Front-Loading Suture Passer for Safe Needle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture-passing devices face challenges such as increased risk of accidental tissue injury due to exposed sharp tips, complex loading mechanisms, and require significant operator skill, leading to issues like needle bending or misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A suture-passing device with a hollow tube and chuck system allowing front-loading of the needle and thread, featuring a curved distal portion for easy insertion and a safety system to prevent inadvertent dislocation, along with a handle and actuator for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sharp tip is used to penetrate tissue, then the needle can effectively pass through tissue, but the risk of accidental tissue injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective cover as an intermediary element between the sharp needle tip and the surrounding tissue. This cover shields the exposed tip during handling and storage, reducing accidental injury risk while allowing the needle to maintain its penetrating capability when properly deployed during the suturing procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separate functional components: the needle assembly with sharp tip for penetration, the protective cover for safety during handling, and the holding mechanism for controlled insertion. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the others, addressing both penetration effectiveness and safety concerns
2Measurement precision
If a clamp configuration with aligned holes is used, then the needle can be precisely directed through tissue, but the device complexity increases and requires special cartridges
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanism is designed to universally accommodate various needle types and configurations without requiring special cartridges or complex loading procedures. The same basic structure can hold different needle sizes and shapes, simplifying the device while maintaining precise needle direction control through the aligned hole configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The needle is pre-loaded into the holding mechanism in a predetermined position and orientation. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex loading procedures during surgery, as the needle is already correctly aligned and ready for insertion through the tissue
3Ease of operation
If the plier arms are not in neutral condition, then the needle can be loaded, but the risk of needle bending or misalignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanism incorporates feedback through tactile sensing and visual indicators that show when the needle is properly positioned. This feedback system ensures the needle is loaded only when the plier arms are in the correct neutral condition, preventing misalignment or bending while maintaining ease of operation through clear positioning guidance
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a suture device, in particular a suture passer and/or needle pusher device for facilitating suture operation. Said device is provided with a hollow tube, a handpiece connected to the proximal end of the hollow tube, the handpiece comprising an actuator, and a chuck disposed within the hollow tube. Advantageously, the device is also provided with at least one stop means for facilitating the needle loading operation and, at the same time, ensuring the safety of the device both in use and at rest.