Suture Tensioning Device for Consistent Knot Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual tensioning of sutures during medical procedures, such as sling placement for stress urinary incontinence, is inconsistent and prone to errors, leading to variable patient outcomes, additional complications, and increased hospitalization time and costs.

Innovation Solution

A suture tensioning device that includes a suture pass needle, a spring-loaded eyelet, a tensioning bar, and a tension meter, which secures the suture threads, applies tension, and measures the tension value within a predetermined range, allowing for standardized and consistent suture placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual suture tensioning is performed by the surgeon, then the procedure can be completed, but the tensioning is inconsistent and prone to errors leading to variable patient outcomes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuture tensioning consistencyVSAvoidpatient outcome consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical tensioning process with an automated tensioning device that uses a motorized mechanism to apply and maintain precise suture tension. The device includes a tensioning element that can be adjusted to specific force values, eliminating the variability inherent in manual surgeon application while ensuring consistent, reproducible tension levels across all patients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces controllable tension parameters through a calibrated mechanism that allows the surgeon to set specific tension values within a predetermined range. The system provides real-time feedback and adjustment capabilities, enabling precise control over the tension parameter to achieve optimal and consistent results without relying on surgeon skill or judgment alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the supporting string is tied tightly, then continence is achieved, but complete dryness or lifelong retention occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinence outcomeVSAvoidurinary retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism that provides real-time information about the tension applied to the suture. The system includes sensors and indicators that allow the surgeon to monitor the tension level and adjust it to remain within a safe and effective range, preventing both under-tensioning (which fails to achieve continence) and over-tensioning (which causes retention).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a dynamic tensioning system that allows for real-time adjustment of suture tension during the procedure. The mechanism can be adjusted to apply varying levels of tension as needed, and can be released or modified if adverse effects are observed, providing a safer and more adaptable approach compared to fixed manual tying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the supporting string is tied loosely, then retention is avoided, but the procedure fails and incontinence persists

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveurinary retention avoidanceVSAvoidprocedure success

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback mechanism in the device provides real-time monitoring of tension levels, alerting the surgeon when tension falls below the threshold needed for successful procedure completion. This ensures that the suture is tensioned sufficiently to achieve continence while maintaining visibility and control over the tension parameter throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If manual suture placement is performed, then the procedure can be completed, but additional complications and hospitalization time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuture placement simplicityVSAvoidhospitalization time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning device is designed to be self-regulating with built-in mechanisms that automatically maintain proper tension without requiring constant surgeon intervention. The device includes features such as automatic tension maintenance, safety cutoffs, and ease-of-use controls that allow even less-experienced surgeons to achieve consistent results, reducing complications and subsequent hospitalization time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250099095A1Suture tensioning systems, methods, and devices

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 BOARD OF RGT THE UNIV OF TEXAS SYST

AI summary

Suture tensioning systems, methods, and devices include a suture device for extracting a suture thread from a patient and then determining a location to secure the suture knot based on a balanced tension measurement. The suture device has a needle pass mount with needle passes, and a slidable eyelet assembly positioned opposite the needle passes. The eyelet assembly includes gripping portions for moving the eyelet assembly relative to other components of the suture device. Accordingly, eyelets extending from the eyelet assembly move through the needle pass mounts and extend out the needle passes. With the suture thread secured in the extended eyelet, the eyelet assembly is retracted. The suture thread is attached to a tensioning bar and tension meter. The tension meter indicates if the suture tension is within a threshold range and comparable to the opposite side, and a precise tying location for the suture knot is determined.