Passing Needle Slot Design for Secure Elastomer Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing passing needles fail to securely attach to elastomeric devices, particularly during surgical procedures, and lack the ability for intra-operative reattachment, especially when using flexible members like elastic or flat materials.

Innovation Solution

A passing needle design with a proximal head featuring an opening that securely receives and attaches an elastomeric device, allowing for easy connection and reattachment, and includes transverse openings for additional securement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If crimping is used to secure suture to the passing needle, then the needle can be attached to the suture, but it does not work well for elastic members and flat members and does not allow intra-operative reattachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with different flexible members

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is segmented into separate functional components: a receiving structure in the proximal head that accommodates different types of flexible members (suture, elastic members, flat members), and a securing mechanism that can adapt to various member geometries. This segmentation allows the same needle design to reliably attach diverse flexible members without requiring crimping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the cross sectional geometry of the passing needle is minimized, then tissue trauma is reduced, but the needle may not securely hold the elastomeric device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue traumaVSAvoidsecure attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The needle design applies local quality by concentrating the attachment functionality in the proximal head region, which has a larger cross-sectional area optimized for securing the elastomeric device. The shaft maintains a minimized cross-sectional geometry for reduced tissue trauma during penetration. This localized differentiation allows the needle to simultaneously achieve secure attachment and minimize tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional crimping method is used, then simple attachment is achieved, but reattachment after cutting or separation is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment simplicityVSAvoidintra-operative reattachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition between attached and detached states. The proximal head contains a receiving structure that can initially capture the elastomeric device end and maintain secure attachment during use, but also allows for controlled release and reattachment. This dynamic design enables both simple initial attachment and subsequent intra-operative reattachment after cutting or separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250302469A1Passing needles for elastomeric devices

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 INT LIFE SCI LLC D B A ARTELON

AI summary

An orthopedic system and surgical procedure using the orthopedic system. The orthopedic system includes an elastomeric device (e.g. a flat strip of at least one elastomer material) and a passing needle. The passing needle has an opening (e.g. a slot) that is sized and shaped to receive an end of the elastomeric device, with the elastomeric device secured in the opening.