Helical Pusher Suture Delivery for Wound Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wound closure devices for minimally invasive medical procedures often require permanent or semi-permanent implantation, direct pressure, or staples for hemostasis, lacking an efficient method using sutures for wound closure.
Innovation Solution
A wound closure device featuring a helically-shaped pusher that penetrates body tissue with a suture, retracting while leaving the suture in place to close the wound, allowing for removal of the device and subsequent suture tightening for tissue closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional wound closure devices use staples, sutures, or direct pressure for hemostasis, then wound closure is achieved, but the procedure requires permanent or semi-permanent implantation and lacks efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the closure function into two distinct components: a biodegradable pusher that delivers the suture and then degrades, and a non-biodegradable suture that remains to close the wound. This segmentation allows the delivery mechanism to be temporary while the closure function is permanent, improving efficiency without requiring permanent implants for the delivery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher is designed to be biodegradable and temporary, serving only as a delivery mechanism. After delivering the suture through the tissue, the pusher degrades and is naturally eliminated by the body. This disposable approach eliminates the need for permanent or semi-permanent implantation of the delivery device, improving overall procedure efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If a helical pusher is used to deliver the suture, then suture placement is simplified, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher employs a helical (screw-like) curvature that naturally translates rotational motion into linear advancement through the tissue. This curved geometry simplifies the delivery operation by allowing the pusher to be rotated like a corkscrew to penetrate and deposit the suture, making the procedure easier while the helical structure itself is a simple geometric form rather than a complex mechanism.
3Reliability
If direct pressure is used for hemostasis, then the procedure is simple, but wound closure is less effective compared to suture methods
Solution Approach 1:
The biodegradable pusher serves a dual function: it delivers the suture and then automatically degrades in the body, eliminating the need for removal surgery. This self-service characteristic allows the device to perform the complex suture delivery function reliably while the degradation process occurs naturally, balancing effectiveness with acceptable complexity.
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
Facilitates efficient and effective wound closure using a suture, reducing the need for permanent implants and enhancing hemostasis by maintaining suture threads through the tissue for secure wound sealing.
Implementation Method 1
A wound closure device has a helically-shaped pusher that pushes a suture through body tissue. After the pusher penetrates the body tissue, the pusher is retracted back through the body tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided for closing a wound, such as a percutaneous access site. The device is inserted into the wound, and a helically shaped pusher is actuated to penetrate a wall of the wound. The pusher extends a suture through the tissue wall. After the suture is extending through the tissue wall, the pusher is retracted out of the tissue, while the suture remains extending through the tissue. The suture may then be used to close the wound.