Minimally Invasive Suturing Device with Rotating Needle Driver

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Solution Overview

Problem

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) poses challenges in suturing due to limited space, visualization, and mobility, making it difficult for surgeons to manipulate small needles and sutures accurately, with risks of accidental needle pricks and internal organ penetration.

Innovation Solution

A medical device with a suture head assembly that can be laterally articulated and a 'locomotive-type' drive mechanism allowing the needle to rotate perpendicular to the device's axis, enabling precise control and visualization, and protecting the needle from direct handling to prevent accidents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If manual suturing is performed through small punctures in MIS, then minimally invasive surgery is achieved, but precise manipulation of needles and sutures becomes extremely difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecannula diameterVSAvoidneedle manipulation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The suturing device is divided into separate functional modules: a needle driver for inserting the needle, a suture grabber for holding the suture, and a knot pusher for securing the knot. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together through the small cannula opening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device introduces intermediary instruments (needle driver, suture grabber, knot pusher) that mediate between the surgeon's manual operations and the needle/suture. These intermediaries amplify the surgeon's control precision while fitting through the limited space of small punctures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If curved needles are used for manual suturing, then suturing can be performed, but accidental needle pricks and internal organ penetration risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuturing capabilityVSAvoidneedle stick risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The needle driver serves as an intermediary between the surgeon and the curved needle, providing a protected interface that reduces direct exposure to needle hazards while maintaining suturing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs disposable cartridges containing pre-loaded curved needles. This eliminates the need for reusable needle handling and reduces the risk of accidental pricks, as the needles are contained in single-use units that are discarded after one operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If multiple instruments (needle driver, pick-up forceps) are used for hand suturing, then suturing can be performed, but device complexity and manipulation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuturing functionVSAvoidnumber of instruments

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate hand instruments (needle driver, pick-up forceps, knot pusher) are merged into a single integrated endoscopic device with coordinated mechanical linkages, allowing all functions to be performed through one instrument shaft

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed as a universal instrument that can perform multiple suturing functions (needle insertion, suture grasping, knot pushing) sequentially or simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If curved needles are driven in complete circular arcs, then suturing path is optimized, but visualization and control in limited space become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuturing path accuracyVSAvoidneedle path visualization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces manual mechanical needle manipulation with an automated drive mechanism that precisely controls needle movement through programmed circular arcs, improving visualization and control while maintaining optimal suturing paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11039829B2Apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing

Publication Date: 2021.06.22 INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.