Suture Knot Tying Guide Body with Convoluted Pathway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suture-tying methods are challenging, especially in limited spaces, and existing devices fail to quickly and securely tie knots without a steep learning curve, leading to prolonged exposure of wounds to potential infections.
Innovation Solution
A knot-tying device with a guide body and convoluted pathway that uses a guide thread and pull tabs to facilitate the formation of secure suture knots, which can be used in conjunction with existing suturing devices and provided in sterile kits for immediate use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hand-tying methods are used, then knot security can be achieved, but the time required increases and wound exposure to infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is pre-configured with loops and pathways that guide the knot-formation process. The guide body pre-establishes the spatial arrangement needed for knot tying, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide body acts as an intermediary device between the surgeon's hands and the suture material. This mediator provides structured pathways and openings that guide the suture through predetermined motions, ensuring secure knot formation while reducing the time and skill required.
2Ease of operation
If existing suture pushers are used, then stitching in hard to reach areas is improved, but knot-tying capability remains challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The guide body is designed to perform multiple functions: it guides the suture through tissue, forms the knot structure, and secures the knot in place. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate stitching and knot-tying devices, particularly benefiting difficult-to-reach areas where minimizing instrument changes is crucial.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide body is divided into distinct sections with specific openings (first, second, third openings) that correspond to different stages of knot formation. This segmentation allows each part of the device to perform a specific function in the knot-tying sequence, making the overall process more manageable and adaptable to various surgical scenarios.
3Productivity
If surgical staples are used, then wound closure speed is improved, but cosmetic outcome deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical staple-closing system with a suture-based system that uses guided knot formation. Instead of mechanically clamping tissue with staples, the suture is guided through a series of motions and knots that securely close the wound while maintaining tissue integrity and cosmetic appearance.
4Reliability
If complex knot-tying devices are developed, then knot security is improved, but learning curve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide body is designed to guide itself through the knot-formation process. The predetermined pathways and openings automatically direct the suture material through the correct sequence of motions, allowing the device to perform the complex knot-tying task without requiring complex manual manipulation or advanced surgical skill.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for easily and quickly tying complex suture knots are disclosed. The knot tying accessories described herein provide a means for introducing a complex knot pattern into a bight of suture using a device body and a guide thread. The device body includes system for maintaining the guide thread and suture in a convoluted pathway, either with the use of channels, protrusions, or a combination of both within its interior, on its exterior, or both. The guide thread may include a coupler at one end for holding a suture end while the guide thread leads the suture through the convoluted path defined within the guide body. Pull tabs may also be included to aid with exchanging the guide thread for the suture ends.