Integrated Laparoscopic Suturing and Knotting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic surgery faces challenges in suturing and knotting due to the limitations of current instruments, which are difficult to operate and result in insufficiently strong and symmetrical knots, leading to a high failure rate and increased surgical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A suturing and knotting integrated device with a knotting assembly and operation/control apparatus that simplifies the process by using a double-loop slipknot, which converts into a double sheet bend, providing enhanced knot strength and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional suturing technique is used in laparoscopic surgery, then the suturing process can be performed, but the knotting process becomes difficult and time-consuming with high failure rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suturing and knotting processes into a single integrated device and procedure. The suturing needle and suture are pre-loaded with a slipknot configuration on the device, allowing the surgeon to perform both suturing and knotting in one continuous motion through the abdominal cavity, eliminating the need for separate knotting operations outside or inside the cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The slipknot is pre-formed and positioned on the suture within the device before insertion. The suture is threaded through the tissue with the slipknot already in place, and the drive member is pre-positioned to engage with the slipknot. This preliminary preparation allows the knot to be formed automatically as the suture is pulled through, ensuring consistent and reliable knot formation without requiring separate knotting steps.
2Reliability
If conventional knotting method is used in narrow abdominal cavity space, then the knot can be tied, but the knot lacks symmetry and strength due to limited space and two-dimensional perception
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs the knotting action automatically through its mechanical design. When the suture is pulled through the tissue, the pre-formed slipknot on the suture automatically converts into a secure flat knot through the device's drive member mechanism. This self-executing knotting process eliminates the need for the surgeon to manually manipulate the knot in the narrow abdominal cavity, ensuring consistent knot strength and symmetry without increasing procedural complexity.
3Productivity
If separate suturing and knotting stages are used, then the processes can be performed independently, but the overall surgical time increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the suturing and knotting operations into a single continuous procedure. The device allows the surgeon to insert the suture with the slipknot pre-formed, and as the suture is pulled through the tissue, the knot is automatically formed and secured. This merging of two separate stages into one operation significantly reduces surgical time and eliminates the need for separate knotting steps inside or outside the abdominal cavity.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical suturing and knotting integrated device includes a knotting assembly and an operation/control apparatus. The knotting assembly has a suture pre-tied with a slipknot and a loop. In use, the knotting assembly is mounted on a front end of the operation/control apparatus and the front end of the operation/control apparatus is extended into a patient's abdominal cavity to perform laparoscopic surgery. In suturing process, the operation/control apparatus is used to enlarge the loop of the suture, whereby the suture and one end of the suturing needle can be easily passed through the loop. Then, the operation/control apparatus is used to minify the loop and detach the slipknot of the suture from the knotting assembly and change the slipknot into a fixed knot.