Endoscopic Traction Tool for Suture Thread Tensioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suturing tools face challenges in effectively stitching wounds within confined hollow organs, such as the digestive tract, due to limitations in manipulating and pulling suture threads under endoscopic conditions.

Innovation Solution

A traction tool system comprising a flexible endoscope and a needle holder with a grasper and elongated member, allowing for the advancement and retraction of suture threads, enabling efficient suturing by relative movement of holders to apply tension to the suture thread.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional endoscopic needle holder is used to pull suture thread, then the tool can perform basic suturing, but the grasper must be frequently moved to apply tension, reducing suturing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuturing efficiencyVSAvoidfrequency of grasper movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is divided into two independent holders: a first holder that maintains grasping of the suture needle and a second holder that applies tension to the suture thread. This segmentation allows each holder to perform its specific function independently, eliminating the need to move the grasper for tension application and thereby improving suturing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second holder acts as an intermediary component dedicated to applying tension to the suture thread. By introducing this intermediate element, the system separates the tensioning function from the grasping function, allowing continuous suturing operations without requiring the grasper to be repositioned for tension application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If the grasper is moved frequently to apply tension to the suture thread, then tension can be applied, but the suturing process is interrupted, increasing operation time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetension on suture threadVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the tool into two holders with distinct functions, the first holder maintains continuous grasping of the suture needle while the second holder continuously applies tension to the suture thread. This eliminates interruptions in the suturing process and reduces operation time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-holder configuration enables continuous application of tension to the suture thread throughout the suturing process. The second holder maintains constant engagement with the suture thread, ensuring uninterrupted tension application and eliminating time losses associated with repositioning the grasper

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20230200806A1Traction tool, traction system, and traction method and suturing method for suture thread

Publication Date: 2023.06.29 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

A traction tool for performing traction, of a suture thread under a flexible endoscope is provided. The traction toot includes a first holder configured to hold the suture thread or a suture needle attached to the suture thread; a second holder having an engaging surface configured to engage the suture, thread such that the suture thread is capable of advancing and retracting and configured to release an engagement with the suture thread; and a guide member holding the first holder and the second holder such that the first holder and the second holder are relatively movable.