Steerable Suture Passing Device for Confined Arthroscopic Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suturing devices for arthroscopic and endoscopic procedures lack flexibility and maneuverability, making it difficult to perform suturing in confined and less accessible areas during small-incision surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A suture-passing device with a bendable steerable arm that can be articulated into various two- or three-dimensional configurations, equipped with a suture holder that can be deployed and manipulated to pierce and secure tissue, allowing for enhanced flexibility and access in tight spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid suture passing device is used, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and maneuverability in confined areas deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility and maneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The steerable arm is divided into multiple articulated segments or linkages that can flex relative to each other, allowing the device to navigate confined spaces while maintaining overall structural integrity through the segmented construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic steerable arm with movable joints and articulations, enabling real-time adjustment of the arm's configuration to access difficult-to-reach areas while maintaining control stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a bendable steerable arm is implemented, then flexibility and access to confined areas improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and accessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suture passer is nested within the bore of the steerable arm, allowing the suture passing function to be deployed from within the complex steerable structure without adding external complexity, as the suture passer utilizes the existing internal space of the arm

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the suture holder is deployed from the steerable arm bore, then suture manipulation capability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuture manipulation capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steerable arm structure serves multiple functions: it provides the steering mechanism for navigation, contains the bore for suture passer deployment, and acts as the support structure for suture holder manipulation, thereby reducing overall device complexity through functional integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9271720B2Steerable suture passing device

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 BIOMET MFG LLC

AI summary

A method for suturing soft tissue in arthroscopic or endoscopic procedures. The method includes inserting a bendable steerable arm in a straightened configuration through an incision, curving the steerable arm, piercing the tissue, deploying a suture holder from a bore of the steerable arm, moving the suture holder relative to the bendable steerable arm, and suturing the tissue.