Shape Memory Suture Shuttle for Single Portal Arthroscopy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Arthroscopic suturing techniques are limited by the constraints of cannula placement, making it difficult for surgeons to position sutures at optimal locations due to the limited angular access and the need for multiple portals, which can increase trauma and recovery time.
Innovation Solution
A percutaneous suture management system using a rigid flexible elastic member with an aperture portion that transitions between expanded and collapsed modes, allowing for precise placement and delivery of sutures through a single portal, enabling greater angular access and reducing the number of portals required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple portals/cannulas are used to access different locations, then suture placement flexibility is improved, but surgical trauma and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suture shuttle incorporates a dynamic aperture mechanism that can change its opening size and configuration during the procedure. The aperture transitions from a closed or narrow state for insertion through a single portal to an expanded state for capturing and manipulating sutures, allowing one portal to serve multiple functional purposes and eliminating the need for multiple fixed access points
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture portion of the suture shuttle changes its geometric parameters (size, shape, opening configuration) in response to different operational requirements. This parameter transformation enables the same device to navigate through a single small portal while providing sufficient access for various suture placement tasks, thereby reducing the number of portals needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple portals/cannulas are used to access different locations, then suture placement flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suture shuttle is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple tasks through a single portal: navigating the portal, capturing sutures, manipulating suture ends, and facilitating suture placement. This universal design consolidates what would traditionally require multiple specialized portals and devices into one versatile instrument
Solution Approach 2:
The suture shuttle employs a nested structure where the aperture portion can be collapsed or retracted within the body of the shuttle during insertion, and then deployed or expanded at the target location. This nesting capability allows the device to pass through a small portal while providing sufficient working space for suture manipulation, effectively reducing the portal size requirement
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid structure is used for suture delivery, then delivery precision is improved, but adaptability to different angles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suture shuttle incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to adapt its configuration based on the required angular access. The aperture portion can change its orientation and opening direction while the body maintains structural integrity for precise delivery, enabling the device to reach various angles from a single insertion point without sacrificing delivery precision
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
This system allows for quick and accurate suture placement at any desired location, reducing trauma and recovery time by providing greater angular access and simplifying suture procedures, while enabling new and simplifying existing surgical techniques.
Implementation Method 1
A rigid flexible elastic member, the member including a body portion and an aperture portion... adapted for delivery through an axial longitudinal channel... the aperture portion including an expanded mode having a lateral dimension greater than an inner diameter of the channel when the aperture portion extends outside the channel and a collapsed mode wherein the lateral dimension is not greater than the inner diameter of the channel when the aperture portion is within the channel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A member of a rigid flexible elastic material, the member including a body portion and an aperture portion with the member adapted for delivery through an axial longitudinal channel of a percutaneous delivery subsystem, the aperture portion including an expanded mode having a lateral dimension greater than an inner diameter of the channel when the aperture portion extends outside the channel and a collapsed mode wherein the lateral dimension is not greater than the inner diameter of the channel when the aperture portion is within the channel, the channel including a first axial opening and a second axial opening with the aperture portion transitioning from the expanded mode to the collapsed mode when inserted into the openings and the aperture transitioning from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode when exiting from the openings.