Automated Prosthetic Heart Valve Suture Fixtures for Operator Strain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing prosthetic heart valves and other human prosthetic implant devices require accurate and efficient suturing operations, which can lead to operator strain and potential errors due to the complexity and labor-intensity of the procedures.
Innovation Solution
The use of an automated suture fixture with motorized actuators and a holder assembly to position and manipulate prosthetic heart valves, combined with a visualization system for precise suturing, allowing single-hand operation and reduced physical strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual suturing operations are performed on prosthetic heart valves, then operator control and flexibility are maintained, but operator strain increases and accuracy decreases due to procedure complexity and labor intensity
Solution Approach 1:
An automated suture fixture serves as an intermediary device between the operator and the prosthetic heart valve. The fixture includes a holder assembly that secures the valve and motorized actuators that automatically position and manipulate suturing tools, eliminating the need for the operator to manually hold and position the valve throughout the complex suturing procedure while maintaining precision through automated positioning mechanisms.
2Productivity
If complex manual manipulation is used to position the heart valve for suturing, then flexibility in accessing different suture points is achieved, but procedure time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The suture fixture incorporates motorized actuators that dynamically adjust the position of the holder assembly and suturing tools in three-dimensional space. This automated dynamic positioning allows rapid transition between different suture points on the heart valve without requiring manual repositioning, significantly reducing procedure time while maintaining the flexibility to access all necessary suture locations.
3Ease of operation
If automated positioning systems are implemented to reduce operator strain, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated suture fixture is designed as a multi-functional integrated system where the holder assembly serves multiple purposes: securing the heart valve, providing mounting points for actuators, and enabling various positioning orientations. The motorized actuators perform multiple functions including positioning the valve, orienting suture points, and manipulating suturing tools, thereby reducing the need for separate specialized devices and minimizing overall system complexity despite the automation capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An assistance system that can be used for prosthetic heart valve manufacturing or suturing procedures includes an automated fixture that can comprise an articulation arm and a target device holder. The target device holder can be positioned and oriented to reduce operator strain during a manufacturing or inspection process. The assistance system includes a user input device enabling the operator to move between positions to assist in such processes. The assistance system can also be trained by capturing sequences of position data corresponding to a manufacturing or inspection process.