Suture Handle Position Retention Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture delivery devices often experience needles falling out during handling, leading to unnecessary sterilization and replacement, resulting in time delays and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A handle system with a position retention arm that keeps the needle in a partially actuated position, preventing it from falling out of the device, using a combination of pivotable and slideable components with a retention device to secure the needle drive shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a needle is positioned in the suture delivery device before each use, then the device is ready for surgical use, but the needle may fall out during handling and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The retention arm is pre-configured in a blocking position that prevents needle dislodgment before surgery. This preliminary positioning ensures the needle is securely held during handling and device positioning, eliminating the risk of needle loss while maintaining readiness for immediate use.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention arm acts as an intermediary component between the needle drive shaft and the external environment. It provides a mechanical barrier that prevents unintended needle movement during handling, while allowing controlled needle deployment when the retention arm is deliberately repositioned during the surgical procedure.
2Reliability
If the needle is secured in the device, then needle loss is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retention arm is designed as a movable component that can be dynamically repositioned between a blocking position (for needle retention during handling) and a non-blocking position (for needle deployment during surgery). This dynamic design allows the system to adapt its function based on the procedural stage, maintaining reliability while avoiding permanent structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle system is segmented into functional components: the retention arm, the needle drive shaft, and the controlling mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while achieving reliable needle retention. The retention arm can be designed as a separate, simple lever mechanism rather than integrating complexity into the entire handle system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the needle drive shaft can move freely, then operation is flexible, but the needle may inadvertently dislodge
Solution Approach 1:
The retention arm applies a preliminary counteracting force that prevents harmful needle dislodgment during handling and positioning. This anti-action is automatically engaged when the retention arm is in its blocking position, counterbalancing any forces that might cause inadvertent needle movement while preserving operational flexibility when the retention arm is deliberately repositioned.
Data Source
AI summary
A handle system usable for controlling medical devices, such as suture delivery devices. In at least one embodiment, the handle system may be directed to an embodiment configured to be used with a suture delivery device. The handle system may enable a suture delivery system of the suture delivery device to be partially actuated to prevent a needle from falling out of the suture delivery device. The needle and components of the handle system may be held in position through use of a position retention arm. By preventing the needle from falling out of the suture delivery device, the efficiency and safety of a medical device to which the handle system is attached is greatly increased. In addition, surgical personnel using a medical device incorporating the handle system are able to use the medical device in any position without risk of the needle falling out.