Automated Suturing Adapter for Prosthetic Cuff Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical suturing devices are not compatible with both tissue and prosthetic suturing, leading to increased cardio-pulmonary bypass times and complications, as they require manual rethreading of sutures through prosthetic sewing cuffs, especially when using shafted instruments or manual techniques.
Innovation Solution
An automated suturing adapter with a target, snare loop, ferrule, and snare extension that allows for the use of a needle to manually place annular sutures in tissue and subsequently utilize automated suturing devices for prosthetic cuffs, enabling compatibility with existing systems like the SEW-EASY Device and Cassette System.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated suturing devices are used for tissue suturing, then surgical efficiency is improved, but compatibility with prosthetic sewing cuffs is lost requiring manual rethreading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a adapter assembly that serves as an intermediary between the automated suturing device and the prosthetic sewing cuff. The adapter includes a target member with a snare loop that can be engaged by the automated needle, and a ferrule holder that interfaces with the prosthetic cuff system, enabling seamless transition from automated to prosthetic suturing without manual rethreading
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly is designed to be universally compatible with both automated suturing devices and prosthetic sewing cuffs. The universal interface allows the same adapter to work with different needle types and prosthetic systems, eliminating the need for separate manual rethreading procedures and maintaining surgical efficiency across different device combinations
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual suturing techniques are used for prosthetic cuffs, then compatibility is maintained, but cardio-pulmonary bypass time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is pre-assembled with the target member, snare loop, and ferrule holder before the surgical procedure. This preliminary preparation allows the surgical team to have the compatibility interface ready in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual rethreading operations during the critical cardio-pulmonary bypass period and reducing overall surgical time
3Productivity
If connectors are reset into automated tissue suturing devices, then surgical efficiency is improved, but compatibility with prosthetic cuffs is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly employs a nested structure where the target member with snare loop is positioned within the ferrule holder. The needle penetrates through the target member to engage the suture connector, and the entire assembly is nested within the prosthetic cuff interface, allowing seamless transition from automated to prosthetic suturing without requiring disassembly or manual rethreading operations
Data Source
AI summary
An automated suturing adapter is disclosed. The automated suturing adapter has a target and a snare loop supported by the target. The automated suturing adapter also has a ferrule and a snare extension between the snare loop and the ferrule. An assembly is also disclosed. The assembly includes a cassette. The cassette has a housing defining a suturing gap. The cassette also has a needle stored in the housing proximal to the suturing gap. The cassette further has a ferrule holder distal to the suturing gap. The assembly also includes a target and a snare loop supported by the target. The assembly further includes a ferrule held in the ferrule holder and a snare extension between the snare loop and the ferrule.