Endoscopic Curved-Needle Suturing for Wide Incisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic suturing methods using medical clips require multiple clips for wide tissue suturing, leading to increased time and risk of foreign matter retention, with limited suturing reliability and potential tumor formation.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic suturing device with a rotatable curved needle, driven by a needle driver and powered by a wire mechanism, allowing continuous suturing with high force and minimal residual foreign matter through a symmetrical through-hole design and needle stopper mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If medical clips are used for suturing, then suturing can be performed, but a large number of clips are necessary for wide tissue suturing, increasing time and foreign matter retention
Solution Approach 1:
The suturing device divides the incision into multiple segments and sutures each segment sequentially using a single continuous suture thread. The curved needle moves along the incision in a predetermined path, creating multiple suture stitches that collectively close the entire incision, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed and decreasing suturing time
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables continuous suturing by maintaining the suture thread tension and needle position throughout the suturing process. The curved needle continuously moves along the incision without requiring removal and repositioning of the suture thread, allowing uninterrupted suturing action that reduces overall suturing time while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If medical clips are used for suturing, then suturing can be performed, but the clips remain in the body as foreign matter, potentially causing tumor formation
Solution Approach 1:
The curved needle and needle driver are temporary components that perform their suturing function and then can be removed from the body. Only the biocompatible suture thread remains in the tissue to hold the incision closed, eliminating the need for permanent metal clips or other foreign materials that could cause adverse reactions or tumor formation
3Force
If medical clips are used for suturing, then suturing can be performed, but the suturing range is narrow and suturing force is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The curved needle transitions from linear needle movement to three-dimensional curved path movement along the incision. This dimensional change allows the needle to access and suture wide-ranging incisions that would be impossible with straight needle insertion, dramatically expanding the adaptability and suturing range while maintaining adequate suturing force through continuous thread tension
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
Enables continuous suturing of wide incisions with high reliability, reducing suturing time and minimizing foreign matter retention, suitable for procedures like gastrointestinal reduction surgery and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member connected to the other of the ends of the wire, the elastic member being configured to provide elastic force to the wire
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an endoscope suturing device and, more specifically, to an endoscopic suturing device capable of suturing a range of incisions by using an endoscope. According to the present invention, a wide range of incisions can be continuously sutured with high suturing power by using an endoscope, the suturing procedure time can be shortened, and a suturing method using a suture can minimize leftover foreign substances in the body, and thus can prevent side effects caused by the foreign substances. In addition, by using an endoscope, suturing with high-reliability is possible regardless of the range of suture areas, and thus the present invention can be used for simple suturing procedures and various internal surgeries such as gastrointestinal reduction surgery and NOTES, which uses a natural orifice.