Knotless Suture Fastener Spring-Actuated Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac implant securing techniques require time-consuming knot tying, which prolongs heart-lung bypass duration and increases health risks due to inconsistent suture pre-tensioning.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing knotless suture fasteners that are spring-biased to self-actuate and grip onto annulus anchoring sutures, deployed using a reusable tool with disposable cartridges that include a suture snare for efficient suture management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knot tying is used to secure sutures, then the suture can be secured in place, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and increases heart-lung bypass duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the knot-tying step entirely from the suture securing process by using a pre-formed suture fastener device that secures the suture through a crimping action, eliminating the time-consuming knot tying procedure while maintaining secure fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual knot-tying mechanical system with an automated or semi-automated crimping device that applies controlled force to deform the fastener around the suture, substituting a complex manual dexterity task with a simpler mechanical action
2Reliability
If traditional knot tying is used to secure sutures, then the suture can be secured in place, but the securing force becomes inconsistent due to difficult pre-tensioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the inconsistent manual pre-tensioning and knot-tying process with a controlled crimping mechanism that applies uniform force to the fastener, ensuring consistent securing force regardless of surgeon skill or suture tensioning variability
Solution Approach 2:
The suture fastener device is designed to self-regulate the securing force through its crimping mechanism, which naturally applies appropriate compression force to lock the suture in place without requiring the surgeon to precisely control tension, making the process more reliable and consistent
3Productivity
If knotless suture fasteners are used, then the securing time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the suture securing function into separate components: a disposable suture fastener device and a reusable crimping tool, allowing the complex crimping mechanism to be reused while the simple fastener is discarded, thus managing complexity efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses disposable suture fastener devices that are simple in structure but require a complex reusable crimping tool, transferring the complexity to a durable instrument that can be sterilized and reused, while the single-use fasteners remain simple and inexpensive
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
The system significantly reduces the time required to secure cardiac implants, minimizes the risk of complications associated with prolonged heart-lung bypass, and ensures consistent securing force without the need for knot tying.
Implementation Method 1
The knotless suture fasteners are desirably spring-biased so as to self-actuate and grip onto annulus anchoring sutures passed therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A knotless suture fastener installation system for securing medical devices such as cardiac implants. The knotless suture fasteners may be spring-biased so as to grip onto sutures passed therethrough. The system includes a fastener deployment tool with a proximal handle and a distal shaft to which a fastener cartridge attaches. A plurality of disposable cartridges are sequentially attached to the end of the deployment tool and used to secure the medical implant one fastener at a time. The deployment tool may also cut the sutures being fastened.