Magnetic Needle Driver for Intracorporeal Suture Tying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intracorporeal suture tying during laparoscopic procedures is often slow and cumbersome due to the limitations of existing techniques, which can increase the complexity and time required for minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A needle driver with a magnet section that rotates to form a loop in the suture, allowing for efficient knot tying by magnetically securing a needle to the magnet section and moving it relative to a clamp to create a knot, reducing the complexity and time associated with laparoscopic procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional laparoscopic suture tying techniques are used, then surgical procedures can be performed minimally invasively, but the suture tying process becomes slow and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical suture tying methods with a magnetic field-based system. A magnet section on the needle driver interacts with a ferromagnetic needle to enable rotation and loop formation without complex mechanical linkages, significantly simplifying the suture tying process and reducing time
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet section acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's control and the needle's movement. By using magnetic interaction rather than direct mechanical connection, the system achieves precise control of the needle and suture with simpler device architecture
2Reliability
If traditional intracorporeal suture tying is performed, then tissue can be secured during laparoscopic surgery, but the complexity of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical transmission systems by using magnetic fields to control needle rotation and suture loop formation. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable tissue securing capability through precise control of the suture knot
3Productivity
If a magnet section is added to the needle driver, then suture tying efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet section serves as a compact intermediary component that enables complex needle manipulation functions without requiring elaborate mechanical mechanisms. The magnetic field acts as an invisible transmission medium, achieving high productivity with minimal added physical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet section performs multiple functions: it attracts and holds the ferromagnetic needle, transmits rotational motion to form suture loops, and enables precise positioning. This multi-functionality in a single component improves productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 described method and device significantly reduce the time and complexity of intracorporeal suture tying, enhancing the viability and efficiency of minimally invasive surgical techniques by facilitating faster and more precise knot formation.
Implementation Method 1
A needle coupled to a second end portion of the suture may be magnetically secured to the magnet section
Data Source
AI summary
Needle drivers and methods of the present disclosure are generally directed at intracorporeal suture tying using a winding technique. For example, a needle driver may include an elongate shaft having a magnet section between a proximal section and a distal section. A clamp coupled to the distal section may grasp a first end portion of a suture. A needle coupled to a second end portion of the suture may be magnetically secured to the magnet section, and the magnet section may then be rotated to form a loop in the suture. Forming a knot in the suture may include moving the loop over the first end portion of the suture grasped in the clamp. As compared to other intracorporeal suture tying techniques, intracorporeal knot tying carried out using the needle drivers and methods of the present disclosure may reduce the time and complexity associated with laparoscopic procedures.