Surgical Suturing Instrument with Variable Needle Slot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical suturing procedures are challenging due to the difficulty in maneuvering suture needles through small openings, and existing devices are limited in adapting to varying tissue thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A surgical end effector with movable jaw members, knife slots, and cam systems that allow for precise tissue grasping and suturing, featuring a knife assembly with pivotable needles and cam followers to facilitate efficient suturing through undulating cam surfaces, enabling adjustable suturing for different tissue thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional suturing devices (clip appliers, clamping devices, stapling devices) are used, then the suturing function is provided, but the devices cannot adapt to different tissue thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The needle slot is designed with variable geometry along its length, transitioning from a first width at the proximal end to a second width at the distal end. This dynamic variation in slot width allows the needle to be positioned at different depths within the tissue, enabling adaptation to varying tissue thicknesses while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive suturing is performed through small openings, then the invasiveness is reduced, but the maneuvering of suture needles becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw member acts as an intermediary structure that houses the needle within a controlled slot environment. The needle slot provides guidance and constraint for the needle, allowing precise maneuvering through small openings while the jaw member protects surrounding tissue and provides a stable platform for the suturing operation.
3Ease of operation
If endoscopic suturing is performed, then the surgical access is improved, but the knotting of suture material becomes time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary actions by positioning and securing the needle within the needle slot before the actual suturing operation. The variable width slot design pre-configures the needle path to accommodate different tissue thicknesses, eliminating the need for time-consuming adjustments and knotting operations during the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical suturing instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongate member extending distally from the handle assembly, and an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongate member. The end effector may include a first jaw member movable relative to a second jaw member between an open position and an approximated position for grasping tissue. Each of the jaw members defines a knife slot, a first needle slot, and a second needle slot extending along a longitudinal axis of the end effector. The end effector also includes a knife assembly and an upper assembly pivotably coupled to an upper knife flange of the knife assembly. The upper assembly includes an upper bellcrank, a first needle, a first suture passing through a first aperture defined by the first needle, a second needle, and a second suture passing through a second aperture defined by the second needle.