Suture Reinforcement Placement System with Catching Portion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reinforcement devices for sutures are difficult to maintain in position on suture clamps during surgical procedures, particularly when dealing with delicate or inflamed tissues, risking damage or incomplete closure.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising reinforcement means with a catching portion and grip means that securely hold the reinforcement in place on the suture clamp before and during surgery, ensuring the reinforcement is sandwiched between the clamp jaws for effective suturing and post-operative protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reinforcement sleeves are used to surround the ends of the suture clamp, then the reinforcement can be engaged by staples to prevent sinking into the zone for treatment, but the reinforcement becomes difficult to keep in position on the jaws of the clamp

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereinforcement engagement reliabilityVSAvoidpositioning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement device is divided into separate functional components: a reinforcement portion for engaging staples, a catching portion for securing to the clamp, and grip means for surgical handling. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall positioning stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The catching portion acts as an intermediary element between the reinforcement portion and the clamp jaws. It provides a secure attachment mechanism that maintains the reinforcement in position during the suturing process without interfering with the staple engagement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the reinforcement is held on the suture clamp during sectioning and suturing, then the reinforcement remains in place for effective treatment, but the device complexity increases due to additional holding mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereinforcement positioning reliabilityVSAvoidholding mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catching portion and grip means are integrated with the reinforcement portion as a single unified structure. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device while maintaining effective holding capability during the surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If grip means are added to facilitate handling and positioning, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity and potential for tissue damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical handling easeVSAvoidtissue damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The grip means are designed with specific local characteristics that enable surgical handling while minimizing tissue contact. The catching portion is positioned to secure the reinforcement without applying excessive force to surrounding tissues, and the grip means provide controlled handling capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8814888B2System for putting reinforcement-forming means for a suture into place
Publication Date: 2014.08.26 SOFRADIM PRODUCTION SAS
  • US8814888B2 patent drawing
  • US8814888B2 patent drawing
  • US8814888B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a placement system for putting into place means that form reinforcement for a suture. The system comprises reinforcement-forming means for reinforcing a zone that is to be sutured, said means comprising a first reinforcement portion and a second reinforcement portion, a catching portion interconnecting said first and second portions of the reinforcement-forming means and serving to take hold of the zone for suturing, and jaw-passing means for passing two jaws of a suture clamp, such that said first portion of the reinforcement-forming means is suitable for facing one of the two jaws and said second portion of the reinforcement-forming means is suitable for facing the other one of the two jaws, said placement system further comprising grip means.