Nested Suture Cinching and Cutting for Remote-Site Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical devices for securing and terminating sutures lack efficient and reliable methods for cinching and cutting sutures, particularly in challenging remote sites within the body, such as the GI tract and heart, where access is difficult.

Innovation Solution

A medical device comprising an elongated shaft, connection sleeve, cinch sleeve, and cinch member, with a longitudinally movable inner shaft, allows for the securement and cutting of sutures through a series of configurations, enabling the cinch to be applied and detached from the suture, facilitating easy deployment and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing medical devices are used for securing and terminating sutures, then the basic function of suture termination is achieved, but the efficiency and reliability are insufficient particularly in challenging remote sites

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of suture cinching and cuttingVSAvoidease of deployment and removal in remote sites

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs a nested configuration where the cinch member is received within the cinch sleeve, which in turn is received within the connection sleeve, all along the elongated shaft. This nested arrangement allows the entire cinching and cutting mechanism to be delivered through a single catheter to remote sites while maintaining functional reliability. The nested structure enables compact packaging for delivery and systematic deployment during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into distinct functional components: the elongated shaft for delivery, the connection sleeve for anchoring, the cinch sleeve for suture engagement, and the cinch member for applying the cinching force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling reliable operation in challenging remote sites through coordinated action of the segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex device structure is used to achieve reliable suture cinching and cutting, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility for different suture securing configurationsVSAvoidcomplexity of device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device achieves versatility through the connection sleeve that can engage with different suture configurations and the cinch member that can apply cinching force in multiple orientations. The standardized elongated shaft and sleeve interfaces allow the same basic structure to adapt to different procedural requirements, providing multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The nested arrangement of the cinch member within the cinch sleeve within the connection sleeve provides a compact, organized structure that manages complexity. Each nested component has a defined function and interface, making the overall complex system more manageable and easier to operate despite the multiple moving parts required for versatile suture securing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Strength

If the cinch is securely attached to the suture, then the suture integrity is maintained, but the removal and detachment process becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength of suture securementVSAvoidease of detachment and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs dynamic engagement and disengagement mechanisms. The cinch member can be advanced along the elongated shaft to engage and apply cinching force to the suture, securing it firmly. For removal, the cinch member can be retracted or disengaged from the cinch sleeve, allowing easy detachment. This dynamic capability enables both strong securement during the procedure and easy removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cinch sleeve acts as an intermediary between the cinch member and the suture. During securement, the cinch member applies force through the cinch sleeve to the suture, maintaining integrity. For removal, the cinch member can be disengaged from the cinch sleeve, which then releases its grip on the suture, facilitating easy detachment without direct manipulation of the suture itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12426872B2Suture cinching and cutting device

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

Medical devices for applying a cinch to one or more suture and cutting the suture, and methods for making and using such devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include an elongated shaft, a connection sleeve, a cinch sleeve coupled to the connection sleeve, and a cinch member. An elongated inner shaft may extend through and be longitudinally movable within the elongated shaft, connection sleeve, cinch sleeve, and cinch member.