Shape Memory Suture End Effector for Secure Tissue Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical sutures often require knots to anchor within tissue, but these knots can slip or be too small, and tying knots, especially with fine sutures, is tedious and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A suture with an integrally formed end effector made from shape memory materials that transitions from a temporary configuration to a permanent configuration, providing a secure anchor within tissue, which can be either rigid or slack depending on the application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a knot is tied in the suture to anchor it within tissue, then the suture can be secured in place, but the knot may slip or be too small to engage the tissue effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is pre-formed with a configuration that automatically engages tissue upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual knot-tying. The end effector's geometry is designed in advance to create secure anchoring points that prevent slippage before the suture is even tied.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is designed to secure itself within the tissue without requiring external intervention such as manual knot-tying. The self-anchoring mechanism uses the end effector's own structural features to engage and hold the suture in place, making the system self-sufficient.
2Reliability
If a knot is tied manually to anchor the suture, then the suture can be secured, but the process is tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is pre-formed with an anchoring configuration that is ready to engage tissue immediately upon insertion. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time-consuming manual knot-tying process while ensuring secure anchoring from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector performs the anchoring function automatically without requiring manual intervention. The self-anchoring mechanism engages tissue through the end effector's own structural design, eliminating the need for clinician time investment in knot-tying.
3Reliability
If a traditional end effector is used, then the suture can be anchored, but the end effector must be formed independently and attached later, increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is merged with the suture body into a single integrated component. This combining of the end effector and suture eliminates the separate formation and attachment steps, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining anchoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated end effector-suture design performs multiple functions (suture transport and tissue anchoring) within a single component structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate end effector formation and attachment processes, simplifying the overall system.
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 shape memory suture efficiently secures itself within tissue, reducing the need for manual knot-tying and ensuring stable anchoring without the risk of slippage, thus enhancing procedural efficiency and reducing tissue penetration resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The end effector includes a shape memory material. The extensions of the end effector extend substantially along the longitudinal axis when the end effector is in a temporary position. The first and second extensions may include a plurality of throws. The shape memory polymer may be degradable materials, non-degradable materials, and combinations thereof.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture including a knotted end effector is provided. The suture includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis and an end effector formed from the body portion. The end effector includes first and second extensions which extend outwardly from the longitudinal axis in opposite directions when the end effector is in a permanent configuration. The extensions of the end effector extend substantially along the longitudinal axis when the end effector is in a temporary position. In embodiments, at least a portion of the end effector includes a shape memory material.