Surgical Suture Deployment System Using Flexible Intermediary
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical suture deployment systems face challenges in inserting stiff sutures into the body without damaging tissues or bending/breaking the suture, especially when using laparoscopic procedures where the suture must be passed through a narrow cannula.
Innovation Solution
A deployment system comprising a flexible suture attached to a surgical needle and a target suture with barbs, where a hollow collar connects the two, allowing the surgical needle to manipulate the stiff suture through tissues and cannulas without causing undue stress or damage, and enabling the target suture to be securely anchored within tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a stiff suture is directly attached to a surgical needle, then the suture can be inserted into tough tissues, but the suture may be damaged by excessive bending or the tissues may be torn
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible intermediate suture is introduced as a mediator between the surgical needle and the stiff target suture. The flexible suture can be manipulated and bent without damage, while the stiff target suture maintains its strength for penetrating tough tissues. The flexible suture is attached to the needle and used to pull the stiff suture through the tissue, preventing direct attachment and excessive bending of the stiff suture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a stiff suture is passed through a narrow cannula, then laparoscopic procedures can be performed, but the suture may bend or break
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible intermediate suture serves as a mediator that can be easily passed through the narrow cannula during laparoscopic procedures. Once the flexible suture is through the cannula and the tissue, it is used to retrieve the stiff target suture, which remains protected from bending and breaking throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture system is segmented into two distinct parts: a flexible suture for navigation and manipulation, and a stiff target suture for the actual suturing function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible suture is used for manipulation, then the suture can be easily handled, but it lacks the stiffness required for tough tissue repair
Solution Approach 1:
The suture system divides the functions of flexibility and stiffness into separate components. The flexible intermediate suture provides ease of manipulation and handling, while the stiff target suture provides the necessary strength and rigidity for tough tissue repair. Each segment is optimized for its specific requirement.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2A
Figure 4
AI summary
A suture deployment system is disclosed including a surgical needle (14) having a flexible suture (16) fixedly attached thereto and a target suture releasably secured to the flexible suture (12). A collar (18) is positioned between the flexible suture (16) and the target suture (12) and is fixedly secured to the flexible suture (16). The target suture (12) is releasably secured to the collar (18) is such that the target suture (12) may detach from the collar (18) once a surgical procedure has been completed. The surgical needle (14) is a double pointed surgical needle specifically configured to be manipulated by a surgical suturing apparatus.