Shuttle Suturing Mechanism for Multi-Stitch Vascular Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suturing techniques require multiple tools and high skill levels for precise suturing in small and confined surgical spaces, such as blood vessels, making them challenging and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A suturing device with a shuttle mechanism that includes a shuttle holder, transmitter, and receiver, allowing for precise suturing operations by passing a suture through a material at multiple locations using a single device, featuring a shuttle with a pointed tip and a tubular holder made of superelastic alloy for secure engagement and release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different suturing tools are used for different suturing patterns, then various suture stitches can be achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to perform multiple suture patternsVSAvoidnumber of different tools required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suturing device incorporates a single reusable handle assembly that can operate with different disposable shuttles designed for various suture patterns (e.g., purse-string, spiral, simple closure). The handle contains universal components including a trigger mechanism, firing mechanism, and receiver that work with multiple shuttle types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining versatility across different suturing applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If manual suturing techniques are used in confined spaces, then suturing can be performed, but skill requirements increase and operation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of suturing procedureVSAvoidskill level required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable shuttle is pre-configured with the suture material and designed to automatically perform the suturing function when activated by the trigger mechanism. The shuttle self-propels through the tissue and self-anchors without requiring manual manipulation by the surgeon, thereby reducing skill requirements and simplifying the operation while maintaining effectiveness in confined spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a single suturing device is used for multiple locations, then productivity increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of suture locations per deviceVSAvoidprecision for multiple penetration points

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the suturing function into a reusable handle assembly and disposable shuttles. Each shuttle is pre-manufactured with precise geometric features (e.g., angled tips, barbs, suture attachment points) optimized for specific penetration angles and tissue engagement. This segmentation allows high-precision manufacturing to be concentrated in the disposable shuttle production process, while the reusable handle maintains versatility for multiple locations without requiring equivalent precision across all components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 precise and efficient suturing in small and confined spaces with reduced tool complexity and skill requirements, facilitating various suture patterns including purse string and spiral sutures.

Implementation Method 1

the tubular element is formed from a superelastic alloy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperelasticity: Pseudoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12544065B2Suturing device and method for its use

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 NOVELRAD LTD

AI summary

A suturing device includes a shuttle for holding a suture, a shuttle transmitter and a shuttle receiver. The shuttle transmitter includes a shuttle holder for holding the shuttle and a shuttle releaser displaceable relative to the shuttle holder for releasing the shuttle from the shuttle holder. The shuttle holder advances through a material at a first location while holding the shuttle until the shuttle engages the shuttle receiver. The shuttle releaser then releases the shuttle from the shuttle holder for withdrawal of the shuttle transmitter through the material, leaving the shuttle engaged with the shuttle receiver. The shuttle transmitter the penetrates the material at a second location opposite the shuttle receiver and retrieves the shuttle, holding it while withdrawing through the material at the second location. This sequence can be repeated to form a wide range of multi-stitch suture patterns for vascular closure and a wide range of other applications.