Suture Anchor Applicator Blunt Tip Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suture anchor applicators risk accidentally injuring nearby anatomical structures during deployment due to the inability to visualize anatomical structures on the distal side of tissue layers, making it difficult to precisely place sutures in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a suture anchor applicator with a blunt tip portion that contacts tissue first, allowing it to retract into a needle portion for penetration, and a tag pusher mechanism to deploy the suture anchor on the distal side, minimizing the risk of injury to adjacent organs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a sharp needle is used to penetrate tissue for suture anchor deployment, then penetration efficiency is improved, but the risk of accidentally injuring nearby anatomical structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is segmented into two distinct portions: a blunt tip portion for initial tissue contact and a sharp penetrating portion for actual penetration. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specialized function - the blunt tip provides safety by contacting tissue first, while the sharp portion efficiently penetrates the tissue to deploy the suture anchor
Solution Approach 2:
The blunt tip portion performs a preliminary action by contacting the tissue before the sharp needle penetrates. This preliminary contact serves as a safety mechanism that alerts the operator to the presence of tissue, preventing accidental injury to underlying anatomical structures while still allowing efficient penetration to occur
2Speed
If a sharp needle penetrates tissue directly, then suture anchor deployment speed is improved, but precision of placement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is divided into a blunt tip portion for precise tissue contact and location identification, and a sharp penetrating portion for rapid deployment. This segmentation enables the operator to first precisely locate the target site using the blunt tip, then quickly deploy the suture anchor with the sharp portion, achieving both precision and speed
Solution Approach 2:
The blunt tip portion acts as an intermediary between the operator and the tissue, providing tactile feedback and visual confirmation of tissue contact before penetration occurs. This intermediary mechanism enhances precision by allowing the operator to accurately position the needle at the target site before the sharp portion penetrates for rapid deployment
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a blunt tip is used to contact tissue first for safety, then injury risk is reduced, but penetration capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is segmented into a blunt tip portion for safe tissue contact and a sharp penetrating portion for effective penetration. The blunt tip reduces injury risk by contacting tissue first, while the sharp portion maintains full penetration capability for deploying the suture anchor through the tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The blunt tip performs a preliminary safety function by contacting the tissue first, allowing the operator to confirm proper positioning. Once positioned correctly, the sharp penetrating portion is then used to achieve effective penetration and deploy the suture anchor, combining safety with penetration capability
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument may comprise a shaft having proximal and distal ends defining an axis therebetween. The shaft may be flexible and sized for insertion into the working channel of a flexible endoscope. The shaft may be configured to be used in conjunction with various suture anchor applicators. One suture anchor applicator may have a first tube with a first channel and a tissue penetrating tip. The first channel may be adapted to retain a second tube. The second tube may have a second channel and a blunt tip. The second channel may be adapted to retain at least one suture anchor and may include an exit port adapted for ejecting suture anchors. An alternative suture anchor applicator may comprise a first tube and a second tube with a tissue penetrating tip. The second channel is adapted to retain at least one suture anchor.