Endoscopic Suture Device Integrating Grasping and Needle Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suture devices for medical use face challenges in efficiently and precisely suturing living body tissue, particularly when used with endoscopes, as they often require separate grasping forceps and lack efficient mechanisms for needle manipulation and locking.
Innovation Solution
A suture device with a suture needle having conically shaped ends and groove portions, paired with grasping members and needle locking mechanisms, allows for precise tissue puncture and suture placement, enabling the device to function as both forceps and a suture tool within a single endoscope channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional suture devices use separate grasping forceps and needle manipulation tools, then the device can perform basic suturing functions, but the device complexity increases and working efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (grasping, needle manipulation, locking) into a single integrated end effector assembly. The first and second grasping members can independently hold the suture needle at different positions, while the locking mechanism secures the needle in place, eliminating the need for separate forceps and manipulation tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is designed as a universal tool that can perform multiple functions: grasping tissue, holding the suture needle at various positions, manipulating the needle during passage, and locking the needle in place. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate devices needed.
2Ease of operation
If the suture needle manipulation mechanism is simplified, then the device ease of operation improves, but the needle locking precision and reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and secure the suture needle in place through the interaction between the locking portion on the needle and the corresponding locking structure in the end effector. Once the needle is positioned, the locking portion and groove portion automatically lock together, providing reliable fixation without requiring additional manual operations.
3Productivity
If the end effector is designed to function as both forceps and suture tool, then the productivity improves by eliminating separate forceps, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is segmented into distinct functional components: first and second grasping members for holding the needle, a locking mechanism for securing the needle, and release mechanisms for each component. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently while being integrated into a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector incorporates movable and adjustable components that can change their configuration based on operational needs. The grasping members can open and close to hold or release the needle, the locking mechanism can engage or disengage, and the release mechanisms allow dynamic control over each function, enabling the device to adapt between different operational states.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A suture device is provided with a longitudinal member; a pair of grasping members; a suture needle; a power transmitting member; an opening-closing operating portion; a pair of needle locking portions having a fist needle locking member and a second needle locking member and locking or releasing the suture needle to or from the pair of grasping members; a pair of linear members connected to the pair of needle locking portions; a needle locking and operating portion that operates the pair of linear members; a link member having a first end and a second end connected to the pair of linear members; and rotatable support portions that rotatably support the link member.