Endoscopic Suture Tensioning with Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic suturing procedures face challenges in controlling and indicating the appropriate tension of sutures due to poor tactile feedback and the risk of tissue necrosis or peritonitis from excessive or insufficient tension, especially in minimally invasive gastric restriction procedures.
Innovation Solution
A suture tensioning device with a movable tensioning member and resilient members that apply controlled forces to manage tension, along with an indicator system to prevent excessive tension application, facilitating precise suture tightening within endoscopic instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suture tension is increased to ensure effective gastric restriction, then the restriction effectiveness is improved, but the risk of tissue necrosis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual feedback through color-coded indicators (green, yellow, red zones) that provide real-time information to the surgeon about the tension applied to the suture. This feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to adjust tension dynamically, ensuring effective gastric restriction while avoiding excessive tension that could cause tissue necrosis. The indicator system translates complex tissue response into simple visual cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the indicator element in response to tension parameters. As suture tension increases, the indicator element transitions between different visual states (colors or positions) corresponding to different tension levels. This parameter change provides an intuitive visual representation of tension magnitude, enabling precise control to balance restriction effectiveness with tissue safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If suture tension is decreased to avoid tissue damage, then the safety is improved, but the gastric restriction effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The visual feedback system provides continuous information about tension levels, allowing the surgeon to maintain tension within the optimal green zone. This ensures sufficient tension for effective gastric restriction while immediately alerting the surgeon if tension approaches dangerous levels, thus preventing tissue damage while maintaining restriction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator system is pre-calibrated to show the optimal tension range before the surgeon applies tension. The green zone represents the predetermined safe and effective tension range, guiding the surgeon to apply the correct amount of tension from the beginning, avoiding both under-tensioning and over-tensioning.
3Length of moving object
If endoscopic instruments are made smaller to fit through working channels, then the minimally invasive advantage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary indicator element that mediates between the suture tension and the surgeon's perception. This indicator element translates the mechanical tension force into a visual signal, allowing complex tension control to be achieved through a simple visual readout without requiring complex electronic sensors or actuators within the constrained endoscopic instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator system is designed to be self-actuating through the mechanical properties of the suture and indicator element itself. As tension is applied to the suture, the indicator element automatically responds through elastic deformation or positional change, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control mechanisms within the endoscopic instrument.
4Measurement precision
If tactile feedback is improved for tension control, then the tension control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for complex electronic tactile feedback systems with a simple mechanical-optical indicator system. The mechanical tension on the suture directly causes visual displacement or color change in the indicator element, providing precise tension measurement through optical means rather than complex electronic sensors, thus maintaining precision while reducing device complexity.
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 solution enables controlled and precise tension application during suture locking, reducing the risk of tissue damage and ensuring effective gastric restriction by providing clear indicators for optimal tension levels, thus enhancing the success of endoscopic suturing procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a first resilient member for applying a first resistive force to the movable tensioning member in a first direction and a second resilient member for applying a second resistive force to the movable tensioning member in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for tensioning sutures. The methods and devices are particularly useful in surgical suturing applications in which it is desirable to maintain tension on a suture being delivered. In various embodiments, the device is incorporated into the handle of a suture device configured to deliver a suture to a surgical site. Other embodiments comprise a device that is separate from, but may be used in connection with, a suture device configured to deliver a suture to a surgical site. A suture locking device is also provided which enables the surgeon to ascertain when a desired amount of tension has been applied to a suture prior to affixing, knotting, or tying elements thereto.