Magnet-Assisted Suture Grasper for Indirect Visualization Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suture passers face challenges in capturing and retrieving sutures under indirect non-stereoscopic visualization, particularly in minimally invasive procedures, due to the lack of stereoscopic imaging, leading to increased difficulty in precise positioning and extended procedure times.

Innovation Solution

A magnet-assisted suture grasper comprising a suture retrieval needle, a retriever tube, a grasper ferrule, a grasper member, a grasper magnet, and a magnet wire, which allows for the reversible movement of the grasper member between positions to expose or sequester the grasper magnet, facilitating contact and grasping of magnetic sutures through translation within the needle lumen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a multi-arm mechanical grasper design is used, then the suture can be captured and held firmly, but precise positioning becomes extremely difficult under indirect non-stereoscopic visualization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuture capture reliabilityVSAvoidpositioning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical grasper design with a magnetic field-based system. A magnet is positioned at the distal end of the grasper shaft, and a corresponding magnet on the suture is attracted to it, enabling secure capture without requiring precise mechanical positioning of grasping elements around the suture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the grasper and the suture. Instead of direct mechanical contact required for capture, the magnetic field acts as a mediator that transmits the grasping force, allowing the operator to control the grasper's position more easily while maintaining reliable suture capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the grasper jaws are closed around the suture to capture it, then the suture is held firmly, but the long moment arm magnifies minor movements causing misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuture holding firmnessVSAvoidgrasper alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the long moment arm problem by replacing mechanical jaw closure with magnetic attraction. The magnet on the grasper shaft and the magnet on the suture create a direct magnetic coupling that does not suffer from moment arm magnification, maintaining alignment precision while ensuring firm holding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If three-dimensional imaging systems are used, then depth perception is improved for precise positioning, but the system becomes expensive and rare in the field

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth perception capabilityVSAvoidimaging system complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the need for complex 3D imaging systems with a magnetic field-based grasping mechanism. By using magnetic attraction instead of visual depth perception, the system achieves precise positioning and reliable capture without requiring expensive and complex imaging infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 the ability to grasp magnetic sutures accurately under indirect visualization, reducing the technical difficulty and extending procedure efficiency by allowing for precise suture retrieval without the need for stereoscopic imaging.

Implementation Method 1

a grasper magnet (258) disposed adjacent the intermediate portion (250) of the grasper member (246)... allowing contact between the grasper magnet (258) and a magnetic suture (500) attracted thereto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20260102153A1Magnet-assisted suture grasper comprising a suture retrieval needle, a grasper ferrule, a grasper magnet, and a magnet wire

Publication Date: 2026.04.16 APPLIED MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A magnet-assisted suture grasper for grasping a magnetic suture is provided. The magnet-assisted suture grasper includes a suture retrieval needle, a retriever tube, a grasper ferrule, a grasper member, a grasper magnet, and a magnet wire. Translation of the retriever tube within a needle lumen of the suture retrieval needle in a first direction causes the grasper member to move from a first position to a second position, thereby exposing the grasper magnet from the needle lumen and allowing contact between the grasper magnet and a magnetic suture attracted thereto. Translation of the retriever tube within the needle lumen in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the grasper member to move from the second position to the first position, thereby sequestering the grasper magnet and grasping the magnetic suture within the needle lumen.