Spring-Biased Suture Locking Mechanism for Minimally Invasive Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually tying sutures during minimally-invasive procedures is complex, time-consuming, and requires significant skill, while existing automatic systems are often complex, costly, and limited in application.
Innovation Solution
A spring-biased locking device with a housing and pin member that automatically locks sutures in tension, allowing for easy deployment and adjustment, featuring a pin member with a gripping portion and a bulbous tail portion, and a spring mechanism to maintain tension without user force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual suture tying is performed, then the procedure can be completed with simple equipment, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring significant skill
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is self-actuating through spring bias that automatically engages the pin member to lock the suture in tension without requiring user force or complex manual manipulation, thereby simplifying operation and reducing time
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the complex manual tying process and replaces it with a simplified mechanical locking mechanism where the essential function of securing suture tension is isolated to a single automated device rather than requiring skilled hand-tying procedures
2Ease of operation
If automatic suture tying systems are used, then the locking process is simplified, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into simple functional segments: a housing member, a pin member with gripping portion, and a spring mechanism. Each component performs a single function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex motorized or electronically-controlled automatic tying system, the invention inverts the approach by using a passive spring-loaded mechanical system that achieves automation through elastic potential energy storage and release, thereby reducing complexity
3Productivity
If existing automatic locking devices are used, then locking speed is improved, but the devices are limited to certain situations and difficult to deploy in minimally-invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The pin member is designed to be dynamically movable along the suture strand under spring bias, allowing the device to adapt to different suture tensions and positions while maintaining rapid locking capability, thereby increasing versatility for minimally-invasive applications
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed with universal applicability by using a simple housing member and pin member configuration that can function with various suture types and in different anatomical locations, making it suitable for both open and minimally-invasive procedures
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 device simplifies the locking process, requires no user force to lock sutures, provides consistent tension, and is resistant to unlocking, making it suitable for difficult-to-access body locations and various medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a spring within the hollow interior and around the shaft member, and may abut the gripping portion of the pin member and the interior end surface of the housing member
Implementation Method 2
the spring bias holds the pin member in a position in which the gripping portion is in a second position closer to the first end than the first position is to the first end
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, there are shown embodiments of locking mechanisms for holding sutures in tension. Such devices may be used with implants that use or require sutures, and are easily locked remotely. In particular embodiments, a lock includes a housing member, a pin member at least partially within the housing member, and a spring biasing the pin member into the housing member. The pin member includes a gripping portion, and has a retracted condition and a locked condition. When retracted, a suture can move through the housing member and around the gripping portion of the pin member. When locked, the gripping portion of the pin member engages the suture and presses it against the interior of the housing member.