Endoscopic Suture Apparatus with Rotating Needle Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suture apparatus and methods for endoscopic surgery are inefficient, as they require manual manipulation and reloading of needles, limiting the ability to rotate needles in planes parallel to the trocar axis, leading to time-consuming and challenging suturing procedures, especially when dealing with tissues perpendicular to the trocar axis.
Innovation Solution
A suture apparatus with a handle, actuator, capture rod, and cannula shaft that allows for the capture, seating, and release of sutures within the cannula lumen, enabling efficient approximation and ligation of tissue through an endosurgical trocar, with features like suture capture means and retraction mechanisms to facilitate suture handling and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional endoscopic needle holders are used, then the surgeon can perform suturing through a trocar, but the needle cannot be rotated in planes parallel to the trocar axis and must be manually reloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is nested within the cannula shaft, allowing the needle to be rotated and positioned in planes parallel to the trocar axis while remaining contained within the apparatus. The capture rod can engage and manipulate the needle through the cannula lumen, enabling rotation without removing the needle from the protective cannula.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus allows dynamic rotation of the needle within the cannula shaft through actuation of the capture rod. The needle can be rotated to different orientations and angles, enabling suturing of tissues perpendicular to the trocar axis while maintaining a single integrated device structure.
2Productivity
If manual needle reloading is required, then the surgeon can perform multiple suture throws, but the procedure becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is pre-loaded into the cannula shaft before insertion into the body cavity. The suture material is threaded through the needle and secured within the apparatus, so that multiple suture throws can be performed without removing or reloading the needle, significantly reducing procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle remains continuously engaged with the tissue and suture material throughout the procedure. The capture rod can repeatedly engage and manipulate the needle for multiple suture throws without requiring removal or reloading, maintaining continuous productive action throughout the suturing procedure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the needle arc is perpendicular to the device axis, then the apparatus is simpler, but it cannot effectively suture tissues perpendicular to the trocar axis
Solution Approach 1:
The capture rod can actuate to rotate the needle from a position where the arc is perpendicular to the device axis to positions where the arc is parallel to the device axis. This dynamic adjustment allows the apparatus to access and suture tissues perpendicular to the trocar axis while maintaining a relatively simple underlying device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture apparatus having a housing, actuator and capture rod, the actuator being engaged to the capture rod to form an actuator-capture rod assembly, an elongated cannula shaft having a lumen that extends through the shaft, and capture rod retraction means, the housing including an internal region that is configured to receive and support the capture rod retraction means, actuator proximal end and actuator rod distal end therein, wherein said capture rod retraction means is in communication with said actuator. The actuator-capture rod assembly and capture rod retraction means being positioned and configured to transition from a retracted position to an extended position when an actuation force is applied to the actuator and return the retracted position by the retraction means when the actuation force is released.