Suture Passer Self-Service Mechanism for Continuous Suturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges in suturing due to the cumbersome process of reloading suture passers, requiring frequent removal from the surgical cavity and manual reloading, which complicates passing and retrieving sutures through tissue.
Innovation Solution
A suture passer design that allows continuous suturing without removing the device from the surgical cavity, featuring a tissue-engaging recess, a moveable needle, and a sheath that retains and releases a suture-loaded holder within the surgical cavity, enabling repeated passes without retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the suture passer is removed from the surgical cavity to reload suture, then the suture passer can be manually reloaded with suture, but the surgical procedure becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The suture passer is designed to automatically retain and reload the suture-loaded holder within the surgical cavity without requiring removal. The sheath mechanism automatically engages and disengages the holder during needle retraction and advancement cycles, enabling the device to service itself continuously during the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture passer maintains continuous suturing capability by keeping the suture-loaded holder retained within the device during the entire surgical procedure. The sheath and needle work together to enable repeated passes through tissue without interrupting the overall surgical workflow, eliminating the need for device removal and reloading.
2Productivity
If the suture passer remains in the surgical cavity for continuous suturing, then procedural efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases due to retention and release mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The suture passer is divided into functional segments: a hollow tube for needle translation, a sheath for holder retention and release, and a distal portion for holder engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while enabling continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath acts as an intermediary mechanism between the needle and the suture-loaded holder. It mediates the retention and release of the holder during needle retraction and advancement, providing a simple mechanical interface that enables continuous suturing without complex control systems.
3Ease of operation
If manual reloading is performed by hand picking up suture, then the process is simple to operate, but the precision and control of suture placement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically performs the suture retention and release functions through its sheath mechanism, eliminating the need for manual hand-picking and reloading by the surgeon. This self-service capability maintains surgical precision while reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture passer includes a first shaft comprising a hollow tube and a distal portion located distally of a distal end of the hollow tube; a needle comprising a needle tip and a needle shaft translatably mounted in the hollow tube for passing a suture loaded holder through tissue positioned between the distal end of the hollow tube and the distal portion of the first shaft; an actuatable engagement located in the distal portion of the first shaft for retaining the suture loaded holder after the suture loaded holder has passed through the tissue; a sheath extending around an exterior of the needle shaft and translatable with the needle shaft for at least a portion of a stroke of the needle, wherein the sheath is moveable relative to the needle for actuating the engagement to an unlatched position to release the holder from the distal portion of the first shaft.