Surgical Pledget Assembly with Snares for Remote Suture Placement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical suturing methods face challenges in reliably and efficiently placing surgical pledgets, especially in minimally invasive procedures, due to the need for manual threading of sutures through tiny holes, which increases risk and complexity, and is not practical in all surgical conditions.
Innovation Solution
A surgical pledget assembly with first and second apertures and snares formed into suture engaging loops, along with a handle and optional folding loop, allows for remote placement and secure drawing of suture tails through the pledget using a mechanical crimping device, reducing manual dexterity requirements and enhancing ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual threading of sutures through tiny holes in pledgets is used, then precise placement of pledgets can be achieved, but the risk of needle injury increases and the procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pledget delivery device as an intermediary tool between the suture and the pledget. The device includes a delivery needle that carries the pledget to the target site, and a retrieval needle that extracts the pledget from the delivery needle. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for manual threading of sutures through tiny pledget holes, thereby reducing needle injury risk while maintaining precise placement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pledget is pre-loaded onto the delivery needle before reaching the surgical site. The delivery system is prepared in advance with the pledget positioned on the needle, and the suture is pre-threaded through the pledget during the loading process. This preliminary action allows the surgeon to simply deploy the pre-prepared assembly without performing complex manual threading operations during the procedure.
2Reliability
If manual threading of sutures through pledget holes is performed, then secure attachment of pledget to suture can be achieved, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is pre-threaded through the pledget during the device loading process, which occurs before the surgical procedure begins. This preliminary action ensures secure attachment of the pledget to the suture without requiring time-consuming manual threading during the actual surgery, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing procedural time.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device is designed to automatically secure the pledget to the suture through its mechanical structure. The pledget is held in place by the delivery needle's geometry and locking features, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and securing steps. The system serves itself by incorporating the attachment function into the device design rather than requiring manual operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional suturing methods without automated devices are used, then flexibility in suture placement can be maintained, but the risk of needle exposure to surgical team increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pledget delivery device acts as an intermediary that shields the surgical team from direct needle exposure. The device allows the surgeon to manipulate and position the needle-pledget-suture assembly from a safer distance, reducing the risk of accidental needle sticks while maintaining the ability to place sutures flexibly at various locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation of needles and sutures with a more controlled delivery system. The device incorporates mechanical features such as locked positions, guided pathways, and controlled release mechanisms that reduce the need for manual needle handling, thereby decreasing exposure risk while preserving placement flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A surgical pledget assembly includes a pledget body having first and second apertures extending through the body, one or more snares passing through the apertures in the pledget body and including first and second suture engaging loops disposed on a distal side of the pledget, an optional third folding loop disposed on a proximal side of the pledget, and a handle secured to the ends of the snare or snares proximal to the pledget.