Curved Suture Needle Extension for Roller Driver Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suture needles are not designed to work optimally with new ergonomic rotational action needle drivers, leading to difficulties in loading and using them efficiently, particularly due to the static relationship between traditional needle drivers and needles, which can result in damage to either the needle or the driver, and pose challenges for left-handed surgeons.
Innovation Solution
A suturing needle design featuring a needle tip portion, a needle body, a hollow thread attachment component with a viewing port and a tapered ramp portion, and a suture thread that allows smooth loading onto a roller needle driver without opening the rollers, enabling dynamic movement and compatibility with both right- and left-handed use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard swaged needles are used with new ergonomic rotational action needle drivers, then the needle can be driven through tissue, but the swage end of the needle may be damaged by the rollers or damage the rollers
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is divided into distinct functional segments: a needle body for tissue penetration, a swaged portion for suture attachment, and an extension portion with a ramp feature for roller engagement. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, preventing damage to the swaged end while enabling smooth roller action.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension portion with the ramp feature acts as an intermediary between the roller driver and the needle body. The ramp provides a smooth transition surface that guides the rollers onto the needle without creating stress concentrations at the swaged end, thereby protecting both the needle and driver from damage.
2Strength
If traditional needle drivers with static needle clamping are used, then the needle can be held firmly, but left-handed surgeons have difficulties operating the device
Solution Approach 1:
The extension portion is designed with asymmetric geometry, including a ramp feature positioned to facilitate engagement with rotational needle drivers. This asymmetric design allows the needle to be securely held while enabling ergonomic operation for both right-handed and left-handed surgeons through the rotational mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from static needle clamping to dynamic rotational engagement. The extension portion with ramp feature enables the needle to be grasped and rotated within the driver, providing both firm holding and ergonomic operability for surgeons of either hand.
3Ease of operation
If rollers are opened to move over the swage end of the needle, then the needle can be loaded, but the loading process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The extension portion with ramp feature is pre-configured on the needle before use. This preliminary structural preparation allows the rollers to smoothly engage and advance over the ramp without requiring opening or complex manipulation, enabling rapid and simple needle loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp feature serves as an intermediary structure that mediates between the roller driver mechanism and the needle body. It provides a continuous engagement surface that eliminates the need to open rollers during loading, streamlining the process and reducing time.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a suturing needle having a thread attachment portion and a ramp portion comprising a tapered portion extending from a proximal end of the needle to cover at least a portion of a suture thread swaged in the thread attachment portion. The tapered portion of the ramp portion provides a smooth transition from a diameter of the suture thread to a diameter of the needle body. The tapered transition portion allows for engaging the suture needle on rollers of a rotational needle driver in one smooth motion.