Replaceable Distal-End Suturing Assembly for Easy Needle Reloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suturing devices face challenges in reloading needles and sutures, especially in minimally invasive procedures through tubular retractors, due to the complexity of replacing deployed needles and sutures.
Innovation Solution
A suturing device with a cannula, a removably connected distal end assembly, a needle pusher, and a primer mechanism that allows for easy replacement of the distal end assembly by compressing a spring to advance or retract the needle, facilitating efficient passage of sutures through target tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a needle driver or similar device is used to locate and pass a suture needle through the tissue, then the suture needle can be effectively deployed, but reloading the device with another needle or the same deployed needle becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components: a handle assembly and a distal end assembly that can be easily detached and replaced. The distal end assembly contains the needle holder and can be removed without removing the entire device, allowing quick reloading of needles and sutures through a simple detachment and reattachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle holder is extracted as a separate, removable component from the main device body. This allows the needle to be easily removed and replaced by simply detaching the distal end assembly from the handle, performing the needle exchange, and then reattaching the distal end assembly, thereby simplifying the reloading process.
2Ease of operation
If working through a tubular retractor or other portal, then minimally invasive access is achieved, but locating the tissue repair devices becomes very challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates visual indicators such as colored rings or markings on the distal end assembly that provide tactile and visual feedback to the surgeon during insertion and operation through tubular retractors. These color-coded features help locate and identify the position of the needle holder and other components, making it easier to navigate and operate in confined minimally invasive spaces.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and reliable suturing in minimally invasive procedures by allowing easy replacement of needles and sutures, enhancing the device's usability and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned between the primer and the needle pusher. Movement of the primer from the extended position toward the depressed position compresses the spring to exert a biasing force on the needle pusher in an advance direction
Implementation Method 2
The primer is operatively connected with the needle pusher such that movement of the primer from the depressed position toward the extended position moves the needle pusher in a retract direction, which is opposite the advance direction
Data Source
AI summary
A suturing device includes a cannula, a distal end assembly removably connected to the cannula, a needle pusher provided in the cannula and extending into the distal end assembly when the distal end assembly is connected with the cannula, a primer movable between an extended position and a depressed position, and a spring positioned between the primer and the needle pusher. The distal end assembly includes a needle compartment defining a needle passage terminating in a distal opening. Movement of the primer from the extended position toward the depressed position compresses the spring to exert a biasing force on the needle pusher in an advance direction when the primer is in the depressed position. The primer is operatively connected with the needle pusher such that movement of the primer from the depressed position toward the extended position moves the needle pusher in a retract direction.