Single-Actuator Surgical Suture Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical suture apparatuses are cumbersome, require multiple operating organs, and are unsuitable for single-handed operation, making them difficult to use in laparoscopic and open surgeries, and are prone to malfunctions due to complex mechanisms and bulkiness.
Innovation Solution
A surgical suture apparatus with a single operating organ that uses biased spring elements to move jaw elements between open and take-over positions, allowing for single-handed operation and reducing the number of parts, featuring a connecting element and operating device that alternately holds a double-ended surgical needle, enabling straightforward passage between jaw elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two operating organs (handle and side arm) are used to control jaw movement and needle holding, then the apparatus can perform its surgical function, but the operation becomes difficult with a single hand and requires complex coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the handle (for jaw movement) and the side arm (for needle holding control) into a single integrated operating organ. This operating organ has multiple positions that simultaneously control both the jaw elements movement and the needle holding mechanism, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and enabling single-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single operating organ is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the movement of jaw elements between open and closed positions, and it also controls the holding means to alternately hold the surgical needle in different jaw elements. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate control mechanisms needed.
2Illumination intensity
If the elongate body portion is made long to provide direct view of surgical needle and jaw elements, then visibility is improved, but the apparatus becomes bulky and unsuitable for open surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redesigns the apparatus to have a more compact, condensed structure that reduces the elongate body portion length. The jaw elements and needle holding mechanism are arranged in a space-efficient configuration that maintains adequate visibility and access while reducing overall apparatus volume, making it suitable for both laparoscopic and open surgery applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stiff actuation cables and complex mechanisms are used to control jaw and needle holding, then the apparatus can perform multiple functions, but the device becomes vulnerable to malfunctioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation mechanisms for jaw movement and needle holding control into a single integrated system. Instead of using separate stiff actuation cables for each function, the design employs a unified mechanism with fewer moving parts, reducing the points of potential failure while maintaining the ability to perform both jaw control and needle holding functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating mechanism is designed to automatically coordinate jaw movement and needle holding actions through its mechanical design. The single operating organ's movement automatically triggers the appropriate sequence of jaw closure and needle holding changes without requiring complex cable coordination or additional control mechanisms, reducing malfunction vulnerability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus provides a reliable, simple, and efficient method for passing a surgical needle between jaw elements, suitable for both open and endoscopic surgeries, with improved ergonomics and reduced vulnerability to defects, allowing for single-handed operation and enhanced tactile feedback.
Implementation Method 1
The surgical apparatus comprises a spring element to bias the jaw elements to the open position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a surgical suture apparatus (1) for open and/ or endoscopic surgery configured to pass a double-ended surgical needle (100) backwards and forwards between a first jaw element (2) and a second jaw (3) element, the jaw elements each comprising a holding device (5, 6)to hold a respective needle end of the surgical needle, wherein the first and/or second jaw element are biased to an open position with a first biasing force. The apparatus further comprises an operating device (13) to operate the first and second holding devices, wherein the operating device comprises a first operating organ (14) biased in the normal position by one or more second spring elements (20) with a second biasing force, wherein the first biasing force is smaller than the second biasing force such that exerting an actuation force on the first operating organ first results in movement of the first and second jaw element towards each other, and subsequently in actuation of the operating device.