Suturing Device Anchor Deformation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suturing procedures using flexible endoscopes are challenging due to the difficulty in tying knots with suture threads, especially when applying tension to tissues, as they require precise manipulation and are not easily performed with existing treatment devices.
Innovation Solution
A suturing device with a flexible tubular insertion portion, a distal suturing portion holding a tubular anchor for the suture thread, and an operation portion that includes a pressing member with a convex portion to deform the anchor into a V-shape, securely fixing the suture thread by sandwiching it between the convex portion and an installation surface, mimicking the function of a knot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a suture thread is used for suturing procedures, then the suture thread can be inserted through tissue, but it is difficult to tie a knot on the suture thread to apply predetermined tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a suture anchor as an intermediary component between the suture thread and the tissue. Instead of tying a knot directly on the suture thread, the suture thread is secured to the suture anchor, which then applies tension to the tissue. This mediator (suture anchor) simplifies the operation by eliminating the need for complex knot-tying while ensuring reliable tension application through the pressing member mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a suture fastener is used instead of a suture thread, then knot-tying is simplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suture device is segmented into distinct functional components: a suture thread, a suture anchor with installation surface, and a pressing member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the suture thread for threading, the suture anchor for securing, and the pressing member for applying tension. This modular approach simplifies the overall operation while managing device complexity through clear functional separation.
3Reliability
If the anchor is deformed into V-shape by pressing, then friction increases to prevent thread loosening, but the pressing mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is designed with an asymmetric convex portion that, when pressed against the suture anchor, deforms the anchor into a V-shape. This asymmetric deformation creates significant friction between the suture thread and the anchor surface, preventing thread loosening. The asymmetric geometry of the pressing member allows it to achieve reliable thread fixation while maintaining a relatively simple pressing mechanism structure.
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 secure fixation of the suture thread with desired tension, allowing for effective suturing procedures even by surgeons with less technical expertise, as the V-shaped deformation of the anchor provides significant friction, preventing thread loosening and ensuring consistent tension.
Implementation Method 1
the anchor is sandwiched between the concave portion and the convex portion to be swaged and deformed such that the suture thread is fixed to the anchor
Implementation Method 2
the V-shaped deformation of the anchor provides significant friction, preventing thread loosening and ensuring consistent tension
Data Source
AI summary
A device suturing device includes a flexbile tubular insertion portion; a suturing portion disposed at a distal end portion thereof holding a tubular anchor through which a suture thread is insertable; an operation portion disposed at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion; and a suture thread grasping portion inserted through the insertion portion and insertable through the anchor, wherein the suturing portion includes an installation surface on which the anchor is held; a pressing member including a convex portion being arranged to face the installation surface for pressing the anchor; and a driver operating the pressing member via the operation portion, wherein a concave portion is formed on the installation surface into which the convex portion is enterable, and the anchor is sandwiched between the concave portion and the convex portion to be swaged and deformed such that the suture thread is fixed to the anchor.