Flexible Surgical Staple Bridge for Faster Multi-Layer Tissue Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical closure methods, particularly for multi-layer tissue approximation, are time-consuming, difficult to implement, and prone to failure, leading to complications such as seromas and the need for surgical drains, which are painful and ineffective in preventing fluid accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A surgical staple with flexible, resorbable legs and barbed anchor portions that expand or contract after insertion into tissue, secured by a handle and insertion device, allowing precise and efficient approximation and fixation of tissue layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sutures are used for tissue closure, then tissue approximation can be achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the time-consuming aspects of traditional suturing (knot tying, layer-by-layer manipulation) and replaces them with a streamlined staple deployment mechanism. The surgical staple system delivers multiple staples in rapid succession through a single insertion motion, eliminating the need for repeated knot tying and manual tissue manipulation that characterize traditional suturing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical system of needle passage, knot tying, and suture tensioning with a simplified mechanical deployment system. The surgical staple uses a pre-formed U-shape structure with deployment legs that expand upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual knot manipulation and reducing the mechanical steps required for secure tissue approximation.
2Reliability
If traditional sutures are used for multi-level closure, then tissue layers can be secured, but the difficulty of implementation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical staple is designed as a universal closure device that can effectively secure multiple tissue layers simultaneously. The U-shaped bridge and deployment legs are configured to engage with various tissue types and thicknesses, providing consistent approximation across skin, subcutaneous tissue, and deeper structural layers without requiring technique modification for different anatomical levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the closure function into discrete staple units, each independently securing tissue layers. The multiple deployment legs of each staple can engage different tissue planes separately, allowing reliable multi-level closure through a series of identical, easily deployed units rather than complex continuous suture techniques.
3Reliability
If traditional sutures are used for tissue closure, then tissue approximation is achieved, but the risk of failure and complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical staple employs a disposable, pre-formed U-shaped structure that is inserted in a single motion and deployed immediately. This eliminates the prolonged presence of suture materials that can cause chronic inflammation, infection risk, and scarring. The staple's brief functional life followed by removal or resorption reduces the window for complications to develop.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical staple is pre-formed with its U-shape and deployment leg configuration before insertion, allowing the tissue approximation function to be established immediately upon deployment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the step-by-step tensioning and knot securing required with traditional sutures, reducing the time tissue is under manipulation and the risk of iatrogenic damage during the closure process.
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
The surgical staple system reduces the risk of seromas and eliminates the need for surgical drains by providing secure, precise, and efficient closure of tissue layers, minimizing fluid accumulation and scarring, while reducing procedural time and complications.
Implementation Method 1
one or more barbed anchor portion on the staple legs and shaped so as to resist the withdrawal from tissue once placed into tissue
Implementation Method 2
an elastic bridge portion connecting the staple legs together, the elastic bridge portion permitting the staple legs to move from a compressed state to an expanded state and from an expanded state to a compressed state
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to tissue approximation and fixation, and surgical staples and staple placement devices for surgery and the like. The present invention includes surgical staples having solid first and second legs for anchoring into respective tissue portions, and an elastically deformable bridge monolithically formed with the first leg and the second leg, the legs each forming respective angles greater than 90 degrees with respective portions of said elastically deformable bridge. The present invention also includes staple insertion device comprising a handle portion and substantially parallel insertion portions extending from the handle, the insertion portions each having an interior lateral channel, and each insertion portions having a terminal point.