Endoscopic Stitching Device with Articulating Jaws
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic suturing during minimally invasive surgical procedures is cumbersome due to the need for precise manipulation through small openings, leading to time-consuming knotting of sutures, which existing devices like staples, clips, and clamps fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic stitching device with a handle assembly, an elongate shaft, and an end effector featuring articulating jaws and a center drive rod assembly that allows for rotation and axial translation, enabling efficient passage and tensioning of suture needles through tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional suturing techniques are used through small endoscopic openings, then the procedure can be performed with simple tools, but the knotting process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The suture needle is divided into two separate needles (first needle and second needle), each performing a specific function in the suturing sequence. This segmentation allows for more efficient tissue penetration and suture placement compared to traditional single-needle techniques, reducing the overall time required for suturing operations
Solution Approach 2:
A suture material acts as an intermediary element between the two needles and the tissue being sutured. The suture material connects the needles and enables the transfer of force and tension control without requiring complex manual knotting operations, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining surgical precision
2Manufacturing precision
If precise manipulation is required through small openings, then tissue approximation accuracy can be maintained, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector incorporates articulation capability that allows dynamic adjustment of the needle holder orientation. This dynamic positioning enables the surgeon to achieve precise tissue approximation angles while maintaining ease of manipulation through the endoscopic openings, resolving the contradiction between precision and operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes automatic needle advancement and positioning mechanisms that reduce the manual manipulation burden on the surgeon. The system self-adjusts to maintain precise tissue approximation while minimizing the complexity of manual operations required through the small endoscopic openings
3Productivity
If existing fastening devices like staples and clips are used, then the suturing function can be achieved, but the tension control and tissue approximation quality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the passive mechanical fastening of staples and clips with an active suture-based system that allows continuous tension adjustment. The threaded rod mechanism enables precise mechanical control of suture tension, providing superior reliability in tension control while maintaining high suturing efficiency through automated needle delivery
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for endoscopic suturing or stitching through an access tube or the like. An endoscopic stitching device is provided and includes a handle assembly; an elongate shaft supported by and extending from the handle assembly; and an end effector supported on a distal end of the elongate shaft. The end effector includes a neck assembly configured and adapted for articulation in one direction between a substantially linear configuration and an off-axis configuration, and a pair of juxtaposed jaws pivotally associated with one another. Each jaw defines a suture needle receiving recess formed in a tissue contacting surface thereof.