Self-Knotting Suture Device for Laparoscopic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sutures require manual knotting, which can be challenging, especially in internal procedures like laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, and often necessitate post-healing removal for nonabsorbable sutures.
Innovation Solution
A self-knotting suture device with a base for tissue contact, a needle assembly for stitching, a knotting mechanism that twists suture material into loops and forms a knot under tension, and a blade mechanism for cutting the suture, all actuated by a slide trigger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual knotting is performed with pliers and scissors, then the suture can be tied and cut, but the procedure requires multiple separate equipment pieces that must be sterilized and handled carefully
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate surgical tools (pliers for knotting and scissors for cutting) into a single integrated suture device. The device includes a needle holder with integrated cutting blade and knotting mechanism, allowing the surgeon to perform all suture operations with one tool, thereby reducing sterilization steps and handling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The suture device is designed as a multi-functional instrument that can pierce tissue with the needle, hold the suture material, form knots, and cut the suture - all within a single device. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining surgical precision
2Reliability
If manual knotting is performed in internal procedures, then the suture can be tied, but the difficulty of performing the skill increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an automatic knotting mechanism that performs the knot-tying function without requiring manual manipulation by the surgeon. The mechanism automatically forms and secures the knot after the needle is passed through the tissue, eliminating the skill barrier for internal procedures while ensuring reliable knot formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical skill of knot-tying with an automated mechanical mechanism within the device. The knotting mechanism uses controlled movement of device components to form the knot, substituting the surgeon's manual dexterity with a reliable mechanical system that works consistently in difficult-to-reach internal areas
3Strength
If nonabsorbable suture material is used, then the wound can be closed securely, but the patient must return to have sutures removed
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the use of absorbable suture material by providing precise control over suture tension and knot formation. The controlled knotting mechanism ensures secure wound closure with absorbable material, which gradually degrades in the body, eliminating the need for removal while maintaining adequate strength during the healing period
Data Source
AI summary
A self-knotting suture device includes a base configured for contact with a living tissue, and the base includes an opening for passage of a suture material. A knotting mechanism includes a finger configured to receive an end of the suture material, and a grabber arranged substantially transverse to the suture material in a path to the finger. The grabber is configured to rotate so as to twist the suture material into one or more intertwined loops. A tensioner is configured to adjust a tension of the suture material to form a knot of the intertwined loops when tension is increased. A blade mechanism is configured to cut the suture material adjacent the finger.