Suture Needle Recess Design for Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture and needle assemblies for tissue suturing often experience issues with suture uncoupling from the needle, increased resistance during tissue penetration, and complex suturing procedures, leading to longer surgical times.
Innovation Solution
The development of medical devices featuring needles with cylindrical bodies and recesses configured to securely attach sutures, including features like slots, counterbores, and tabs that bend to secure the suture within the needle, reducing the likelihood of suture uncoupling and facilitating easier tissue penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a knot is tied at the end of the suture to prevent it from passing through the needle hole, then the suture is retained on the needle, but the knot size becomes inconsistent and may pull through the hole causing uncoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the knotting operation from the suture attachment process. Instead of tying a knot at the end of the suture, the design uses a through-hole configuration where the suture passes through the needle body and is secured by a retention feature (such as a loop or engagement structure) integrated into the needle, eliminating the need for manual knot tying and ensuring consistent retention without uncoupling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary retention feature between the suture and needle hole. This intermediary element (such as a loop, engagement structure, or friction fit mechanism) mediates the connection, allowing the suture to be reliably retained on the needle without requiring a knot that could pull through. The intermediary provides controlled retention while preventing the suture from slipping or uncoupling
2Ease of manufacture
If the suture extends radially outward from the needle, then the suture can be attached, but resistance increases as the needle is pushed through tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the suture within the needle structure. The suture passes through a through-hole in the needle body and is positioned such that it remains contained within or adjacent to the needle shaft during insertion. This nesting arrangement prevents the suture from extending radially outward, maintaining a streamlined profile that minimizes resistance during tissue penetration while still allowing proper suture attachment and function
3Ease of operation
If traditional suture attachment methods are used, then suturing can be performed, but surgical operation times increase due to reassembly needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary attachment features directly into the needle design before the suturing procedure begins. The through-hole configuration with integrated retention features is pre-configured in the needle, allowing the suture to be quickly attached at the start of the procedure without requiring complex assembly steps or reassembly during the surgery. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming reassembly operations and streamlines the entire suturing process
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, a medical device including a needle configured for use in suturing tissue is described. The needle may include a cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis extending between first and second ends of the cylindrical body. The needle may also include a lumen extending through the cylindrical body transverse to the longitudinal axis. The needle may further include a first end portion at the first end of the cylindrical body. The first end portion may include a sharp point configured to pierce tissue. An outer surface of the cylindrical body may define a first recess in communication with an opening of the lumen and configured to receive an end of a suture.