Spring-Loaded Suturing Device for Precise Needle Reloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suturing devices face challenges in reloading needles and accurately passing sutures through tissue, especially in minimally invasive procedures where access is limited, such as through a tubular retractor or small surgical portal.
Innovation Solution
A suturing device with a cannula, needle pusher, plunger, spring, shuttle, button, and tether mechanism that allows for efficient needle advancement and reloading by compressing a spring to bias the shuttle, which pushes the needle through the tissue, facilitated by a handle and actuator mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a needle driver or similar device is used to locate and pass a suture needle through tissue, then the suture placement can be achieved, but reloading the device with another needle or the same needle that had been deployed is problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is nested within the cannula, which itself is contained within the handle assembly. The needle compartment is integrated into the cannula structure, allowing the needle to be stored and advanced through a compact nested arrangement. This nesting enables easy reloading by simply inserting a new needle into the cannula without complex disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism includes a spring-loaded plunger that dynamically advances the needle from the needle compartment through the cannula. The spring provides automatic reset capability, allowing the plunger to return to its initial position after needle deployment, ready for the next needle to be advanced. This dynamic mechanism simplifies the reloading process compared to static needle holders.
2Adaptability or versatility
If working through a tubular retractor or other portal in difficult-to-access areas, then minimally invasive surgery is enabled, but locating the tissue repair devices becomes very challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: the handle for operator control, the cannula for needle containment and guidance, and the needle itself. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness for minimally invasive access. The separate needle compartment within the cannula provides clear visual and tactile cues for needle location.
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula serves as an intermediary structure between the operator's hand and the needle/tissue interface. It provides a defined passage that guides the needle precisely through the portal and into the target tissue, making the needle's location and trajectory predictable and controllable even through difficult-to-access areas.
3Extent of automation
If a spring-loaded mechanism is used to push the needle pusher in the advance direction, then needle advancement is automated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded plunger is pre-loaded and automatically advances the needle when triggered by the button, without requiring manual manipulation of the needle or complex control mechanisms. The spring stores energy that is automatically released to push the needle through the tissue, and then automatically resets to its initial position, providing self-service operation that reduces the need for complex control systems.
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 suture placement and easy needle reloading, enhancing the efficiency of minimally invasive surgical procedures by improving access and accuracy in difficult-to-reach areas.
Implementation Method 1
a spring, a shuttle, a button and a tether. The cannula includes a needle compartment defining a needle passage terminating in a distal opening. The needle pusher is provided in the cannula. Movement of the plunger from the extended position toward the depressed position compresses the spring. The spring exerts a biasing force on the shuttle in the advance direction when the plunger is in the depressed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A suturing device is provided including a cannula, a needle pusher, a plunger, a spring, a shuttle, a button and a tether. The cannula includes a needle compartment defining a needle passage terminating in a distal opening. The needle pusher is provided in the cannula. Movement of the plunger from the extended position toward the depressed position compresses the spring. The spring exerts a biasing force on the shuttle in the advance direction when the plunger is in the depressed position. The button operably engages with the shuttle, and the spring biases the shuttle in the advance direction after the button is depressed, which pushes the needle pusher in the advance direction. The tether connects the plunger with the shuttle.