Suturing Device Needle Gripper Shielding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current needle usage in medical procedures poses a risk of accidental needle stick injuries to healthcare workers, exposing them to bloodborne pathogens and requiring costly preventive measures and potential leave of absence.
Innovation Solution
A handheld suturing device with a needle and suture assembly that includes a mechanism for gripping and releasing the needle, allowing safe needle handling and automatic shielding to prevent exposure, combined with an integral suture cutter for efficient suture management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional needle handling methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but the risk of needle stick injuries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective shield as an intermediary element between the user and the needle. The shield can be positioned to cover the needle when not in use, creating a physical barrier that prevents direct contact while allowing needle operations when activated. This mediator approach maintains safety without significantly complicating the surgical workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic components including a movable shield that can transition between protective and operational positions, and a spring-loaded needle holder that automatically adjusts during needle insertion and retrieval. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt between safety mode and operational mode, maintaining ease of use during critical moments.
2Reliability
If automated needle handling mechanisms are implemented, then needle stick injury risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle holder incorporates a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically engages with the needle during insertion and securely retrieves it upon extraction. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual needle handling by the surgeon, providing automated safety functionality through a relatively simple mechanical system rather than complex automated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the needle from the surgical instrument handle after needle insertion, with the needle holder extracting and retaining the needle independently. This extraction approach allows the main surgical instrument to remain simple while the separate needle handling component provides automated safety functions, distributing complexity away from the primary surgical tool.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If protective shielding mechanisms are added, then needle stick injury prevention is improved, but ease of operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shield is pre-positioned to cover the needle before the surgical procedure begins. This preliminary protective action is already in place when the surgeon picks up the instrument, requiring no additional steps during the procedure. The shield can be quickly activated or adjusted with a simple motion, maintaining ease of operation while providing immediate protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is designed as a thin, flexible protective element that can easily conform to the needle and instrument geometry. This flexible design allows the shield to be integrated into the instrument without significantly increasing its size or weight, and enables simple activation motions that do not compromise surgical dexterity or ease of use.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for suturing tissue includes a handle including a housing and a suturing needle for advancing a suture through the tissue. The device also includes a first needle gripper that is configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle. A second needle gripper is also configured to both grasp and release the suturing needle. An actuator is coupled to the housing and is operatively coupled to: (a) a first linkage that pivots the second gripping gripper between a fully extended position and a retracted position relative to the housing; and (b) a second linkage that is operatively coupled to the first and second needle grippers and configured to alter a state of each of the first and second needle grippers. The second linkage can include a one-way clutch.