Side-Loading Knot Pusher with Gate Crossbar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current driver/inserter devices for arthroscopic procedures require manual threading of suture onto the distal end, which is time-consuming and requires precise movements.
Innovation Solution
A knot pusher device with an actuator housing and an elongated tube featuring slots and a moveable gate cross bar, allowing for easy loading and pushing of knots into a surgical site without the need for manual threading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual threading of suture onto the distal end is used, then the device can be operated with simple structure, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires precise movements
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is pre-loaded through the elongated tube using the side-loading mechanism with slots and gate crossbar, allowing the suture to be positioned and secured before the actual knot-tying procedure begins. This preliminary loading action eliminates the need for time-consuming manual threading during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated tube with its slot system and gate crossbar acts as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates suture loading. The slots provide guided pathways for suture insertion, while the gate crossbar secures the suture in place, making the loading process both quick and secure without requiring precise manual dexterity.
2Ease of operation
If driver/inserter devices are used to deploy anchors, then visibility and loading steps are reduced, but manual threading of suture is still required which takes time
Solution Approach 1:
The suture loading is performed in advance through the side-loading mechanism, so that when the driver/inserter device is used for anchor deployment, the suture is already in position and ready for immediate knot-tying. This eliminates the time loss associated with threading during the actual deployment procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the suture loading function with the driver/inserter device by integrating the elongated tube with slots and gate crossbar into the existing device architecture. This merging allows both suture loading and anchor deployment to be accomplished through a single integrated mechanism, reducing overall procedure time.
3Device complexity
If suture is threaded on distal end manually, then device structure remains simple, but small careful movements are required increasing procedure time
Solution Approach 1:
The loading mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the elongated tube with multiple slots (gate slot, suture loading slot, suture exit slot) and the gate crossbar. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall structural simplicity and ease of manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The side-loading mechanism with slots and gate crossbar enables the device to load and secure suture automatically without requiring the user to perform delicate manual threading operations. The structure serves itself by providing guided pathways and automatic securing mechanisms that eliminate the need for precise manual movements.
Data Source
AI summary
A knot pusher for quickly loading suture without needing to thread a distal end. The knot pusher includes an actuator housing having an actuator moveable between an open position and a closed position and an elongated tube extending from the actuator housing. The knot pusher includes at least two slots, a gate slot extending through the elongated tube and a suture loading slot extending through the elongated tube and traversing the gate slot. A moveable gate cross bar is connected to the actuator such that the gate cross bar moves with the actuator between the open position and the closed position. When the actuator is in the closed position, the gate cross bar extends through at least a portion of the suture loading slot. The knot pusher may also include an ergonomic loop handle that enforces the correct orientation of the knot pusher for use.