Suturing Device Needle Driver Longitudinal Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suturing methods are invasive and time-consuming, particularly challenging when accessing deep or restricted tissue sites within the human anatomy, such as during cardiac bypass procedures, due to the depth and surrounding organ restrictions.
Innovation Solution
A suturing device with a needle driver and multiple needle holders that allow for the longitudinal movement of a needle and suture through tissue, enabling the formation of stitches by transferring the needle between holders, facilitating suturing in hard-to-reach locations with a compact and efficient mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional suturing methods are used to access deep or restricted tissue sites, then the suturing can be performed, but the procedure becomes invasive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The needle holder is positioned within the catheter body, and the needle is contained within the needle holder, creating a nested configuration that allows the entire suturing mechanism to be delivered through a small catheter into deep or restricted anatomical locations without requiring invasive exposure of the tissue site
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter serves as an intermediary delivery system that guides the needle holder and needle to the target tissue site through restricted anatomical passages, enabling access to deep locations without direct invasive exposure of the suture site
2Ease of operation
If conventional suturing methods are used, then suturing can be performed, but the procedure is invasive requiring exposure of the tissue site
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration of needle within needle holder within catheter allows the suturing apparatus to be delivered through a minimally invasive catheter pathway, avoiding the need for surgical exposure and reducing tissue trauma while maintaining the ability to perform suturing at the target site
3Device complexity
If a single needle holder is used, then the device structure is simpler, but the needle cannot be transferred between proximal and distal positions for effective suturing
Solution Approach 1:
The needle holder is designed with dynamic capability to move between proximal and distal positions along the catheter axis, allowing the needle to be positioned at different locations for effective suturing while maintaining a relatively simple single-holder structure
Data Source
AI summary
A suturing device for suturing a portion of biological tissue includes a needle attached to a suture, a needle holder that releasably holds the needle, and a needle driver adapted to be advanced and retracted substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the suturing device. A distal needle holder adapted to releasably hold the needle is positioned in a distal position relative to the portion of biological tissue and a distal end of the needle driver is positioned in a proximal position relative to the portion of biological tissue. The needle is positioned in either the proximal position or the distal position. The needle driver is moved longitudinally in a first direction along a path substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis such that the needle and suture pass through the portion of biological tissue, thereby forming a suture incision through which the suture passes. By repeating the above-described processes, a series of stitches is thereby formed.