Dual-Function Suture Ring and Finger Protector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical procedures face challenges in efficiently protecting the surgeon's fingers from cuts and glove damage while tensioning sutures, as existing methods require additional steps or costly solutions.
Innovation Solution
A dual-purpose surgical construct that functions as both a suture ring and finger protector, featuring a flexible, O-ring configuration with apertures to securely engage and retain sutures on an inserter handle and protect the finger during tensioning, preventing glove and skin injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional suture tensioning methods are used, then sutures can be tensioned, but the surgeon's fingers are at risk of cuts and glove damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suture ring function and finger protection function into a single integrated construct. The suture ring with aperture serves both to retain the suture on the inserter handle and to protect the surgeon's finger during tensioning, eliminating the need for separate protective equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical construct is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a suture retainer during insertion and as a finger protector during tensioning. This multi-functional design allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate items.
2Reliability
If additional protective equipment is used to protect fingers, then finger protection is improved, but procedural steps and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the suture retention function and finger protection function into one construct, the patent eliminates the need for additional procedural steps. The same component that retains the suture also protects the finger, streamlining the workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal design of the surgical construct allows it to serve throughout the entire procedure both as a suture retainer and as protective gear, reducing the number of steps and items needed in the surgical process.
3Device complexity
If a dual-purpose construct is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to securely retain suture and protect finger simultaneously must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The suture ring construct has different functional zones: the aperture area is optimized for suture retention while the main body provides finger protection. This local differentiation of function within a single component allows it to effectively perform both roles simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The construct can be designed as separate modular components (suture ring portion and protective portion) that work together as an integrated system, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical construct provides a dual purpose of a suture retainer and a finger protector. The surgical construct efficiently allows for surgeon's protection when using tensionable fixation devices (such as tensionable anchors) without extra steps or added cost. The surgical construct can retain suture and can be also worn on fingers to prevent glove and/or finger cuts when tensioning sutures.