Retractable Hook Suture Capture Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical tools face difficulties in capturing and routing sutures, especially when the suture is located in a hard-to-access or difficult-to-view area, often requiring multiple tissue punctures.

Innovation Solution

A suture capture device featuring an elongate cannulated tool with a retractable hook member and handle, allowing for rotation and engagement of the suture from a distance, and an optional sleeve for secure locking, enabling the suture to be moved to a desired location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If current surgical tools are used to access sutures in difficult locations, then the suture can be captured, but multiple tissue punctures are required which increases tissue damage and procedural complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuture capture capabilityVSAvoidtissue damage from multiple punctures

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the suture capture function into two distinct components: a cannulated tool for tissue access and a separate hook member for suture engagement. This allows the cannulated tool to create a single access channel while the hook member, which can be rotated and positioned independently, performs the actual suture capture, eliminating the need for multiple punctures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hook member is designed to be rotatable and dynamically positionable within the cannulated tool. This dynamic capability allows the hook to be oriented at different angles and positions to engage sutures in difficult-to-reach locations through a single access point, improving ease of operation while minimizing tissue damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tissue punctures are made to access the suture, then the suture can be reached, but the procedural time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to difficult locationsVSAvoidprocedural time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device adds rotational freedom as another dimension to the suture capture capability. The hook member can rotate within the cannulated tool, allowing access to sutures at various angles and positions through a single linear access channel, thereby achieving adaptability to difficult locations without the time loss associated with multiple punctures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If a simple cannulated tool is used, then the device is easy to operate, but it cannot capture the suture without an additional hook mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice operation simplicityVSAvoidsuture capture mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hook member is nested within the cannulated tool, with the hook capable of advancing and retracting along the longitudinal axis of the cannulated tool. This nested configuration maintains the simplicity of the outer cannulated tool while incorporating the additional capture functionality of the hook, achieving a balance between ease of operation and suture capture capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Facilitates efficient and precise capture and routing of sutures with greater freedom in placement, reducing the need for multiple tissue punctures and improving surgical efficiency, particularly in procedures like hip and shoulder arthroscopy.

Implementation Method 1

an elongate cannulated tool. The elongate cannulated tool includes a first end that has a sharpened point configured to pierce tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

engaging the hook with the suture; locking the suture into position with respect to the hook

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11471153B2Suture capture device and method of capturing a suture

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 BIOMET MFG LLC

AI summary

Devices used to capture sutures are described. More particularly, suture capture devices described herein include an elongate cannulated tool having a first end with a sharpened point configured to pierce tissue, and an elongate hook member positioned within a hollowed center region of the elongate cannulated tool that has a hook on a first end of the elongate hook member proximate the sharpened point of the elongate cannulated tool. The elongate hook member is capable of advancing and retracting within the elongate cannulated tool. The devices further include a handle positioned on a second end of the elongate cannulated tool that includes a trigger that advances the hook into or out of the first end of the elongate cannulated tool when pushed in a first or second direction. Methods of capturing a suture using such a device are also described.