Needle Cartridge Cage for Surgical Suturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical suturing methods, both manual and automated, face challenges in efficiently and accurately suturing tissues during procedures like endoscopic, laparoscopic, or arthroscopic surgeries, as they often require manual handling and lack a reliable mechanism to prevent needle rotation in the opposite direction during suturing.
Innovation Solution
A surgical suturing device featuring an arced needle with a needle driver that rotates the needle in a circular path, utilizing a cleat mechanism to prevent rotation in the opposite direction, and a cartridge system with a track and cover design that captures and releases the needle for precise suturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual suturing is performed using fine graspers to hold and manipulate the needle, then the surgeon can control the suturing process, but the procedure is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The automated suturing device performs suturing operations autonomously without requiring continuous manual manipulation of the needle. The device loads the needle into the needle driver, positions it, and executes the suturing cycle automatically, allowing the surgeon to simply activate the procedure with a button press rather than manually handling the needle throughout the entire process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical manipulation system (surgeon's hands and fine graspers) with an automated mechanical system consisting of a needle driver, actuator, and control mechanism that automatically positions and manipulates the needle through the tissue, thereby increasing speed while reducing manual effort
2Productivity
If automated suturing devices are used to speed up the process, then suturing efficiency increases, but reliable mechanisms to prevent needle rotation in the opposite direction are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cleat as an intermediary component between the needle driver and the needle. This cleat engages with a corresponding feature on the needle to prevent rotation in the opposite direction, providing reliable rotational control while allowing the automated driving motion to proceed efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The cleat mechanism is designed to preemptively counteract unwanted needle rotation by engaging with the needle before reverse rotation can occur. This preliminary anti-action ensures that the needle maintains proper orientation throughout the automated suturing cycle, preventing positioning errors and ensuring reliable operation
3Extent of automation
If a needle driver rotates the needle in a circular path, then automated suturing is achieved, but the needle may rotate in the wrong direction without a prevention mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat acts as an intermediary that mediates between the automated circular rotation mechanism and the needle. It allows the needle to be driven in the correct rotational direction while blocking rotation in the opposite direction, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy despite the high degree of automation
Solution Approach 2:
The cleat and its engagement feature on the needle are designed with asymmetric geometry that permits rotation in one direction (the driving direction) while preventing rotation in the opposite direction. This asymmetric design ensures precise needle positioning is maintained during automated operation
Data Source
AI summary
A needle cartridge is adapted to be attached to a receiver on a surgical suturing device. The cartridge comprises an arced needle having a leading end, a trailing end, and a length of suture. A body has a track receiving the needle and defining a circular path. A needle driver is operable to rotate the needle along the circular path. A cover captures the needle in the track. A cage engages and retains the needle cover against the body. The cage may slide relative the body to disengage with a portion of the cover allowing the cover to deflect and release the needle from the track.