Integrated Suture Passer and Guide for Trocar Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for closing trocar sites in laparoscopic procedures are cumbersome and lack a simple, reproducible, and reliable means to ensure proper closure, often leading to trocar site hernias due to improper or incomplete closure of the fascial/peritoneal layer.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument system comprising a needle apparatus with a sharp tip and insufflation channel for abdominal entry and closure, combined with a guide apparatus for suture capture and closure, allowing for quick and consistent wound site closure using a suture passer and snare mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods are used to close trocar sites, then additional instruments (suture passers, guides) are introduced, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suture passer and guide apparatus into a single integrated instrument. The needle apparatus with capture rod integrates the functions of tissue penetration, suture capture, and retrieval into one device, eliminating the need for separate suture passers and guides, thereby reducing instrument complexity while maintaining closure reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The needle apparatus serves multiple functions: it acts as both the piercing element and the suture carrier, while the capture rod provides both guidance and suture retrieval capabilities. This multi-functional design reduces the number of instruments needed while ensuring reliable closure
2Productivity
If traditional closure methods are used, then multiple instruments are required, but the procedure takes more time and is less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the suture passing and guiding functions into a single apparatus, the patent eliminates the time required to introduce and coordinate multiple separate instruments. The integrated design allows for a more streamlined, efficient closure procedure that reduces overall closure time
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is pre-loaded onto the needle apparatus before insertion, and the capture rod is pre-positioned to receive the suture. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming instrument manipulation during the closure procedure, thereby improving productivity
3Reliability
If traditional instruments are used, then proper closure is difficult to achieve, but the risk of hernias increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capture rod automatically captures the suture material as the needle passes through the tissue, and the integrated design ensures proper positioning and tensioning of the suture. This self-service mechanism reduces reliance on surgeon skill and instrument coordination, thereby improving closure reliability and reducing hernia risk
Data Source
AI summary
A trocar wound closure system includes a suture passing needle and a guide for directing the needle through the wound site. A distal portion of the needle includes a capture rod with a slot. An obturator tube with a cutout section can be axially actuated to align the cutout section with the slot, and then moved out of alignment so as to capture the suture. The guide includes at least two tracks for directing the needle through the tissue track. A snare loop is located adjacent to the exit of each track, and configured to be actuated from a radially extended configuration to a retracted configuration so as to capture the suture section inserted through each loop. Radially expandable arms at distal section are movable between an expanded configuration and a slender configuration.