Retractable Distal Tip Suturing Device for Arteriotomy Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for closing arteriotomies after vascular catheterization procedures are cumbersome, requiring prolonged recovery times, increased patient discomfort, and higher risks of complications due to the need for manual compression or other invasive closure techniques.
Innovation Solution
A suturing device with a retractable distal tip and pivotally coupled support arms that allow for precise deployment and retraction of needles to capture and secure sutures within the vessel wall, facilitating efficient closure of arteriotomies without damaging the inner vessel wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual compression is applied to the puncture site for at least 30-45 minutes, then the arteriotomy closes naturally, but the patient must remain lying down motionless for several hours increasing recovery time and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The suturing device enables the arteriotomy to close itself through automated suture deployment and knot tying, eliminating the need for prolonged manual compression and patient immobility. The device performs the closure function autonomously once positioned, allowing patients to recover much faster without requiring several hours of restricted movement.
2Ease of operation
If a tapered distal tip is advanced through the target arteriotomy, then access to the vessel is achieved, but the tip may contact and damage the inner vessel wall opposite the incision
Solution Approach 1:
The distal tip is designed to be dynamically retractable rather than fixed. After the support arms deploy through the arteriotomy, the tapered tip is retracted back into the elongated body, eliminating the harmful protrusion that could damage the opposite vessel wall. This dynamic adjustment allows safe vessel access followed by protective retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated body acts as a protective cushion or barrier that covers the distal tip after deployment. By retracting the tip into the body, the softer or more compliant outer surface of the elongated body contacts the vessel wall instead of the hard tapered tip, preventing damage to the inner vessel wall opposite the incision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If support arms are expanded within the vessel lumen to hold suture ends, then suturing is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are nested within the elongated body in a collapsed state during delivery, similar to a nested doll structure. When deployed, they extend outward to perform the suture holding function. This nesting approach allows the device to maintain a simple, compact form during insertion while providing complex functionality when needed, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A suturing device including an elongated body, a distal tip, at least two support arms, and at least two extendable and retractable needles. The distal tip is moveable between an extended position in which the distal tip distally extends from a distal end of the elongated body and a retracted position in which the distal tip is disposed within the elongated body. The support arms are pivotally coupled to the distal tip. When the distal tip is in the extended position, each support arm is in a collapsed position disposed within the elongated body, and when the distal tip is in the retracted position, each support arm is in a deployed position extending radially away from the elongated body. Each needle includes a distal end configured to penetrate through a vessel wall and capture a suture releasably held within a portion of a support arm.