Side Loading Knot Pusher with Helical Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments for securing sutures in minimally invasive procedures face challenges in manipulating and loading sutures due to their complexity, making it difficult for surgeons to efficiently tie knots within tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A side-loading knot pusher with a helical pattern channel and a cannulated tip, combined with a cutting sleeve for suture cutting, allows for simplified loading and remote manipulation of sutures, reducing the complexity of knot securing and fatigue during surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional suture loading methods are used in minimally invasive surgery, then surgical precision can be maintained, but the complexity of manipulating and loading sutures increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is pre-loaded into the side-loading channel of the knot pusher before insertion into the surgical site. This preliminary loading action eliminates the need for complex in-situ suture manipulation, allowing the surgeon to simply push the pre-loaded knot pusher through the incision and deploy the knot.
Solution Approach 2:
The side-loading channel acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates suture loading. The helical pattern within the channel guides and secures the suture in place during loading, serving as a mediator between the suture and the knot pusher mechanism, thereby simplifying the overall loading process.
2Productivity
If smaller incisions are used for minimally invasive surgery, then patient recovery is improved, but manipulation of surgical instruments and tissue becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument merges multiple functions into a single device: the knot pusher delivers both the suture and the knot-securing mechanism through one instrument. The cutting sleeve integrates suture cutting capability, eliminating the need for separate instruments and simplifying manipulation through small incisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The knot pusher is designed as a universal instrument that can load, deliver, and secure knots, while the cutting sleeve provides additional cutting functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the number of instruments needed and simplifies manipulation through restricted incisions.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional knot securing tools are used, then surgical precision is maintained, but surgeon fatigue increases due to tedious loading processes
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is pre-loaded into the side-loading channel before the instrument is sterilized and ready for use. This preliminary action eliminates the time-consuming loading process during surgery, allowing the surgeon to simply push the pre-loaded instrument through the incision and deploy the knot immediately.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An instrument for securing a knot disposed in surgical suture is provided. The instrument includes a side-loading channel disposed along the side of a knot pusher, the side-loading channel configured to receive the suture into the knot pusher. A method of operation is disclosed.