Suture Passer Grasper Instrument with Retractable Wire Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
In closed surgical procedures, such as endoscopic and arthroscopic surgeries, the existing methods require two separate instruments to pass and retrieve sutures through narrow cannulas, which complicates the suturing process, especially when suture length is inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A combination suture passer and grasper instrument with a needle and deformable wire arms that can deliver and capture sutures, eliminating the need for two instruments by retracting the wire arms into the needle, allowing for longer suture lengths and easier capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate instruments (needle and grasper) are used for suture delivery and retrieval, then suture passing function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suture delivery needle and suture grasper into a single integrated instrument. The grasper jaws are positioned at the distal end of the needle shaft, allowing both suture delivery and retrieval functions to be performed by one instrument rather than requiring separate needle and grasper instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated instrument performs multiple functions: it can deliver sutures through the needle tip, retrieve sutures using the grasper jaws, and accommodate different suture lengths. The single instrument replaces what previously required two separate instruments, making the system more versatile and easier to use.
2Ease of operation
If traditional grasper with plunger-type actuator is used, then suture grasping is achieved, but suture capture difficulty increases when suture length is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sliding actuator mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the grasper jaws position relative to the needle. The sliding assembly can move the wire arms and captured suture further back into the needle compared to fixed plunger-type actuators, providing adaptability for different suture lengths and making suture capture easier.
Solution Approach 2:
The grasper jaws and wire arms are designed to be retractable into the hollow interior of the needle shaft. The sliding assembly allows the wire arms to be nested within the needle, and the captured suture to be dragged into the needle's hollow interior, creating a compact configuration that accommodates varying suture lengths.
3Ease of operation
If wire loop retriever is used instead of grasper, then suture retrieval is possible, but instrument versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated instrument combines both suture delivery (needle function) and suture retrieval (grasper function) in a single device. The grasper jaws can actively grasp and hold sutures, providing more versatile functionality compared to passive wire loop retrievers that can only encircle sutures.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a combination suture passer and grasper instrument having a needle which can deliver a suture to a repair site, and then use deformable wire arms to capture the suture and drag it into a hollow interior of the needle, thus eliminating the need for two separate instruments.