Preloaded Suture Loop Knotting Element for Minimally Invasive Ligation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suturing and ligation methods during surgical procedures are time-consuming and cumbersome due to the need for forming knots and threading knotting elements, which is challenging in restricted surgical sites.
Innovation Solution
A tissue ligation system with a deployment device, knotting element, and adjustable loop of suture that can be preloaded and deployed to ligate tissue without the need for manual knotting, featuring a sheath for protection during delivery and a mechanism to lock the suture in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional ligatures are used for tissue ligation, then the ligation can be achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and tedious due to manual knotting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is pre-threaded through the knotting element before delivery to the surgical site. The knotting element is pre-loaded with the suture strand forming a loop, eliminating the need for manual threading and knotting during surgery. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces surgical time and improves productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The knotting element is designed to automatically secure the suture loop around the tissue without requiring manual knot tying. The deployment device automatically deploys the pre-loaded suture and knotting element, allowing the system to perform the ligation function autonomously once positioned, reducing surgeon workload and procedural time.
2Ease of operation
If manual knotting techniques are used in restricted surgical sites, then tissue approximation can be achieved, but the maneuverability is severely restricted and the procedure becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The suturing system is divided into distinct functional components: a deployment device for delivery, a knotting element for securing, and a suture strand for ligation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall operation within restricted surgical spaces, as each component performs a specific function without requiring complex manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment device serves as an intermediary mechanism that delivers the pre-loaded suture and knotting element to the restricted surgical site through a delivery catheter. This intermediary system eliminates the need for the surgeon to manually manipulate long ligatures and knotting elements in difficult-to-reach areas, improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through functional specialization.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional ligatures are threaded manually, then the suture can be positioned, but the process is tedious and time-consuming during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The suture strand is pre-threaded through the knotting element during device manufacturing or pre-operative preparation, forming a ready-to-deploy loop configuration. This preliminary action transfers the time-consuming threading task from the surgical procedure to the device preparation phase, significantly improving surgical efficiency without compromising ease of manufacture of the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are provided for delivering a preloaded loop of suture extending from a knotting element to tissue to be ligated within a body. The knotting element can be threaded with a loop of suture and loaded onto a deployment device using a loading device. A protective sheath can be placed around the knotting element and the loop of suture to facilitate safe insertion of the loop of suture through a working channel of a minimally invasive device.