Suture Retention Device Zig-Zag Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture retention devices for percutaneous direct feeding methods, such as gastrostomy or gastrojejunostomy tubes, face challenges in securely anchoring the stomach or jejunum against the abdominal wall, leading to potential movement and mislocation of the feeding tube, which can affect the efficacy of nutrient delivery.
Innovation Solution
A suture retention device with a body and retention members that transition between an unlocked and locked state, allowing a suture to be threaded through coaxial holes and then forced into a zig-zag configuration within the device to securely restrain the suture, utilizing a retention wire to prevent premature locking and ensuring proper placement of the feeding tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional suture retention devices are used to secure the suture to the exterior of the abdominal wall, then the suture can be anchored to maintain stomach or jejunum position, but the device may not provide sufficient restraint allowing the suture to slip or move, leading to mislocation of the feeding tube
Solution Approach 1:
The retention members are designed to move between unlocked and locked states within the channel. In the unlocked state, the suture can be threaded through coaxial holes. In the locked state, the retention members force the suture into a zig-zag configuration that provides secure restraint. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt from a simple threading structure to a complex restraining structure only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the physical configuration parameter of the suture from a straight threaded path to a zig-zag constrained path. This parameter change in suture configuration increases the friction and mechanical interlocking, thereby improving anchoring reliability without requiring a more complex overall device structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the suture is secured tightly to prevent movement, then the positioning stability is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex requiring additional retention mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a body with a channel and multiple retention members that can independently move within the channel. Each retention member can be actuated separately to control the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the complex stabilization function to be achieved through simple, modular components rather than a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention members act as intermediaries between the suture and the body structure. Instead of directly complexifying the connection between suture and body, the retention members mediate this interaction by providing a controlled locking mechanism that transforms the suture path into a zig-zag configuration, achieving stability through an intermediate element.
3Device complexity
If a simple suture threading device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the suture cannot be effectively restrained leading to potential movement and loss of positioning precision
Solution Approach 1:
The retention members force the suture into a zig-zag configuration rather than allowing it to pass through in a straight line. This curved, zig-zag path increases the contact length and friction between the suture and the device, providing effective restraint. The curvature transformation of the suture path achieves precise positioning control without requiring complex active restraint mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture retention device is provided for retaining a suture. The device includes a body with a channel and two retention members within the channel. The retention members are movable between an unlocked state to a locked state in which the suture is restrained with respect to the body.