Laparoscopic Suture Device Impulse Deployment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laparoscopic tackers face challenges in positioning and deploying fasteners effectively due to their rigid nature and limited access, leading to complications such as irritation, dislodgment, and reduced tensile strength, while also compromising surgeon control during the fastening process.
Innovation Solution
A suturing device with a drive mechanism and impulse mechanism that advances and retracts needles from a retracted to an extended position, allowing for precise control and energy accumulation for efficient deployment and release of sutures or fasteners, facilitating minimally invasive procedures with reduced complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional laparoscopic tackers are used with simple-action mechanisms for automated fastener deployment, then ease of operation is improved, but surgeon control during the fastening process deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static, fully automated mechanism to a dynamic system where the surgeon can control the timing and pace of fastener deployment. The trigger mechanism allows the surgeon to initiate deployment when ready, and the progressive deployment mechanism allows the surgeon to control the speed and timing of each fastener release, maintaining tactile feedback while enabling automated assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates tactile feedback mechanisms that allow the surgeon to feel tissue engagement and fastener deployment in real-time. This feedback loop maintains the surgeon's connection to the fastening process while utilizing automated mechanisms to assist with the actual deployment action, resolving the contradiction between automation and control.
2Productivity
If conventional laparoscopic tackers deploy fasteners quickly and suddenly, then productivity is improved, but tissue trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying all fasteners in a single sudden action, the device enables periodic deployment where fasteners are released sequentially or in controlled groups. The surgeon can control the timing between deployments, allowing tissue to adjust and reducing cumulative trauma while maintaining overall surgical efficiency through the automated assistance mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows the surgeon to deploy fasteners at a controlled pace rather than all at once. By using the automated mechanism to assist with each individual deployment or small groups of deployments, the surgeon can maintain productivity while avoiding the excessive force and speed that cause tissue trauma in fully automated single-action systems.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If absorbable tacks are used to reduce patient irritation, then object-generated harmful factors are reduced, but tensile strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables precise control over the deployment parameters of absorbable tacks, including insertion depth, angle, and force applied. By optimizing these parameters, the device maximizes the initial tensile strength of absorbable materials while minimizing tissue irritation. The controlled deployment ensures proper engagement of the absorbable tack with tissue, achieving optimal balance between strength and biocompatibility.
4Extent of automation
If conventional tackers position fasteners with manual control, then surgeon control is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in releasing fasteners into tough tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an automated deployment mechanism as an intermediary between the surgeon's manual control and the fastener release action. The surgeon maintains control through the trigger mechanism and overall device positioning, while the automated mechanism handles the difficult task of releasing fasteners into tough fibrous tissue, combining the benefits of both manual control and automated assistance.
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 device enhances control and reduces complications by providing a reliable and efficient means of fastening tissue and prosthetic mesh with reduced irritation, while maintaining optimal holding strength and minimizing tissue trauma.
Implementation Method 1
The impulse mechanism may be operatively coupled to the drive mechanism and configured to accumulate energy during engagement of the suturing needle, and instantaneously release the accumulated energy through the drive mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A suturing device is provided. The suturing device may include at least one suturing needle, a drive mechanism and an impulse mechanism. The drive mechanism may be operatively coupled to the suturing needle and configured to advance the suturing needle from a retracted position to an extended position during engagement, and retract the suturing needle from the extended position to the retracted position during disengagement. The impulse mechanism may be operatively coupled to the drive mechanism and configured to accumulate energy during engagement of the suturing needle, and instantaneously release the accumulated energy through the drive mechanism during disengagement.