Spring-Loaded Suture Clip for Capsular Ligament Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments face challenges in precisely suturing and clamping tissue, particularly in areas like the capsular ligament of the hip, where retention and suture placement are difficult due to the tissue's nature.
Innovation Solution
A suture passer instrument with a spring-loaded suture clip and needle mechanism that securely holds and loads a flexible strand, allowing for precise clamping and suturing by advancing the needle through the tissue while retracting with the suture, facilitating efficient tissue repair in minimally invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a suture passer instrument is used to clamp and suture tissue, then the precision of suture placement is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the spring-loaded clip and needle mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (clamping, suture loading, needle advancement, and suture passing) into a single integrated suture passer instrument. The spring-loaded clip mechanism merges tissue retention and suture loading functions, while the needle delivery system integrates puncture and suture transfer capabilities, thereby achieving precise suture placement through a unified device
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded clip is pre-loaded with the suture strand before the surgical procedure. The clip is designed to automatically capture and hold the suture in a predetermined position, and the needle mechanism is pre-configured to advance through the clamped tissue and retrieve the suture. This preliminary preparation enables precise suture placement without requiring complex real-time adjustments during surgery
2Reliability
If a spring-loaded suture clip is used to secure the flexible strand, then the reliability of suture retention is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to the additional loading mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded clip mechanism is designed to automatically capture and secure the suture strand through its inherent elastic properties. When the needle advances, it automatically triggers the clip to release and transfer the suture to the needle hook. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for manual manipulation of the suture during the passing process, thereby maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable suture retention
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded clip acts as an intermediary between the suture strand and the needle. It temporarily holds the suture in a controlled manner and facilitates its transfer to the needle hook through a predetermined mechanical interaction. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable suture retention during the loading process while requiring minimal operator intervention
3Productivity
If the needle mechanism advances through clamped tissue to pass suture, then the productivity of surgical repair is improved, but the force required to operate the instrument increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle mechanism is designed with movable components that can advance and retract dynamically. The spring-loaded clip provides elastic force to assist needle advancement through the tissue. The system transitions between different force states: the spring stores potential energy during loading, releases it during needle advancement, and allows passive retraction. This dynamic behavior enables efficient suture passing with reduced operator force requirements while maintaining high surgical productivity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and secure suturing of tissues that are hard to retain, such as the capsular ligament, by using a suture passer instrument with a spring-loaded clip and needle mechanism, enhancing the efficiency of surgical repairs in arthroscopic and endoscopic surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded suture clip configured to securely hold a flexible strand (e.g., suture) and then load the flexible strand into a hook and notch of the needle
Data Source
AI summary
Instruments and methods for passing suture in tissue repair and other surgical procedures are disclosed.