Suture Lock Pin and Sleeve Mechanism for Secure Tissue Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually tying sutures to close perforations in bodily tissue is complex, time-consuming, and requires significant skill, especially in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures, while existing automatic systems are often complex, costly, and limited in application.
Innovation Solution
A suture lock system comprising a locking pin and retaining sleeve, operable between locked and unlocked configurations, which compresses suture strands between the grip and tubular body, allowing for adjustable tension and easy deployment using catheters, facilitating secure fixation and adjustment of sutures relative to tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual suture tying is used to close perforations, then secure fixation of suture strands is achieved, but the procedure becomes complex and time-consuming requiring significant skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a suture lock device as an intermediary component that mediates between the suture strands and the tissue. The locking pin and retaining sleeve mechanism provides automatic locking functionality, eliminating the need for complex manual tying procedures while maintaining secure fixation. The device acts as a mediator that transforms the complex manual tying process into a simpler deployment action.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture lock device incorporates self-locking functionality where the locking pin automatically engages with the retaining sleeve when the suture strands are tensioned. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for continuous manual manipulation or complex tying procedures, as the device automatically secures itself once deployed and the sutures are tightened.
2Reliability
If manual suture tying is used, then secure fixation is achieved, but the procedure requires significant skill and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The suture lock device serves as an intermediary that handles the complex locking mechanism, allowing the operator to simply deploy the device and tension the sutures. The intricate locking action is performed automatically by the device itself, removing the skill requirement from the operator while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking mechanism performs the complex securing action automatically once the device is deployed and sutures are tensioned. This eliminates the need for the operator to perform skilled manual tying maneuvers, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining secure fixation through the automated locking action.
3Productivity
If existing automatic suture tying systems are used, then time is reduced, but the systems become complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The suture lock device is segmented into simple, discrete components: a locking pin, a retaining sleeve, and suture strands. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function with simple geometry, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining automated functionality for rapid deployment and secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses passive self-locking mechanics where the locking pin automatically engages the retaining sleeve through friction and geometric interference when the sutures are tensioned. This eliminates the need for complex motors, sensors, or control systems that would increase device complexity and cost, while still achieving automated rapid fixation.
4Productivity
If existing automatic suture tying systems are used, then procedure time is reduced, but adaptability to various situations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The suture lock device is designed with universal applicability through its simple, adaptable geometry. The locking pin and retaining sleeve can accommodate various suture strand configurations and tissue types. The device can be deployed in different anatomical locations and adapted to various suture materials, providing versatility across multiple surgical situations while maintaining rapid automated operation.
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 suture lock system provides a simple, reliable, and adaptable solution for complete perforation closure, allowing for secure fixation and adjustment of sutures, even in hard-to-reach locations, with the ability to maintain tension and adjust suture position post-fixation, enhancing the efficiency of suture placement and closure.
Implementation Method 1
The locking pin and retaining sleeve are connected in the locked configuration through their respective frictional engagement of the suture strands
Data Source
AI summary
Suture locks, as well as related systems and methods, are provided for fixing strands of one or more sutures relative to tissue. The suture locks, systems and methods are simple and reliable in use, facilitate complete perforation closure and adjustment of the suture strands, and are adaptable to a variety of suture fixation and perforation closure situations. The suture lock includes a locking pin and a retaining sleeve. The locking pin has a main body and a grip. The retaining sleeve has a tubular body with an internal wall defining an internal passageway sized to receive the locking pin therein. The suture lock is operable between a locked configuration and unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the suture strands are compressed between the grip and the internal wall of the tubular body.