Suture Passer Dual-Tip Mechanism for Tissue Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture passer devices lack flexibility and control in handling various tissue types and thicknesses during minimally invasive surgical procedures, particularly in arthroscopic and endoscopic surgeries, as they either damage tissues with sharp tips or fail to effectively pass sutures through tissues with blunt tips.
Innovation Solution
A suture passer device with a dual-tip mechanism, featuring an outer and inner tube that can transform from a blunt tip to a sharp tip, and a flexible arm to grab sutures, allowing for precise manipulation and secure suture passage without damaging tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a sharp tip is used to pass sutures through tissue, then suture passage effectiveness is improved, but tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic tip configuration where the inner tube can be extended or retracted relative to the outer tube. When the inner tube is retracted, a blunt tip is presented to avoid tissue damage. When the inner tube is extended, a sharp tip is presented for effective suture passage. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt its tip characteristics based on the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into two separate tubes: an outer tube with a blunt tip and an inner tube with a sharp tip. These segmented components can be independently controlled to be extended or retracted. The segmentation allows selective deployment of either blunt or sharp tip functionality, resolving the contradiction between tissue protection and suture passage effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a blunt tip is used to avoid tissue damage, then tissue safety is improved, but suture passage control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static blunt tip to a dynamic configuration where the sharp tip on the inner tube can be extended when suture passage control is needed. This dynamic adjustment allows the operator to have both tissue safety during insertion and effective suture control when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The blunt tip on the outer tube is used first to safely insert the device into the tissue without damage. After safe insertion is achieved, the inner tube with the sharp tip is then extended to provide the necessary control for suture passage. This preliminary action sequence ensures both tissue safety and operational control.
3Device complexity
If existing suture passer devices are used, then procedural simplicity is maintained, but flexibility in handling various tissue types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions in a single instrument: the outer tube provides blunt dissection and tissue protection, while the inner tube provides sharp piercing and suture control. This multi-functionality allows the device to handle various tissue types and thicknesses effectively, from delicate tissues requiring blunt protection to tougher tissues requiring sharp penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the device into outer and inner tubes with different tip characteristics, the device gains versatility to adapt to different tissue types. The segmented design allows selective use of blunt or sharp functionality based on the specific tissue being encountered, enhancing adaptability while maintaining procedural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a suture passer device that includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a suture carrier secured to the handle and moveable through a distal end of the shaft. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, one of the shaft and the suture carrier includes a sharp tip and the other one of the shaft and the suture carrier includes a blunt tip. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the suture carrier includes an inner tube extending through the shaft and a flexible arm extending through the inner tube. Methods of using a suture passer device are also disclosed.