Endoscopic Suture Anchor Strip for Transmural Tissue Apposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical suture technologies lack precision, reliability, and durability for full-thickness transmural suturing in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to issues with vessel avoidance, maneuverability, and secure closure, particularly in endoscopic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A through-the-scope endoscopic suturing system with a needle-based anchor deployment mechanism that allows for linear, flexible, and precise placement of T-Fastener style anchors, enabling full-thickness tissue penetration and transmural apposition, using EUS or non-EUS guided systems with a monolithic pusher and anchor assembly for efficient and adaptable suturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical suture technologies are used for full-thickness transmural suturing, then basic suturing function is achieved, but precision, reliability, and durability are insufficient leading to vessel avoidance issues and insecure closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical suture systems with an endoscopic ultrasound-guided needle-based anchor deployment system. The EUS guidance allows real-time visualization of tissue layers and vascular structures, enabling precise needle placement and anchor deployment through the full thickness of the tissue wall while avoiding vessels, thereby achieving reliable and precise transmural suturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces EUS imaging as an intermediary between the surgeon and the tissue being sutured. This intermediary provides real-time feedback on needle position, tissue thickness, and vascular structures, enabling precise control of the suturing process and ensuring reliable full-thickness penetration without damaging underlying structures.
2Ease of operation
If through-the-scope clips and over-the-scope clips are used for tissue apposition, then basic closure function is achieved, but maneuverability and visibility create issues in real life application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the suturing function into distinct modular components: EUS guidance system, needle delivery system, anchor deployment mechanism, and suture tensioning system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall deployment process, improving ease of operation while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor design incorporates self-deploying features where the anchor automatically transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded anchored state upon deployment. This self-service mechanism reduces the complexity of the deployment mechanism while improving ease of operation, as the anchor secures itself to the tissue without requiring complex additional steps.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If current suture technologies are used, then basic suturing is possible, but durability is compromised due to suture cheese-wiring through tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple small anchors distributed along the suture line rather than relying on a single strong suture. Each anchor acts as a discrete fixation point that prevents the suture from cutting through the tissue (cheese-wiring). While individual anchors are relatively simple components, their collective effect provides durable and strong tissue apposition over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of how force is distributed in the suture-tissue interface. Instead of relying solely on suture tension distributed along a linear path (prone to cheese-wiring), the system uses multiple discrete anchor points that distribute mechanical stress vertically through the tissue thickness, preventing the suture from cutting through while maintaining strong apposition and long-term durability.
4Measurement precision
If nonlinear deployment of suture anchors is used, then basic anchoring function is achieved, but suture management becomes complex and placement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary linear placement of multiple anchors along the intended suture line before final suture tensioning. This preliminary arrangement establishes precise spatial relationships between anchor points and ensures proper distribution along the tissue margin. The linear deployment sequence simplifies suture management by providing a predictable, organized pattern that is easier to control and manage compared to nonlinear random placement.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a single molded strip of suture anchors frangibly connected to each other that can be preloaded with a suture and then deployed at the site of use inside the body. This configuration eliminates the need to reload an anchor when multiple anchors are required. Further, this molded strip of anchors can include different variations of a suture anchor or locking device all in the same single strip. The strip would typically be molded from plastic or metal and would offer the additional advantage of being injection molded in a one piece shot which would not only save on cost per anchor but would offer assembly advantages as well.