Surgical Suturing Instrument Jaw Rotation and Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic surgery requires efficient suturing techniques for bodily organs, but existing methods using sharp metal needles are cumbersome and lack precise control over tension, especially in minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical suturing instrument with a handle assembly, shaft, and end effector featuring rotating jaw members and locking elements to securely hold and maneuver a curved needle for precise suturing, allowing for controlled tension adjustment and efficient tissue approximation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sharp metal suture needle is used for traditional suturing, then the suturing function can be achieved, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and lacks precise control over tension
Solution Approach 1:
The suturing instrument is divided into distinct functional segments: a handle assembly for operator control, a shaft for transmission, and an end effector for suturing. The end effector itself is segmented into first and second jaw members with independent locking elements, allowing separate control of each jaw for precise tension management on both sides of the suture material.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates dynamic elements including rotatable jaw members that can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and locking elements that can move between proximal and distal positions. This dynamic capability enables the surgeon to adjust and control tension on the suture material during the suturing process, addressing the lack of precise tension control in traditional methods.
2Productivity
If traditional suturing methods are used in endoscopic surgery, then suturing can be performed, but surgical precision and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are designed to automatically engage with the jaw members when positioned in the distal locking position, providing self-locking functionality. This reduces the need for additional manual operations to secure the suture needle, thereby improving surgical efficiency while maintaining precision through the controlled rotation and locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument replaces the traditional manual needle handling mechanism with a controlled mechanical system featuring rotatable jaw members and locking elements. This mechanical substitution provides more precise control over the suture needle and tension compared to traditional manual methods, enhancing both surgical precision and efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If a curved needle is detachably received in jaw members, then precise manipulation is enabled, but additional locking mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are integrated directly into the jaw members, merging the holding function and locking function into a single unified structure. The locking elements are slidably received in grooves defined by the jaw members and can move between proximal and distal positions, combining the benefits of simple structure with precise locking capability for the curved needle.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements act as intermediary components between the jaw members and the curved needle. When positioned in the distal locking position, they engage with the jaw members to secure the curved needle, providing precise positioning while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through this intermediary locking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical suturing instrument includes first and second jaw members each defining a hole for detachable receipt of opposite ends of a curved needle. The first jaw member is rotatable relative to the second jaw member to move and transfer the curved needle between the jaw members. A first elongate locking element is slidable within the first jaw member between non-locking and locking positions. When the first elongate locking element is in the locking position and the curved needle is disposed within the hole of the first jaw member, a portion of the first elongate locking element is received in a notch defined in an end of the curved needle to selectively secure the curved needle to the first jaw member.