Segmented Suture with Tension Indicator Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical anastomoses under excessive tension are prone to complications such as leaks and bleeds, as the current methods rely on the surgeon's experience to determine adequate tension, which can be inconsistent and lead to suboptimal healing outcomes, especially in procedures like esophagectomies and colorectal surgeries.
Innovation Solution
Development of sutures with a multilayer design featuring an inner core and a segmented outer layer, where the inner core is colored and has a specific Young's modulus, and the outer layer segments separate under tension, allowing visualization of the inner core to indicate excessive tension, enabling surgeons to adjust the suture placement and reduce tissue tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the surgeon relies on experience to determine adequate tension, then the surgical process is simple and quick, but the tension assessment is inconsistent and may lead to complications
Solution Approach 1:
The suture incorporates a segmented outer layer with contrasting color segments that visually indicate tension status. When the suture is under excessive tension, the segments separate or change appearance, providing an immediate visual cue to the surgeon about the tension level, thereby improving assessment reliability without requiring complex additional devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer layer of the suture is divided into multiple segments that can move independently. This segmentation allows the structure to respond to tension changes by separating or aligning segments, creating a visual indicator system that is integrated into the suture itself rather than requiring separate monitoring equipment.
2Loss of information
If the suture uses a single uniform structure, then the manufacturing is simple, but it cannot provide visual indication of tension
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is manufactured with a segmented outer layer where individual segments can be produced and then assembled or attached to the core. This segmentation allows for relatively simple manufacturing processes while enabling the visual indication function, as each segment can be independently formed and then attached to the suture core in a controlled manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture combines different materials with distinct properties - a core material providing structural integrity and an outer layer material providing visual indication capabilities. This composite structure allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining compatibility in manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If the suture has high tension resistance, then the anastomosis remains stable, but the visual indication of excessive tension becomes less apparent
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented outer layer is designed with contrasting colors that become visually distinct when segments separate under excessive tension. This color contrast mechanism provides clear visual detection of tension status even when the suture maintains high overall tension resistance, as the visual indication depends on segment separation rather than suture elongation.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented outer layer is designed to dynamically respond to tension changes by separating or aligning segments. This dynamic behavior allows the suture to maintain stability under normal tension while providing visual indication when tension exceeds thresholds, as the segments respond differently to varying force levels.
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
The suture design provides a visual indication of excessive tension, allowing for real-time adjustments during surgery, thereby enhancing the integrity and healing of anastomoses by reducing tension on the tissue, thus minimizing complications.
Implementation Method 1
an inner core having a first color and a Young's modulus from about 1 pound per square inch to about 5 pounds per square inch
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical suture provides a visual indication when the suture is subjected to excessive tension. The suture has an inner core at least partially covered by a segmented outer layer. The inner core is not visible when the suture is subjected to acceptable amounts of tension, but will become visible if the suture is subjected to unacceptable amounts of tension. The visibility of the inner core thus indicates to the surgeon or similar medical professional whether or not the suture is under acceptable tension.