Prosthetic Suturing Cassette for Automated Valve Cuff Threading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive surgical suturing devices are not compatible with suturing prosthetic devices, requiring manual threading of suture ends through prosthetic valve sewing cuffs, which increases cardio-pulmonary bypass time and associated complications.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic suturing device designed to accommodate suture adapters used with minimally invasive suturing devices, allowing efficient suturing of prosthetic devices by automating the process of threading suture ends through sewing cuffs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual threading of suture ends through prosthetic valve sewing cuffs is performed, then surgical precision can be maintained, but cardio-pulmonary bypass time increases and surgical efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized prosthetic suturing device that acts as an intermediary tool between the suture ends and the prosthetic valve sewing cuff. This device includes a needle holder with a curved needle designed to pass through the sewing cuff and retrieve suture ends, eliminating the need for manual threading while maintaining precision. The device mediates the interaction between the surgeon's actions and the prosthetic valve assembly, improving efficiency without sacrificing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical threading process with a specialized mechanical suturing device. Instead of hand-threading suture ends through the sewing cuff, the device uses a curved needle mechanism that can efficiently pass through the cuff and retrieve suture ends. This mechanical substitution reduces the time and effort required while maintaining the precision needed for proper suture placement.
2Productivity
If specialized prosthetic suturing devices are developed, then surgical efficiency improves and CPB time reduces, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic suturing device is segmented into distinct functional components: a handle portion for surgeon control, a needle holder portion that receives and manipulates the curved needle, and the curved needle itself. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall device manageability. The modular design reduces complexity by breaking down the overall system into manageable, specialized parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic suturing device is designed with universal features that allow it to handle multiple suture ends and work with different prosthetic valve configurations. The needle holder can accommodate various curved needle sizes, and the overall device design allows it to be used throughout the surgical procedure for different suturing tasks, reducing the need for multiple specialized tools and simplifying the surgical workflow.
Data Source
AI summary
A cassette is disclosed for use in a prosthetic suturing device. The cassette has a base. The base has a pair of pivots, a pair of alignment tabs, and at least one retention latch. The cassette also has a cover coupled to the base. The cover has at least one retention latch. The cover also defines one or more ferrule holders. The cassette further has one or more needles guided by the base and the cover. A surgical suturing device is also disclosed for use with a cassette. The suturing device has a cassette receiver and one or more needle drivers, each needle driver having a needle receiver positioned within the cassette receiver.