Pivotable Suture Retrieval Device for Confined Spaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional suturing devices lack automatic suture retrieval mechanisms, making procedures difficult and dangerous due to limited visibility and space, and they are often not reusable, leading to high costs and supply-chain reliance.

Innovation Solution

A device with a bottom handle and a top handle connected by a pivotable connector, allowing for automatic suture threading and retrieval, which can be sterilized for reuse, compatible with various suture types, including tape, and designed for use in confined spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional reusable devices for administering suturing are used, then the procedure can be performed, but the suturing process becomes difficult and dangerous due to limited visibility and space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of suturingVSAvoidsafety of suturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables automatic suture retrieval without requiring manual manipulation by the surgeon. The mechanism self-performs the retrieval action through the pivotable connector and needle assembly, reducing the skill level and manual dexterity required while improving safety and ease of operation in confined surgical spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical suturing actions with an automated mechanism. The pivotable connector and needle assembly automatically perform the suturing and retrieval functions, substituting the surgeon's manual operations with a mechanical system that provides more reliable and safer performance in limited visibility and space conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional suturing devices are used, then the procedure can be completed, but the devices cannot be sanitized and re-used, adding significant cost and supply-chain reliance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost efficiencyVSAvoidreusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed to be sterilized and recovered for repeated use across multiple surgical procedures. The patent enables sanitation of the device components, allowing them to be discarded of contaminants and reused, thereby reducing costs and eliminating the need for single-use devices while maintaining adaptability for various surgical applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Productivity

If automatic suture retrieval mechanisms are added to devices, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuture retrieval efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the suture retrieval function with the existing suturing device structure. The automatic retrieval mechanism is merged into the device through the pivotable connector and needle assembly, allowing suture retrieval to be performed as an integrated function rather than adding a separate complex system, thus improving productivity while minimizing increases in device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240358365A1Suture retrieval systems and methods

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 KODURI ANURADHA

AI summary

A device for threading and automatically retrieving a suture is provided. The device includes a bottom handle having a channel for receiving and retaining a suture, and a top handle having a needle with an opening, the opening configured to receive and retrieve the suture as the device is moved from a closed position to an open position. Related methods of use are also provided.