Helical Needle Suturing Device for Rapid Vascular Closure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suturing methods, both manual and mechanical, are either time-intensive or unreliable, particularly in vascular procedures, where rapid and secure closure of wounds or incisions is critical.
Innovation Solution
A suturing device featuring a helical or coiled needle driven by external shafts with grooves and a partial-round arbor, utilizing friction between the needle and rollers to rotate the needle in place, allowing for secure and rapid suturing without advancement or retraction, suitable for both open and vascular procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual suturing is used, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-intensive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical suturing with an automated mechanical system that uses a rotating helical needle driven by a motorized drive assembly. The needle rotates automatically to advance the suture through tissue, eliminating the need for manual manipulation while maintaining secure suture placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical needle design allows the suture to be automatically advanced through tissue rotation alone, without requiring separate advancement mechanisms. The rotation of the needle itself performs both the piercing and suture advancement functions, simplifying the system while improving reliability.
2Productivity
If mechanical suturing approaches are used, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to limitations in use environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic helical needle that rotates during operation, allowing it to adapt to different tissue types and procedural requirements. The rotation mechanism provides controlled advancement through varying tissue densities, maintaining reliability across different surgical environments while preserving rapid suturing capability.
3Ease of operation
If the needle advances or retracts during suturing, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the rotation function from the advancement function. The helical needle rotates in place to advance the suture through tissue, while the needle itself remains stationary in terms of axial position. This extraction of the advancement function from needle translation simplifies the drive system while maintaining ease of operation.
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 rapid and reliable suturing in various surgical contexts, including vascular procedures, by ensuring consistent needle rotation and secure suture placement, reducing procedural time and improving reliability compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The friction between the outside of the coil of the needle and the grooves in the driving rollers power the needle rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A suturing device includes a housing; a helical needle rotatably mounted relative to the housing; and a drive assembly for rotating the needle relative to the housing whereby the helical needle carries a suture through tissue to be sutured. The needle rotates relative to the housing in an axially fixed position and carries a suture for rapid and reliable deployment to close a wound or incision.