform, with existing suturing devices being cumbersome and limited by the speed of robotic manipulation, leading to compromised tissue integrity and procedural efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A minimally-invasive suturing apparatus comprising a flexible shaft with a handle, multiple anchors, a grasping mechanism, and an anchor deployment mechanism, allowing for precise and efficient suturing through a flexible endoscope, deploying anchors and securing sutures with minimal tissue trauma and reduced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual suturing is used, then tissue repair reliability is maintained, but procedure time increases and operator fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suturing device segments the continuous suturing process into discrete anchor deployment steps. Multiple anchors are deployed sequentially through the flexible shaft, with each anchor representing a segmented unit of tissue approximation. This segmentation enables automated, rapid deployment while maintaining the reliability of tissue repair through controlled anchor placement and suture tensioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If robotic suturing platforms are used, then suturing precision is improved, but manipulation speed is limited by operator control
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces the mechanical manipulation limitation of robotic platforms with a flexible shaft system that transmits controlled forces directly from the operator's hand through the endoscope's work channel. This substitution eliminates robotic control delays while maintaining precision through direct tactile feedback and controlled anchor deployment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If existing suturing assistive devices are used, then suturing capability is provided, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple functions into a single unified system: the flexible shaft serves as both the delivery mechanism and the anchor deployment conduit, the handle consolidates control for anchor deployment and suture tensioning, and the threaded anchor configuration enables both tissue approximation and fixation. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while improving ease of operation.
4Strength
If multiple anchors are deployed, then suture tension distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple anchors are nested within the flexible shaft in a compact, space-efficient configuration. The anchors are arranged in a single file or clustered pattern within the shaft's lumen, allowing multiple tension-bearing elements to be contained within a single delivery device. This nesting approach distributes suture tension across multiple anchors while avoiding proportional increases in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising: a tubular grasper comprising resilient tines that are configured to expand outwardly when unbiased; a needle disposed inside the tubular grasper, and configured to penetrate tissue; a tubular anchor disposed on the needle; and a surgical thread threaded through the tubular anchor.