Self-Knotting Suturing Instrument for Deep Tissue Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suturing instruments face challenges in accessing deep or obstructed body tissues, are complex and costly, require a long learning curve, and can cause complications like bleeding and organ injury due to limited maneuverability and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A self-knotting suturing instrument with stitching arms that move between open and closed positions, a needle, a knotting unit, and a handle mechanism, allowing for easy suturing and knot formation without the need for additional tools, and featuring a compact design for minimal access surgeries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional needle holders with ratchets are used, then secure needle holding is achieved, but the instrument cannot access deep or obstructed tissue areas
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into modular components including a handle assembly, shaft, stitching arms, and needle. This segmentation allows the needle to be positioned at the distal end of the shaft, enabling access to deep tissue areas while maintaining secure holding mechanisms at the proximal handle
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates articulation capabilities and multi-planar movement of stitching arms, allowing the needle to approach tissue from multiple angles and dimensions, thereby accessing obstructed areas that traditional linear instruments cannot reach
2Reliability
If traditional suturing instruments with multiple parts are used, then suturing function is achieved, but the instrument becomes complicated and expensive to produce
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into integrated assemblies: the stitching arms combine tissue grasping and needle manipulation, the handle integrates control mechanisms for all movements, and the shaft provides structural support while housing articulation mechanisms. This reduces the total number of separate parts while maintaining full suturing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The stitching arms serve multiple functions: grasping tissue, holding the needle, guiding suture passage, and enabling knot tying. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate instruments for each task, reducing overall system complexity and production cost
3Reliability
If traditional needle holders are used, then basic suturing is possible, but the learning curve is long and operation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates self-aligning features where the stitching arms and needle automatically position themselves during operation, and the handle controls are designed to intuitively follow the natural motion of suturing, reducing the cognitive load and training required
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument features dynamic, movable stitching arms that can articulate and adapt their position during suturing, rather than requiring precise manual positioning. This dynamic capability makes the instrument more forgiving and easier to operate while maintaining reliable suturing function
4Productivity
If traditional suturing instruments are used in minimal operating space, then suturing can be performed, but needle may prick surrounding structures causing bleeding or organ injury
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates needle guard features and controlled articulation that pre-position the needle tip and limit its trajectory before penetration occurs, preventing accidental contact with surrounding structures while maintaining the ability to perform suturing in confined spaces
5Productivity
If traditional suturing instruments are used, then suturing can be performed, but losing the needle in the abdominal cavity leads to complications
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates visual indicators or tracking features on the needle that allow the surgeon to continuously monitor needle position and orientation during insertion and manipulation, providing feedback that prevents loss and enables immediate recovery if dislocation occurs
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the present disclosure provides a suturing instrument comprising: a plurality of hollow tubes; at least two stitching arms coupled to first end of the plurality of hollow tubes, the at least two stitching arms capable of moving between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the at least two stitching arms are away from each other, and in the closed position the at least two arms are closer to each other; a needle coupled to at least one of the at least two stitching arms, wherein a suture is looped through the needle to enable suturing when the both arms are moved to the closed position; and a handle comprising at least two members coupled to a second end of the plurality of hollow tubes such that first member of the at least two members is fixed and a second member is movably coupled to the first member, wherein when the at least two members are closer the at least two stitching arms are in closed position, and when the at least two handles are moved away the at least two arms move from the closed position to the open position.