Suture Rack Cassette Layout for Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Suture management during minimally invasive surgical procedures, particularly aortic valve replacement, is challenging due to the need for efficient organization and untangling of multiple suture ends in confined spaces, requiring improved apparatuses that interact efficiently with modern surgical tools.
Innovation Solution
A rack system for suture management comprising multiple cassette locations with inside and outside suture holders, suture grooves, and stabilizing feet, designed to organize and stabilize sutures during procedures, with features for attachment to surgical equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple suture ends are managed in confined surgical spaces, then suture organization becomes more difficult, but surgical procedure efficiency is reduced due to tangling and management challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The suture management system divides the management of multiple suture ends into separate modular cassettes, each holding specific suture ends. This segmentation allows organized storage and easy retrieval of individual suture ends without tangling, while the modular nature keeps each unit simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system serves as an intermediary device between the surgical field and the sutures. It provides a structured platform with designated holders and guides that mediate the organization and delivery of suture ends to the surgical site, reducing direct handling complexity.
2Reliability
If suture holders and organizing structures are added to manage multiple sutures, then suture tangling is reduced, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it holds multiple cassettes, provides stabilization feet for positioning, offers connection points for surgical equipment, and incorporates guides for suture delivery. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated structure, the patent reduces the need for multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines suture holding cassettes, stabilization mechanisms, and equipment mounting features into a unified rack system. This merging of previously separate components into one integrated structure reduces the overall number of parts while maintaining organizational and stabilizing functions.
3Productivity
If specialized suture management apparatuses are introduced, then suture management efficiency improves, but interaction compatibility with existing surgical tools may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system incorporates multiple connection points designed to interface with various surgical equipment and tools. This universal compatibility allows the specialized suture management apparatus to integrate seamlessly with existing surgical workflows and tools, enhancing rather than limiting adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rack and an apparatus for suture management are disclosed. The apparatus for suture management includes one or more racks, each rack including a plurality of cassette locations, each cassette location having an inside suture holder, an outside suture holder, and a cassette receiver. The apparatus for suture management also includes a plurality of suture grooves. The apparatus for suture management further includes a plurality of rack connection points. The apparatus for suture management also includes an attachment feature which may accept another surgical tool or mounting adapter.