Endoscopic Suture Spool Management for Tangling Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic suturing devices require separate handling of sutures during procedures, which can lead to tangling and inefficiency in forming multiple stitches during a single intubation.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic tissue suturing device with a built-in suture spool and management system that allows for a continuous supply of suture, integrated with a control handle and needle mechanism to facilitate smooth, controlled stitching without the need for reloading during a procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If suture is handled separately from the sewing device during suturing procedure, then the device structure remains simple, but suture tangling and inefficiency occur when forming multiple stitches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suture supply mechanism with the sewing device by integrating a suture spool and suture guide within the device housing. The suture is fed through the device body and attached to the needle, creating a unified system where the sewing device simultaneously provides both the needle mechanism and the suture supply, thereby preventing tangling and improving efficiency without requiring separate external suture handling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a suture guide as an intermediary component that directs and controls the path of the suture from the spool to the needle. This intermediary element ensures smooth suture feed and proper routing through the device, preventing tangling and maintaining organized suture delivery during multiple stitch formation
2Productivity
If multiple stitches are formed during a single intubation, then procedural efficiency increases, but suture management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the suture in advance by winding it onto a spool and pre-attaching it to the needle before the suturing procedure begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that the suture is ready for immediate use and can be continuously fed during multiple stitch formation without requiring intermediate handling or reloading operations
Solution Approach 2:
The suture spool is designed to automatically feed suture to the needle as the needle moves through the tissue. The spool rotates in response to suture tension, providing self-regulating suture feed that maintains proper tension and prevents tangling without requiring external intervention or complex manual management during the procedure
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
Enables the formation of multiple stitches during a single intubation without suture tangling, ensuring efficient and organized suturing with reduced manual handling and increased procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a tissue suction chamber that is adapted to capture tissue therein when a vacuum is applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic tissue suturing device may include a suturing head configured to capture tissue at a tissue capture region. A needle can move through the region to place stitches in the tissue. A control handle includes an actuator coupled to the needle. The control handle supports a suture spool about an axis of rotation. The axis of the spool may be parallel to the direction of movement of the actuator. The spool surface may be tapered at an angle relative to the axis of rotation. A spool end wall may be configured to urge the spool in an axial direction. The handle may provide external access to a portion of the suture. A cover may be provided to cover the spool. The cover may be rotatably supported on the handle independent of the spool. Suture material may be wound onto the spool by rotating the cover.