Suture Removal Tool With Spring-Loaded Grasping Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing sutures require the use of forceps and scissors, which are cumbersome and cause patient discomfort due to the need for two-handed operation, leading to prolonged tugging and pulling on the suture.
Innovation Solution
A single suture removal tool with two arms, one featuring a fixed grasping and cutting tip and the other a springed grasping tip, allows for grasping, cutting, and pulling out sutures with a single hand, utilizing burred edges for effective grasping and cutting, and can be made from stainless steel or plastic for low cost and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If forceps and scissors are used for suture removal, then the suture can be grasped and cut, but the procedure requires two hands and causes patient discomfort due to tugging and pulling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of forceps (grasping) and scissors (cutting) into a single integrated tool. The device has a first arm with a fixed grasping tip and a second arm with a movable cutting tip that slides along the first arm. This merging eliminates the need for two separate instruments and two hands, allowing the operator to perform both grasping and cutting functions with one hand, thereby reducing patient discomfort from repeated insertions and tugging.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is divided into two functional arms: a first arm with a fixed grasping tip for holding the suture, and a second arm with a movable cutting tip for cutting the suture. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while being integrated into a single handheld device, resolving the contradiction between functional capability and ease of operation.
2Productivity
If forceps and scissors are used for suture removal, then the suture can be grasped and cut, but the procedure takes additional time
Solution Approach 1:
By merging grasping and cutting functions into one tool, the patent eliminates the time required to switch between instruments. The operator can grasp and cut the suture in a continuous motion without putting down or picking up separate tools, significantly reducing procedure time and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The grasping tips are pre-positioned to contact the suture first, securing it before the cutting tip engages. This preliminary grasping action ensures the suture is firmly held before cutting begins, allowing for efficient, uninterrupted cutting motion and reducing overall procedure time.
3Ease of operation
If a single apparatus replaces forceps and scissors, then ease of operation improves, but previous designs were unsuccessful due to cost and impracticality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes manufacturing the tool by cold stamping two mm thick stainless steel, producing burred cutting and/or grasping edges. This approach accepts that the cutting edges will be relatively simple and potentially disposable, eliminating the need for expensive sharpening and beveling processes. The tool is designed to be manufactured through simple stamping operations that create functional burr edges directly during forming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameter from requiring precision sharpened edges to utilizing burred edges created by cold stamping. This parameter change in the manufacturing process (from precision machining to stamping) dramatically reduces cost while maintaining functional effectiveness, as the burred edges are sufficient for cutting sutures and are created as a byproduct of the stamping process itself.
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
The tool reduces patient pain and discomfort by allowing suture removal in a single quick movement with one hand, minimizing tugging and pulling, and is cost-effective with simple assembly and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the second arm having a fixed cutting tip and a springed grasping tip
Data Source
AI summary
A suture removal tool grabs, cuts, and removes a suture. The tool includes two arms, a first arm including a single fixed grasping and cutting tip, and the second arm having a fixed cutting tip and a springed grasping tip. When the arms are closed, the grasping and cutting tip of the first arm first contacts the springed grasping tip of the second arm to grasp the suture. As the arms are further closed, the suture is held by the grasping tips, and the cutting tip of the second arm slides past the cutting tip of the first arm, cutting the suture. The cut suture remains grasped between the grasping tips, and may be pulled free. In one embodiment, the suture removal tool is made by cold stamping two mm thick stainless steel, producing burred cutting and/or grasping edges.