Suture Loading Cartridge with Moveable Seat and Asymmetric Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for loading suture onto surgical suturing instruments are cumbersome, requiring multiple steps and user dexterity, and often fail if steps are performed out of order, making them inefficient and prone to errors during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge system that allows for easy loading of suture onto surgical instruments by providing a seat for holding the suture and a mechanism for transferring it onto the instrument, with features such as alignment, retention, and a delay interlock to ensure proper alignment and secure transfer, facilitating efficient and error-free loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional methods are used for loading suture onto surgical instruments, then the loading can be performed with basic components, but the process becomes cumbersome, requiring multiple steps and user dexterity, and is prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is inserted into the surgical instrument, and the suture is nested within the cartridge. The suture passer member passes through the cartridge to engage the suture, creating a nested configuration that simplifies the loading process while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is pre-loaded into the cartridge before the surgical procedure. The cartridge is prepared in advance with the suture positioned and secured, so that during surgery, the loading process is simplified to merely inserting the pre-prepared cartridge into the instrument.
2Reliability
If simple loading mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is low, but the loading process fails if steps are performed out of order and requires high user dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge includes a moveable seat that can be positioned in different locations. The seat is initially positioned to allow suture engagement, and after loading, it moves to a second position that prevents premature ejection of the suture, ensuring reliable operation even if handling is imperfect.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge provides visual feedback through color-coded indicators (e.g., colored bands or markings) that show the status of the suture loading process. This feedback mechanism guides the user through the correct sequence of operations and confirms when loading is complete, reducing errors.
3Ease of operation
If the seat remains in the path of the suturing instrument, then the suture can be easily accessed, but the instrument cannot be withdrawn from the cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is designed to be moveable between two positions. In the first position, the seat is in the path of the suturing instrument to facilitate suture engagement. After loading, the seat moves to a second position that clears the instrument path, enabling rapid withdrawal of the instrument from the cartridge.
4Manufacturing precision
If no alignment features are provided, then the cartridge structure is simpler, but the seat may not align properly with the suturing instrument, causing transfer errors
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge and seat include asymmetric alignment features such as tapered surfaces or keyed interfaces that guide the suturing instrument into the correct position. These asymmetric features ensure proper alignment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, as the geometry itself enforces the correct orientation.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a cartridge are disclosed, for loading a suture onto a suturing instrument and, in some embodiments, for loading a pre-tied knot formed from the suture onto the suturing instrument. The suturing instrument is typically of the type having a suture passing member defining a suture receiving passage therein. The cartridge may be operable to load the suture and/or the knot onto the suturing instrument at a point of use. In some embodiments, the cartridge defines a path for insertion thereto and withdrawal therefrom of the suturing instrument. The cartridge further comprises a seat for releasably holding a portion of a suture and a mechanism for transferring the suture from seat to the suturing instrument, various features of which are described herein.