Automated Laparoscopic Suture Pin Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for closing laparoscopic surgical incisions are cumbersome, require costly specialized equipment, and pose risks of injury to internal organs due to reliance on manual techniques and camera guidance, necessitating a significant learning curve for proficiency.

Innovation Solution

An automated laparoscopic closure device with an automated fire and release assembly and suture cartridge system that inserts and deploys suture pins through the material, allowing for efficient and safe closure of defects with minimal manual intervention, using a trigger structure to guide the pins through the material and form a secure stitch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional manual suturing techniques are used with curved needles and camera guidance, then the surgeon can close the incision, but the risk of injury to internal organs increases and the learning curve becomes significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of internal organsVSAvoidlearning curve for practitioner

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs suturing automatically without requiring manual manipulation of needles or threads by the surgeon. The automated mechanism inserts sutures through pre-positioned guides, eliminating the need for surgeon skill in manual suturing techniques while maintaining safety through precise, controlled suture placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical suturing system (curved needles, manual threading, camera guidance) with an automated mechanical system that uses a linear needle, automated suture feeder, and controlled insertion mechanism. This substitution eliminates the learning curve associated with manual techniques while improving safety through consistent, programmable motion control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If specialized equipment is used for automated closure, then the precision and safety improve, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of suture pinsVSAvoidcost of specialized equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device integrates multiple functions into a single platform: the automated fire and release assembly can deploy multiple suture pins in sequence, the same device can close different sized defects, and the system combines positioning, insertion, and suture deployment functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, thereby lowering overall equipment cost while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The suture deployment mechanism is divided into discrete, modular components: individual suture pins, a segmented suture cartridge, and separate deployment chambers. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing of individual parts, easier assembly, and potential reuse of components, reducing the overall cost of the specialized equipment while maintaining positioning accuracy through precise mechanical guides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If manual suturing techniques are used, then the equipment cost is lower, but the time required for the procedure increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of defect closureVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated device performs suturing in a continuous sequence without interruption. The suture pins are fed automatically one after another, each pin is inserted without removing the device from the defect, and the suture is deployed continuously. This eliminates the time losses associated with manual needle handling, repositioning, and suture manipulation, significantly improving productivity and reducing procedure time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The device pre-positions multiple suture pins in a cartridge before insertion, and pre-configures the suture path through guides and tensioning mechanisms. This preliminary preparation allows the suturing action to proceed rapidly without interruption for needle loading or suture adjustment, thereby increasing the speed of defect closure and reducing overall procedure time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20230190261A1Automated laparoscopic closing method and device

Publication Date: 2023.06.22 BRAINCHILD SURGICAL DEVICES LLC

AI summary

Techniques are described for closure of a defect in material, such as closure of a laparoscopic surgical defect. A defect closure device can be inserted into the defect to capture first material adjacent to the defect. The device houses at least first and second suture pins coupled together by a suture. A first interaction with a trigger structure can force the first suture pin through the captured first material and into a containment sub-assembly. After rotating the device to capture second material adjacent to the defect, a second interaction with the trigger structure can force the second suture pin through the captured second material and into the containment sub-assembly. As such, the suture is passed through the first and second portions of the material, and the ends of the suture can be cinched, and cut to form a stitch.