Orthopedic Suture Passer with Segmented Receiver and Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture passers are inadequate for efficiently passing sutures through materials, particularly in orthopedic surgical procedures like passing sutures through bone tunnels, where they often lack sufficient rigidity and effective mechanisms for secure engagement and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A suture passer system comprising a suture retriever with a receiver mechanism that securely retains the suture using stoppers, adhesion, or other engagement methods, and a guide for a cutter to form openings, along with a suture inserter to facilitate advancing the suture through materials, ensuring reliable passage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If existing suture passers are used to pass sutures through bone tunnels, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the suture passer lacks sufficient rigidity and effective engagement mechanisms, resulting in inadequate secure retention and retrieval of the suture
Solution Approach 1:
The suture passer is divided into distinct functional segments: a receiver portion for engaging the suture, a body portion providing structural rigidity, and a handle portion for manipulation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall device manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver, body, and handle portions are combined into a single integrated suture passer device, ensuring sufficient rigidity throughout the structure while incorporating all necessary functions for suture engagement, passage, and retrieval in one unified instrument.
2Reliability
If existing suture passers are used, then the basic suture passing function is achieved, but they lack effective mechanisms for secure engagement and retrieval, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver portion is pre-configured with engagement features (such as hooks, eyes, or other retaining structures) that are ready to securely capture the suture before the passing action occurs. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable engagement without requiring complex manipulation during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver portion acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's manipulation and the suture, providing a secure interface that ensures reliable engagement and retrieval. The receiver translates surgical manipulation into secure suture retention through its specialized engagement features.
3Manufacturing precision
If a guide for cutter is added to form openings, then the ability to create precise passages is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide for cutter is designed to serve multiple functions: guiding the cutter to form precise openings, potentially serving as a pathway for suture passage, and providing structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide for cutter may be nested within or integrated with other portions of the suture passer device, such as being incorporated into the body or handle portions. This nesting approach allows the guide to be included without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Instruments and techniques to pass a suture are presented. In one illustrative example, a suture passer includes a drill guide and is able to form a tunnel in a bone and pass a suture through the tunnel so formed.