Force-Limited Needle Driver for Surgical Suturing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical suturing methods, both manual and automated, face challenges in efficiency and precision, especially during minimally invasive surgeries, as they require manual handling and lack advanced mechanisms for consistent and reliable suturing.
Innovation Solution
A surgical suturing device featuring a cartridge with a needle and suture, an elongate shaft, and a receiver with a pair of jaws that can be actuated to securely hold and release the cartridge, along with a needle driver that rotates the needle in a circular path, facilitating precise suturing through a ratchet mechanism and articulation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual suturing is performed using fine graspers to hold and manipulate the needle, then the surgeon has direct control over the suturing process, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The needle driver is designed to automatically grasp, rotate, and release the suture needle without requiring continuous manual manipulation. The ratchet mechanism automatically advances the needle through tissue while the spring-loaded graspers hold the needle in place during rotation, reducing the surgeon's manual effort and increasing suturing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a ratchet mechanism that allows unidirectional rotation of the needle driver, enabling the needle to be rotated and advanced through tissue in a controlled manner. The spring-loaded graspers dynamically adjust to hold and release the needle at appropriate moments, facilitating automated suturing motion
2Productivity
If automated suturing devices are used to speed up the suturing process, then productivity increases, but precision and reliability of needle control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism provides mechanical feedback by allowing rotation only in the forward direction, ensuring consistent needle advancement through tissue. The spring-loaded graspers provide tactile feedback to maintain secure needle holding during rotation and automatic release when appropriate, ensuring reliable and repeatable suturing cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The suturing function is divided into distinct mechanical steps: the ratchet mechanism handles needle rotation and advancement, while the spring-loaded graspers handle needle holding and release. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability and precision
3Manufacturing precision
If a ratchet mechanism is used to rotate the needle in a circular path, then automated needle movement and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism is designed with a circular arc-shaped rack that guides the needle driver in a precise circular path during rotation. This curved geometry naturally ensures consistent needle rotation radius and orientation, achieving high manufacturing precision without requiring complex control systems
4Manufacturing precision
If the needle is rotated in a circular path through tissue, then consistent penetration and suture placement are achieved, but the force required to drive the needle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism enables periodic rotation of the needle driver in discrete angular increments, allowing the needle to penetrate tissue in controlled stages. This periodic motion distributes the required force over multiple small movements rather than requiring one large force application, making the device more manageable while maintaining consistent penetration
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
Enhances the efficiency and precision of suturing by allowing for automated and controlled needle movement, reducing manual effort and improving consistency during surgical procedures, particularly in endoscopic and laparoscopic surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
The pivoting jaw may comprise a resiliently biased tooth oriented toward the stationary jaw, the tooth being dimensioned and adapted to engage and distally retain the cartridge. The surgical suturing device may further comprise a spring biasing the pivoting jaw towards the closed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical suturing device comprises an arced needle comprises a length of suture. An elongate shaft comprises a proximal end and a distal end. A needle driver is on the distal end of the elongate shaft operable to engage and rotate the needle in a circular path. The needle driver reciprocates between a drive stroke wherein the needle is rotated and a return stroke. A trigger is on the proximal end of the elongate shaft. A drive rod in the elongate shaft operably connects the trigger and the needle driver. Moving the trigger in a first direction actuates the needle driver through its drive stroke, and moving the trigger in a second direction actuates the needle driver through its return stroke. A spring is operably connected to the drive rod limiting a load transmitted through the drive rod. The spring may limit the load transmitted through the drive rod when the trigger is moved in a first direction.