Laparoscopic Suturing Device with Dynamic Needle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic suturing devices are limited by complex and cumbersome operation mechanisms, which require multiple steps to complete a single stitch, and are restricted by the length of the needle that can be used due to the diameter of the trocar.
Innovation Solution
A laparoscopic suturing device with a handle assembly, an elongate shaft, a jaw assembly, and a needle, featuring a trigger mechanism, closure mechanism, and toggle mechanism that allows the needle to be selectively positioned between a stowed configuration and an open configuration, enabling efficient suturing through a small trocar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the needle length is increased to suture thicker tissues, then the suturing capability is improved, but the device cannot be advanced through the trocar due to diameter constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is configured to be movable between a first position where it extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the instrument shaft and a second position where it is more parallel to the longitudinal axis. This dynamic repositioning allows the needle to be advanced through the trocar in the parallel position, then rotated to the perpendicular position for suturing operations, resolving the contradiction between needle length and ease of advancement.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex operation mechanisms are used to control the suturing tool, then the precision of stitch placement is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple operational steps
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument integrates multiple functions including needle advancement, jaw actuation, and needle rotation into a single unified mechanism that moves along a predetermined path. This merging of functions allows the operator to control complex suturing actions through a single operational input, maintaining precision while reducing the number of discrete operational steps required.
3Ease of operation
If the needle is positioned perpendicular to the trocar axis to enable suturing, then the suturing function is improved, but the device complexity increases due to positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The needle positioning mechanism utilizes dynamic movement along a predetermined path with a predetermined radius of curvature. The needle can be rotated from a parallel position (for insertion) to a perpendicular position (for suturing) through a controlled rotational movement, enabling the suturing function without requiring complex fixed positioning mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A laparoscopic suturing device is provided. The suturing device can pass a suturing needle back and forth between jaws of a jaw assembly to suture tissue at a surgical site in a minimally invasive procedure. The jaw assembly can have a pivotable jaw member in each jaw to position the jaw assembly and needle in a low-profile stowed configuration for insertion through a low diameter surgical port. The jaw assembly can be actuated by a handle assembly that provides simultaneous needle passing from a driving jaw to a receiving jaw and latching the needle within the receiving jaw in a single trigger cycle.