Minimally Invasive Suturing Head With Protected Rotating Needle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) suturing is challenging due to limited space, visualization, and mobility, requiring precise manipulation of small needles and sutures, posing risks of needle pricks and organ penetration, and existing devices are cumbersome and difficult to use.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held suturing device with a suture head assembly that allows lateral articulation and a 'locomotive-type' drive mechanism for needle rotation perpendicular to the device axis, enabling easy maneuverability and visualization, mimicking manual suturing techniques while protecting against needle exposure and organ penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If manual suturing is performed through small punctures in MIS, then minimally invasive surgery is achieved, but needle manipulation becomes extremely difficult and visualization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a hand-held actuator, a long shaft, and a needle assembly. This segmentation allows the complex suturing function to be distributed across manageable parts, making the device easier to control through small cannulas while maintaining precision in needle manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the actuator and drive system) that translates simple user inputs into precise needle movements. This intermediary layer compensates for the limited dexterity available through small punctures, enabling effective needle manipulation without requiring direct hand-eye coordination through the small cannula.
2Ease of operation
If direct needle handling is used in MIS, then suturing can be performed, but needle pricks and organ penetration risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses an intermediary drive mechanism that controls needle movement without requiring direct hand contact with the needle. The actuator system serves as a mediator between the surgeon's control and the needle, eliminating the need for direct needle handling while maintaining precise suturing capability and thereby reducing needle stick risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct manual mechanical manipulation of the needle with an automated actuator system. This substitution eliminates the harmful direct contact between the surgeon's hands and the needle, reducing the risk of needle pricks and organ penetration while preserving the mechanical suturing function.
3Ease of operation
If conventional needle drivers and forceps are used for MIS suturing, then suturing can be performed, but device complexity and difficulty of use increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: the actuator combines needle driving, suture tensioning, and positioning functions that would traditionally require separate instruments. This consolidation reduces device complexity and the number of instruments needed while maintaining complete suturing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a universal instrument that can perform multiple suturing functions through a single mechanism. The actuator system can handle different needle types, suture materials, and tissue conditions, making the device adaptable to various surgical scenarios without requiring multiple specialized instruments.
4Ease of operation
If curved needles are driven in complete circular arcs, then suturing can be performed, but tissue trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the needle path through the actuator system. Instead of fixed circular arcs, the needle can be guided to follow optimal paths that minimize tissue damage. The dynamic adjustment capability allows the needle to adapt its trajectory to the specific tissue anatomy, reducing unnecessary trauma while maintaining effective suturing.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.