Shuttle Suturing Device for Precise Multi-Stitch Vessel Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suturing devices require high skill levels and multiple tools for precise suturing in small and confined surgical spaces, such as blood vessels, limiting their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A suturing device with a shuttle transmitter and receiver mechanism that allows for precise suturing operations by manipulating a shuttle needle through tissue, enabling a wide range of suture stitches using a single tool, including a shuttle transmitter that can push and pull the needle through tissue and a receiver to hold and release the shuttle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different suturing tools are used for different suture patterns, then various suture stitches can be achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The suturing device integrates multiple suture patterns (simple, continuous, interrupted, mattress, and vertical mattress stitches) into a single tool. The device achieves this by combining a reusable handle assembly with interchangeable cartridge assemblies, where each cartridge contains a needle and suture configured for specific stitch types. This allows one universal device to perform functions previously requiring multiple separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into modular components: a reusable handle assembly containing the motor and control electronics, and disposable cartridge assemblies containing the needle and suture. This segmentation allows the complex multi-functional handle to be separated from the simpler, interchangeable cartridges, making the overall system more manageable and easier to operate despite its versatility.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual suturing is performed in small and confined spaces, then precise suturing can be achieved, but skill requirements increase and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces manual mechanical suturing operations with an automated motor-driven needle driver. The motorized actuation provides consistent, precise control of needle insertion depth and suture tension, eliminating the variability and high skill requirements of manual suturing. The automated system maintains precision in small and confined spaces where manual dexterity is particularly challenging.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces a motorized intermediary mechanism between the surgeon's control inputs and the actual suturing action. This intermediary provides stable, controlled movement of the needle and suture through tissue, reducing the direct manual manipulation required and making the operation easier to perform while maintaining high precision.
3Reliability
If different suturing devices are used for different surgical applications, then specific surgical requirements can be met, but loss of time increases due to tool changes and setup
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the time-consuming setup elements into disposable pre-configured cartridges that come pre-loaded with needle and suture in the correct configuration for specific suture patterns. This allows rapid exchange between different surgical requirements by simply swapping cartridges rather than reconfiguring a complex device, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining the ability to meet specific surgical needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridges are pre-configured with the appropriate needle, suture, and tensioning mechanisms for specific suture patterns before reaching the surgical site. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming intraoperative setup and configuration, allowing surgeons to quickly switch between different suture requirements by exchanging pre-configured cartridges.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
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.