Endoscopic Suture Shuttle Closure for Large Tissue Defects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic devices struggle to effectively close large defects or wounds that are too large for hemostasis clips to bridge, such as those resulting from treatments like large lesion removal, full thickness tissue removal, and post-surgical issues, lacking efficient suturing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A suture device adapted for use with an endoscope, featuring a suturing body with a circular track and a curved shuttle that penetrates tissue, utilizing manual or motor-driven elongate members or electromagnets to guide the shuttle, allowing for precise suturing within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hemostasis clips are used to close defects, then the procedure is simple and quick, but they cannot effectively close large defects or wounds
Solution Approach 1:
The suturing device is divided into distinct functional modules: a delivery system for minimally invasive insertion, a suturing body with circular track that defines the suture path, a curved shuttle that carries the suture, and a pusher mechanism that advances the shuttle. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to close large defects that hemostasis clips cannot handle.
2Reliability
If complex suturing devices are used to close large defects, then closure effectiveness improves, but the procedure requires multiple operators and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions into a single integrated system that can be operated by one operator. The delivery system, suturing body, shuttle, and pusher are combined into one device that performs tissue engagement, suture deployment, and knot tying automatically or with minimal manual input, eliminating the need for multiple operators that would be required with traditional suturing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The suturing device incorporates automatic or semi-automatic mechanisms that perform complex suturing actions without requiring constant manual intervention. The pusher automatically advances the shuttle through the circular track, the device automatically engages tissue, and the suture is automatically deployed and tied, allowing a single operator to control the entire closing process.
3Productivity
If traditional suturing methods are used, then large defects can be closed, but the procedure is time-consuming and requires multiple operators
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with the suture material and positioning mechanisms before insertion. The circular track is pre-formed to guide the shuttle along the optimal suture path, and the pusher is pre-positioned to advance the shuttle. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming manual suture threading and positioning during the procedure, significantly reducing suturing time while maintaining effectiveness for large defects.
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 effective closure of large defects endoscopically with minimal invasiveness, facilitating single-operator use and reducing the need for additional individuals during the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electromagnets disposed within the suturing body and a plurality of magnets disposed within the curved shuttle, wherein actuating the electromagnets within the suturing body with an alternating polarity may cause the curved shuttle to translate within the circular track
Data Source
AI summary
A suture device includes a suturing body defining a circular track that extends around a periphery of the suturing body, the circular track including an open portion adapted to allow tissue to enter the open portion. A curved shuttle is disposed within the circular track, the curved shuttle including a pointed leading edge and adapted to hold a suture relative to the curved shuttle. In some cases, a curved pusher is disposed within the circular track and is adapted to push the curved shuttle around the circular track in a first direction around the circular track such that the pointed leading edge penetrates any tissue disposed within the open portion. In some cases, electromagnets may be used to move the curved shuttle relative to the suturing body.