Suture Passer Eyelet Mechanism for In-Joint Mattress Stitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing soft tissue tears require multiple transcutaneous portals and tools, making the process cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A suture passing device with a blunt or sharp needle and eyelet, allowing for passing and retrieving a suture through tissue without removing the device from the joint, using a mechanism that locks the suture into the eyelet and moves it between two locations to form a mattress stitch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple transcutaneous portals and tools are used to form a stitch, then the suture can be passed through tissue, but the process becomes cumbersome and increases procedure complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (suture passing, suture retrieving, and stitch formation) into a single device that remains inserted in the joint. The suture passer integrates a needle member with an eyelet and a holder assembly that can both push and retrieve sutures, eliminating the need for separate tools and multiple portals.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture passer is designed as a multi-functional instrument that can perform multiple operations: pushing suture through tissue via the needle member, retrieving suture through the holder assembly, and forming mattress stitches. This universal device replaces multiple specialized tools, reducing overall procedure complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the device is removed from the joint space to retrieve suture, then the suture can be pulled out, but the device must be removed and reinserted multiple times increasing trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The suture passer performs self-service by providing its own retrieval mechanism through the holder assembly. The device can retrieve suture through its built-in mechanism without requiring removal from the joint, eliminating the need for repeated insertion and extraction that would cause tissue trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder assembly is pre-configured with a retrieval mechanism that engages with the suture before it needs to be pulled out. The suture is positioned and secured in advance within the holder, allowing smooth retrieval without requiring device removal, thereby preventing additional tissue trauma.
3Productivity
If a sharp needle is used to pass suture through tissue, then the suture can be passed efficiently, but tissue trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows changing the parameter of needle sharpness based on specific surgical needs. The needle member can be configured as sharp for efficient suture passage through dense tissue, or blunt for minimizing trauma in delicate situations. This parameter flexibility enables optimization between productivity and harm reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle member is designed to be movable relative to the holder assembly, allowing dynamic adjustment of its position and orientation. This mobility enables the needle to be inserted at optimal angles and depths for efficient suture passage while controlling tissue interaction to minimize trauma.
Data Source
Figure 1~1B
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B~3C
AI summary
Various suture passers and methods of use thereof are disclosed herein. The suture passer can include a first needle extending along a first longitudinal axis, wherein the first needle has a sharp tip and a first hook member configured to grasp a portion of a suture, and a shaft extending along a second longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft has an eyelet that intersects with the first longitudinal axis of the first needle. The suture passer can also have an actuation mechanism coupled to the first needle, wherein actuating the actuation mechanism moves the first needle to a position in which the first needle's sharp tip extends through the eyelet, and releasing the actuation mechanism moves the first needle to a position in which the first needle's sharp tip is a spaced apart a distance proximal of the eyelet.