Compact Suture Passer With Nested Actuator Slot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture passing devices are cumbersome and require at least two fingers to operate, making it difficult to maneuver in confined surgical spaces, and often have obtrusive handles that impede ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A compact suture passer with an elongate member, actuator, and thread member, where the actuator can be moved from a first to a second position using a single finger or thumb, allowing the thread member to extend from the distal opening of the elongate member for easy suture manipulation within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If plunger-type suture passing devices are used, then suture passing capability is achieved, but the device requires at least two fingers to operate and has obtrusive handles that impair maneuverability in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is positioned within a slot in the handle portion, allowing it to be nested within the elongate member structure. This nesting approach enables the actuator to be accessed through the slot while maintaining a compact overall device profile, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional portions: the elongate member with lumen for thread passage, the handle portion with slot, and the actuator mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling simple single-finger operation while maintaining structural integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple suture passing devices are used in confined surgical spaces, then suture passing functionality is achieved, but the workspace becomes cluttered and maneuverability of individual devices is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The compact nested design allows the device to occupy minimal space while maintaining full suture passing functionality. The actuator nests within the handle portion, and the thread member nests within the lumen, creating a space-efficient device that can be used in confined surgical spaces without cluttering the workspace
3Ease of operation
If a compact suture passer is used, then maneuverability in confined spaces is improved, but the actuator must be accessible through a slot in the elongate member
Solution Approach 1:
The slot acts as an intermediary access path, allowing the actuator to be operated through the elongate member without requiring the actuator to protrude from the device. This intermediary structure enables compact design while maintaining ease of operation through the slot opening
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an elongate member, an actuator, and a thread member. A portion of the elongate member defines a central axis. The elongate member defines a slot which extends along an axis parallel to the central axis. The actuator is coupled to the elongate member and is accessible through the slot. The actuator is moveable from a first position to a second position different than the first position. The thread member is coupled to the actuator and has a receiving portion. The thread member is moveable from a first position to a second position different than the first position when the actuator is moved from its first position to its second position.