Motorized Suturing Instrument with Orbital Needle Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical suturing instruments lack a comprehensive solution for automating the suturing process, particularly in terms of efficiently actuating needle appliers, articulating shafts, and rotating needles, which can lead to operator fatigue and potential errors during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical suturing instrument featuring a handle assembly with a motorized drive assembly that integrates actuation of the needle applier cartridge, articulation of the shaft, and rotation of the needle applier cartridge, utilizing a single motor and transmission assembly to reduce component count and enhance ease of use, along with a modular shaft assembly for disposable or reusable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual suturing is performed using fine graspers to hold and manipulate the needle, then the surgeon has direct control over the suturing process, but operator fatigue increases and potential for errors rises during prolonged procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The automated needle applier performs the suturing function autonomously once activated by the operator. The device self-actuates the needle through orbital motion and automatic tissue penetration, reducing the need for continuous manual manipulation and grasper handling, thereby decreasing operator fatigue while maintaining procedural control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical manipulation of needles with graspers with an automated mechanical system. A motor-driven needle applier with orbital motion mechanism automates the needle actuation, tissue penetration, and suture deployment processes, eliminating the need for continuous manual grasper operations and reducing human error
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for needle actuation, shaft articulation, and needle rotation, then each function can be independently controlled, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (needle actuation, shaft articulation, and needle rotation) into a single integrated needle applier cartridge. The orbital motion mechanism simultaneously achieves needle advancement and rotation, while the articulation joint integrates shaft deflection capability, reducing the overall component count while maintaining independent control of each function through a unified actuation system
Solution Approach 2:
The needle applier cartridge is designed as a multi-functional unit that performs needle actuation, shaft articulation, and needle rotation within a single component assembly. The orbital drive mechanism provides universal functionality by achieving multiple objectives (needle penetration, rotation, and suture deployment) through a single integrated mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity
3Productivity
If automated needle actuation is implemented, then operator fatigue is reduced and suturing efficiency improves, but the device requires motorized components that may increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a motorized needle applier with an orbital motion mechanism that automatically actuates the needle for tissue penetration and suture deployment. This automated mechanical system replaces manual grasper operations, significantly improving suturing efficiency and reducing operator fatigue, while the integrated design keeps the motorized components compact and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system is segmented into a modular needle applier cartridge that can be independently replaced or sterilized. The motorized drive assembly is separated from the disposable needle cartridge, allowing the complex motorized components to be reused while the needle portion is disposable, thereby managing device complexity through modular segmentation
4Reliability
If reusable components are designed to withstand sterilization temperatures, then surgical safety is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity and material selection constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into reusable and disposable segments. The handle assembly with motorized drive is designed as a reusable component that can withstand sterilization temperatures and processes. The needle applier cartridge is designed as a disposable component that does not require sterilization, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity for the disposable portion while ensuring surgical safety through sterilization of the reusable handle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material and design parameters to different device segments based on their sterilization requirements. The reusable handle components are manufactured with materials and specifications optimized for high-temperature sterilization, while the disposable needle cartridge uses materials optimized for single-use performance, thereby managing manufacturing complexity through parameter differentiation
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a body, at least one user input feature, an elongate shaft, a needle applier, and a motor. The needle applier includes a needle and a drive assembly coupled to the needle. The drive assembly is configured to drive the needle along an orbital path about a rotation axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, in response to an actuation of the user input feature. The motor is configured provide motion to the needle applier to thereby actuate the drive assembly.