Hollow Needle Suturing Device for One-Handed Laparoscopic Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suturing devices used in surgeries, especially laparoscopic and arthroscopic procedures, are cumbersome and require two instruments, making them slow and inefficient, and there is a need for a single-handed, rapid suturing method that can be used in difficult-to-reach areas and with minimal tissue penetration.
Innovation Solution
A suturing device featuring a hollow needle with a lumen and a self-retaining surgical suture that allows the needle to be pushed into tissue to create a hole without fully penetrating, enabling one-handed operation and mechanized suturing, with the suture resisting movement out of the tissue to secure the stitch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional suturing devices are used, then suturing can be performed, but the process requires two instruments and is cumbersome and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the needle and suture into a single integrated device. The suture is positioned within the lumen of the hollow needle, allowing both the piercing function and suture deployment function to be performed by one instrument rather than requiring separate needle and suture instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is nested within the hollow needle lumen. This nesting arrangement allows the suture to be concealed and protected within the needle structure during insertion, then deployed as the needle is withdrawn from the tissue, enabling single-instrument operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If needle is pushed fully through tissue, then suture can be placed, but it is difficult or cumbersome in difficult-to-reach places
Solution Approach 1:
The needle does not need to pass completely through the tissue to achieve suturing. The suture is deployed as the needle is partially withdrawn, allowing suturing in difficult-to-reach areas where full needle penetration would be problematic. The suture placement is achieved with partial needle insertion rather than complete traversal.
3Productivity
If two-handed sequential process is used, then needle can be pushed in and pulled out, but it requires two hands and is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The pushing and pulling actions are combined into a single continuous motion. The suture is attached to the needle in such a way that as the needle is pushed into the tissue and then withdrawn, the suture is automatically deployed in one continuous action rather than requiring separate pushing and pulling steps with different hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture deployment is self-service in that it occurs automatically as the needle is withdrawn from the tissue. The suture's interaction with the needle and tissue allows it to be placed without requiring a separate manual deployment step, enabling one-handed operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A suturing device includes a hollow needle. The hollow needle has a length extending between a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen having an inner diameter. The suturing device further includes a length of surgical suture having a leading end and a trailing end and an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the lumen. At least a portion of the surgical suture is located within the lumen of the hollow needle. A surgical kit including the suturing device and methods of using the suturing device of the present invention are also disclosed.