Suture Locking Collar Assembly for Securing Fine Absorbable Sutures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in reliably securing the ends of smaller absorbable sutures, such as 6-0, 7-0, 8-0, 9-0, 10-0, and 11-0 sutures, which are difficult to manage due to their smaller sizes.
Innovation Solution
A surgical fastening assembly comprising a central hub and a locking collar, both made from bioabsorbable materials, that securely engages smaller suture sizes using snap-fit features and interlocking surfaces to facilitate easy and reliable suture securing during minimally invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If absorbable sutures are used to avoid separate removal procedures, then patient convenience is improved, but reliable securing of smaller suture sizes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The suture assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the suture itself, a hub component with aperture, and a locking collar with engagement features. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to solve the contradiction of securing small absorbable sutures reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking collar is designed to nest onto the hub component, with the collar's inner surface featuring engagement structures that interface with the hub's outer surface. This nested configuration provides a compact, reliable securing mechanism for small suture sizes while maintaining ease of use.
2Measurement precision
If smaller suture sizes (6-0 to 11-0) are used for minimally invasive procedures, then surgical precision is improved, but difficulty in securing the suture ends increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub and locking collar feature localized engagement structures with specific geometries designed to interface with small suture diameters. The aperture in the hub and the engagement features on the collar are dimensioned and shaped to provide adequate grip on 6-0 to 11-0 sutures without requiring complex manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub and locking collar act as intermediary components between the surgeon's manipulation tools and the small suture ends. These intermediaries provide mechanical advantage and secure engagement points, making it easier to handle and secure extremely fine sutures that would otherwise be difficult to manipulate.
3Reliability
If a secure suture fastening mechanism is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking collar is designed with dynamic engagement features that allow for easy attachment and detachment. The collar can be positioned and locked onto the hub with simple movements, providing reliable fixation without requiring complex assembly procedures. The engagement features are designed to provide secure locking through straightforward mechanical interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture fastening assembly includes a central hub having a base portion having an aperture that extends therethrough and a base securing surface that extends along a base securing ramp extending along an axis that forms an acute angle with an axis of the central hub. The assembly also includes a locking collar configured to be coupled to the central hub, the locking collar including a collar securing ramp having a collar securing surface that extends along a collar ramp axis forming an acute angle with the hub axis. When a segment of suture is disposed through the aperture of the base portion and when the locking collar is secured to the central hub, a first portion of the suture is engaged by portions of the base securing surface and a second portion of the suture is engaged by portions of the collar securing surface.