Multiple-Firing Suture Fixation Device Crimp Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical suture fixation devices generate significant waste and require individual crimp loading during procedures, leading to potential loss of crimps within the patient and difficulties in securing proper crimps.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-firing suture fixation device that pre-loads multiple crimps, allowing for automatic loading and secure crimping without waste generation, using a mechanism with a crimp movement assembly, snare, and cutting assembly to efficiently pass cords through crimps and cut excess suture material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single crimp is loaded into the end effector and secured for a single crimp use, then the crimp can be properly secured and used, but significant plastic waste is generated during the suture tying process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable loading hook and teardrop shaped plastic handle that are discarded after a single use. These inexpensive components enable reliable crimp loading and securing while accepting the waste they generate, as they are replaced with fresh components for each crimp operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the waste-generating components (loading hook, teardrop handle) from the permanent device structure, making them separate disposable elements. This allows the main crimping device to be reusable while acknowledging that certain auxiliary components must be discarded after single use.
2Ease of operation
If a loading hook and teardrop shaped plastic handle are used to secure the crimp, then the crimp can be held outwards as a loop and secured, but a large plastic handle must be removed and disposed of after each use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the crimp loading system into separate functional components: a reusable end effector, a disposable loading hook, and a disposable teardrop handle. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling efficient disposal of only the worn parts rather than the entire device.
3Ease of manufacture
If the crimp is pressed into the distal end of the end effector, then the crimp is secured in position, but there is no positive method of securing the crimp and it may become dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-securing mechanism where the loading hook automatically engages and positions the crimp within the end effector. The crimp's own structure (loop configuration) works with the loading hook to achieve positive positioning without requiring additional active securing components.
4Ease of operation
If the snare loop is used to pull the sutures through the crimp, then the sutures can be passed through the crimp, but the snare loop must also be discarded after use
Solution Approach 1:
The snare loop serves multiple functions: it guides the suture through the crimp, holds the suture in position during crimping, and can be used to retrieve the crimp after deployment. This multi-functionality maximizes the utility of a single disposable component throughout the entire crimping process.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-firing clip device comprises a shaft comprising an exterior surface, an interior receiving therein suture fixation clips, and a distal end opening shaped to eject a suture fixation clip therefrom. The shaft defines a lateral opening and a distal shaft portion between the lateral opening and the distal end opening. A shuttle moves on the shaft and comprises a shuttle body, a snare having a distal snare portion, and a snare extension slide movable from the shuttle body along a given extent defining a slide distance and a distal end. The shuttle extends at least the distal snare portion distally through the lateral opening from the environment into the interior, through the distal shaft portion, and through the distal end opening along a length that is at least equal to the slide distance when the snare extension slide moves to the distal end of the given extent.