Shuttle Suture Passing Through Tissue Without Needle Strain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suture passing devices require removal from the surgical site for loading and unloading suture, leading to increased strain on the bendable needle, potential fracture, and safety concerns due to unintended needle extension.

Innovation Solution

A hinge-less suture passing device with a shuttle mechanism contained within the apparatus, using resilient materials like Nitinol, allows multiple passes without removal, ensuring accurate suture placement and enhanced safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the bendable needle is used to advance and engage the suture, then the suture can be passed through tissue, but the needle experiences high force and excess strain leading to potential fracture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuture passing capabilityVSAvoidneedle integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the bendable needle from the system entirely, replacing it with a shuttle mechanism that is advanced through the tissue using a different method that does not require needle bending, thereby eliminating the source of excessive strain and potential fracture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a shuttle mechanism as an intermediary component between the suture and the tissue engagement system. The shuttle is advanced through the tissue using a ramp and cam mechanism rather than direct needle engagement, reducing the force requirements and eliminating needle bending

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the needle is deflected toward the opposing jaw to engage the suture, then the suture can be secured, but the needle may extend into unintended anatomy creating safety concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuture engagementVSAvoidunintended needle extension

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the needle component that causes safety concerns by replacing it with a shuttle mechanism that is contained within the apparatus and advanced through a controlled path using a ramp and cam system, preventing unintended extension into anatomy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The shuttle mechanism is designed to be self-contained within the apparatus, with the suture engagement and advancement functions integrated into the device structure itself, eliminating the need for external needle manipulation that could inadvertently extend into unintended areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus is removed from the surgical site to load and unload suture, then the suture can be exchanged, but the device cannot perform multiple passes without withdrawal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuture exchange capabilityVSAvoidmultiple suture passes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the apparatus with a universal suture loading mechanism where the shuttle can be loaded and unloaded through the distal end of the apparatus while it remains in the surgical site. The same apparatus structure enables both suture passage and suture exchange without requiring removal, achieving multi-functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed with pre-configured loading and unloading mechanisms for the shuttle that are accessible through the distal end, allowing suture exchange to be performed in advance or during the procedure without requiring apparatus removal from the surgical site

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If the shuttle mechanism is contained within the apparatus, then accuracy and safety are improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuture placement accuracyVSAvoidshuttle containment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the shuttle mechanism is contained within the apparatus, with the shuttle advancing through a defined path inside the device. The ramp and cam mechanisms are integrated within the apparatus structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that improves precision while managing complexity through hierarchical organization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables repeated suture passing through tissue without extracting the device, reducing needle strain and improving safety by containing the shuttle mechanism, thus enhancing surgical precision and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The jaws and/or the shaft or compression cover of the device can be made from a resilient metal such as Nitinol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS20250366845A1Method and apparatus for passing suture

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 CLAUSON CREATIVE ENGINEERING INC

AI summary

A device is disclosed that can pierce and hold tissue and then pass suture through tissue. The device can have a shuttle that can removably attach to a suture and jaws that can be rotatably opened and closed with respect to each other. A method for using the device to repeatedly pass the suture through the tissue without removing the suture or device from the target site is also disclosed.