Suture System With Substrate Reinforcing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suturing systems face challenges in effectively reinforcing substrates, such as tissue, due to limited substrate capture and thread purchase, leading to potential thread breakage and inadequate reinforcement.
Innovation Solution
A suturing apparatus with a substrate capture chamber and thread carrier that passes through a substrate reinforcing element, allowing for enhanced thread capture and distribution of suturing forces across a larger area, utilizing a thread capture assembly and substrate reinforcing element to stabilize the thread within the substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a traditional suturing system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the substrate purchase area is limited and thread breakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The suturing system is divided into distinct functional components: a substrate capture chamber for capturing tissue, a thread carrier for delivering suture material, and a substrate reinforcing element for distributing forces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, increasing the substrate purchase area while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional single-point suturing to a multi-dimensional approach by capturing substrate in a three-dimensional chamber and distributing thread forces across multiple planes through the reinforcing element. This dimensional expansion significantly increases the effective substrate purchase area without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Reliability
If a traditional suturing system is used, then the device is simple to operate, but thread breakage and inadequate reinforcement occur
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate reinforcing element is positioned beforehand to intercept and distribute thread forces before they can concentrate at a single puncture point. This pre-positioned reinforcement prevents thread breakage by cushioning the stress distribution, while the automated chamber closure mechanism maintains ease of operation by performing the reinforcement function without requiring additional manual steps
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate reinforcing element acts as an intermediary between the thread and the substrate, mediating the force transmission. This intermediary component distributes loads across a larger area, preventing direct concentration of forces that would cause thread breakage, while the integrated design keeps the operational sequence simple and intuitive
3Strength
If substrate reinforcement is added, then thread breakage is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate reinforcing element is merged with the substrate capture chamber and thread carrier system, allowing all three functions (substrate capture, thread delivery, and force distribution) to be performed by an integrated assembly. This merging provides comprehensive substrate reinforcement while managing device complexity through unified design rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate reinforcing element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes thread forces to prevent breakage, provides structural support to the captured substrate, and works in conjunction with the chamber closure mechanism. This multi-functionality delivers enhanced strength without requiring additional separate components, thereby controlling device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Generally, a suturing system including apparatus and methods for reinforcing a substrate through which a thread passes. Specifically, embodiments of a thread carrier which passes through a substrate reinforcement element adjoining a substrate to reinforce the substrate at a first location and at a second location through which the thread passes.