Surgical Knotting Element Loader With Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges in efficiently delivering and securing sutures due to time and space constraints, making traditional knot-tying impractical.
Innovation Solution
A loader device and method for loading and deploying knotting elements, including a flexible endoscopic tool with a housing, carriage, and threader, which facilitates the attachment and secure fastening of sutures using a coupling mechanism and threader to guide the suture through a nonlinear path, enabling efficient suture deployment within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knot-tying techniques are used to secure sutures, then the suture can be securely fastened, but the procedure time increases and the complexity of the surgical process increases due to time and space constraints in minimally invasive surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The knotting element is pre-formed with a coupling mechanism attached before the surgical procedure. The coupling mechanism is designed to engage with the applicator tip in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming knot-tying during surgery. The suture is pre-threaded through the knotting element, and the entire assembly is prepared for immediate deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the applicator tip and the knotting element. This coupling device facilitates the transfer of the knotting element from the applicator to the surgical site, enabling secure suture fastening without requiring traditional manual knot-tying techniques that are difficult to perform in minimally invasive surgery.
2Reliability
If traditional knot-tying techniques are used to secure sutures, then the suture can be securely fastened, but the ease of operation decreases due to space constraints in minimally invasive surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary that simplifies the operation by providing a mechanical interface between the applicator and knotting element. This eliminates the need for dexterous manual knot-tying in constrained surgical spaces, allowing the surgeon to simply advance the applicator and deploy the pre-formed knotting element through straightforward mechanical engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The knotting element is designed to self-engage with the applicator tip through its coupling mechanism. The complementary geometries of the coupling components automatically align and lock together when the applicator is advanced, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation or precise positioning by the surgeon.
3Productivity
If a loader device with carriage and threader is used to deliver knotting elements, then the productivity and precision of suture deployment improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loader device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a housing, a movable carriage for holding the knotting element, and a threader mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while enabling easy assembly, disassembly, and sterilization of individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The knotting element is nested within the carriage, which itself is contained within the housing. The threader passes through the knotting element to guide the suture. This nested arrangement compactly integrates multiple functions within a single deployable device, reducing the overall footprint while maintaining functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for loading a surgical knotting element on an applicator tool. One embodiment of the device includes a channel dimensioned to receive an applicator tool comprising a coupling. A surgical knotting element comprises a coupling complementary to the coupling of an applicator tool and a suture path. A carriage receives the surgical knotting element. The carriage is moveable in a transverse direction relative the channel between a first position where the knotting element is misaligned with the channel and a second position where the couplings are engaged with one another.