Suture Passer Internal Arm Dynamics and Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suture passer devices fail to consistently secure the suture during tissue passage and often cause additional trauma by leaving the needle exposed.
Innovation Solution
A suture passer device with a hollow tube, a curved distal portion, and an internal arm connected to an actuator that moves through distinct positions to secure and release the suture, minimizing exposure and trauma by using a hook-like mechanism to capture and retract the suture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional suture passer device is used to pass suture through tissue, then the suture can be passed through the tissue, but the suture is not consistently or sufficiently secured during passage
Solution Approach 1:
The internal arm is designed to be movable between different configurations (extended and retracted) via the actuator mechanism. This dynamic capability allows the arm to transition from a suture-capturing position to a retracted position, providing consistent suture securing during tissue passage while allowing the device to return to a low-profile state for repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal arm acts as an intermediary element between the hollow tube and the suture. It provides a mechanical interface that actively engages with the suture to secure it during passage, mediating the interaction between the device and the suture to ensure reliable capture and transport through tissue.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional suture passer device leaves the needle exposed while passing through tissue, then the needle can be easily guided, but additional damage or trauma is caused to the surrounding tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is nested within the hollow tube during the passage through tissue. The hollow tube serves as a protective sheath that contains the needle, preventing it from causing trauma to surrounding tissue. The needle remains accessible at the distal end for suture capture while being protected along its length by the tubular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow tube acts as a flexible protective shell that encloses the needle. This thin-walled tubular structure provides protection against tissue trauma while maintaining flexibility for navigation through the surgical site and allowing for the necessary movements during suture passage.
3Reliability
If the internal arm is extended to capture suture, then the suture can be secured, but the device profile increases during repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The internal arm transitions dynamically between extended and retracted configurations based on the operational phase. During suture capture, the arm extends to engage the suture. During device repositioning, the arm retracts to minimize the profile. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to optimize its dimensions for different functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal arm undergoes periodic extension and retraction cycles corresponding to the suture passage operation. The arm extends to capture the suture, remains extended during passage, then retracts for device repositioning, creating a rhythmic pattern of configuration change that alternates between maximizing suture capture capability and minimizing device profile.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture passer device for passing a length of suture through an object. The suture passer device includes a hollow tube having a proximal end and a curved distal tube portion extending to a distal end. The suture passer device also includes a handle attached to the proximal end of the hollow tube, an actuator on the handle movable between first, second, and third positions, and an internal arm within the curved distal tube portion and connected to the actuator. The internal arm is movable between first, second, and third configurations. When the actuator is in the first position, the internal arm extends out from the distal tube portion at an angle from the distal tube portion in the first configuration. When the actuator is in the second position, the internal arm is retracted within the distal tube portion in the second configuration.