Laparoscopic Suturing Device with Suction Tissue Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional suturing devices for laparoscopic surgery are cumbersome and require significant physical movement to suture disconnected tissues, posing challenges in precision and increasing the risk of complications like hemorrhaging.
Innovation Solution
A suturing device with flexible arms that use suction to manipulate and hold tissues in place, allowing a movable needle to apply sutures between two pieces of tissue without reorientation, facilitated by motors and a processor-controlled system for precise needle placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional suturing devices are used to suture disconnected tissues, then the suturing process can be completed, but the surgeon must physically move the device between tissues which reduces precision and increases operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple suturing functions into a single device that can suture multiple tissues simultaneously. The suturing device includes a first portion for applying a suture to a first tissue and a second portion for applying a suture to a second tissue, allowing both tissues to be sutured without moving the device between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The suturing device is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple suturing tasks. It can apply sutures to different tissues (e.g., skin incisions and internal organ incisions) using the same device, eliminating the need for separate devices or repositioning.
2Reliability
If traditional hand suturing technique is used, then sutures can be applied through tissues, but high precision is required and complications like hemorrhaging increase if not performed properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical suturing with an automated suturing device. The device uses a motorized needle driver and controlled suture application mechanism, eliminating the need for the surgeon to manually manipulate the needle and reducing the risk of human error and complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The suturing device performs the suturing operation autonomously under surgical control. The device includes self-contained components for tissue grasping, needle positioning, and suture application, allowing precise control without requiring the surgeon's direct manual intervention for each suturing step.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single suturing device is used for multiple tissues, then device versatility improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The suturing device is divided into separate functional portions: a first portion for first tissue suturing and a second portion for second tissue suturing. Each portion can be independently positioned and operated, allowing the device to handle multiple tissues while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
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
Enhances tissue manipulation and reduces the need for physical reorientation of the suturing device, improving precision and reducing the risk of complications during laparoscopic procedures by allowing for efficient suturing of both internal and external incisions.
Implementation Method 1
a pump configured to generate a suction force through the pair of flexible arms to draw the tissue towards the pair of flexible arms
Data Source
AI summary
Some suturing devices include a pair of flexible arms configured to force two pieces of tissue together and form a protrusion defined by the two pieces of tissue. Some suturing devices include a third flexible arm including a movable needle configured to apply a suture through both pieces of tissue of the protrusion. Some suturing devices include an actuator configured to move each flexible arm of the pair of flexible arms independently relative to the tissue and move the third flexible arm relative to the tissue. Some suturing devices include a pump configured to generate a suction force through the pair of flexible arms to force the tissue towards the pair of flexible arms.