Suturing Device Stabilizer for Tubular Retractor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical techniques using sutures face challenges due to anatomic constraints, visualization obstructions by bodily fluids, and limited maneuverability of traditional tools, particularly when using tubular retractors.
Innovation Solution
A suturing device with an elongate body, actuator, needle holder, and stabilizer that allows for precise needle and suture passage through tissue, featuring a stabilizer that engages the tubular retractor to limit movement and enhance maneuverability, and an actuator that moves the needle from a retracted to a released position for easier handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tools are used in minimally invasive surgery, then the surgical procedure can be performed through a tubular retractor, but the tools lack maneuverability to avoid obstructions and enable adequate passage of needle and suture through tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional segments including a handle, elongate body, needle holder, and stabilizer. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving maneuverability while maintaining overall device coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements such as the actuator mechanism that can move the needle between retracted and advanced positions, and the stabilizer that can engage or disengage from the tubular retractor. This dynamic capability enhances ease of operation during different surgical phases.
2Measurement precision
If a stabilizer is added to limit movement of the elongate body with respect to the tubular retractor, then maneuverability and positioning accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is designed to engage the tubular retractor before the suturing operation begins, establishing a stable reference position in advance. This preliminary action ensures accurate positioning throughout the procedure without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer acts as an intermediary element between the elongate body and the tubular retractor, providing a mechanical interface that limits unwanted movement while allowing the device to maintain its position accurately during tissue manipulation.
3Ease of operation
If an actuator is incorporated to move the needle from retracted to released position, then ease of handling and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism is designed to be self-contained within the device, allowing the operator to control needle movement directly through the handle without requiring external manipulation or additional tools. This self-service capability simplifies the overall surgical workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical manipulation of the needle is replaced by a controlled actuator mechanism that translates operator input into precise needle movement. This substitution provides more accurate and repeatable positioning compared to purely manual techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
A suturing device includes an elongate body, an actuator, a needle holder and a stabilizer. The elongate body includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The actuator interacts with the elongate body and is operable between a first operating position and a second operating position. The needle holder extends away from the distal end portion or is provided as part of the distal end portion of the elongate body. The needle holder defines a needle passage and a distal opening. The stabilizer connects with the elongate body and is configured to engage an upper edge of an associated tubular retractor so as to limit movement of the elongate body with respect to the associated tubular retractor when the stabilizer is engaged with the tubular retractor.