Mesh Suture Needle Attachment Using a Tapered Intervening Segment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sutures with a single-point cross-section concentrate force at a geometric point, increasing the likelihood of tissue cut-through, and macroporous mesh sutures require larger needles that cause unnecessary tissue trauma during use.
Innovation Solution
A method of indirectly attaching a macroporous mesh suture to a standard-sized surgical needle using an intervening segment that tapers and reduces the cross-sectional dimension for insertion, allowing for a smaller needle to be used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If macroporous mesh sutures are directly attached to a needle, then the suture can be delivered, but a large needle is required which causes unnecessary tissue trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The suture assembly is segmented into three distinct components: the macroporous mesh suture, an intervening segment, and the needle. The intervening segment acts as a separate component that bridges the size gap between the large mesh suture and the standard-sized needle, allowing the suture to be delivered without requiring a large needle that would cause tissue trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
An intervening segment is introduced as a mediator between the macroporous mesh suture and the needle. This intervening segment has a size that allows it to be attached to a standard-sized needle while also being able to receive and attach the larger mesh suture, thereby enabling the use of a smaller needle that causes less tissue trauma.
2Ease of operation
If conventional sutures with single-point cross-section are used, then radial symmetry is achieved eliminating directional orientation, but force is concentrated at a geometric point increasing likelihood of tissue cut-through
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional circular cross-section of the suture is replaced with an asymmetric macroporous mesh structure. This mesh structure has a flattened or irregular cross-sectional profile that is not radially symmetric, which allows for better force distribution across the tissue while still maintaining ease of operation through the needle.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is constructed as a macroporous mesh material rather than a solid conventional suture. The porous structure allows tissue to grow through and around the suture, distributing forces more evenly across the tissue-suture interface and preventing force concentration at geometric points, thereby reducing the likelihood of tissue cut-through.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the mesh suture cross-sectional dimension is reduced for needle attachment, then a smaller needle can be used, but the suture strength and tissue integration capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The suture assembly is designed to be dynamic in configuration. The macroporous mesh suture can collapse or deform during passage through the needle and intervening segment, allowing it to fit through a smaller opening. Once deployed in the tissue, the suture expands to its full macroporous structure, maintaining its strength and tissue integration capabilities without requiring a large needle.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes a surgical needle, an elongated suture, and an intervening segment. The elongated suture has a first end proximate to the needle and a second end located away from the needle. The elongated suture also includes a plurality of fibers defining a mesh wall between the first and second ends. A plurality of pores extend through the mesh wall, at least some which are in the macroporous size range of greater than 200 microns for facilitating tissue integration when introduced into a body. The intervening segment is disposed between and connected to either or both ends of the elongated suture and the needle. The intervening segment includes one or more fibers of the plurality of fibers and has a cross-sectional dimension smaller than a cross-sectional dimension of the mesh wall such that the intervening segment facilitates indirect attachment of the elongated macroporous mesh suture to the needle.