Suturing Training Device with Movable Anchors and Force Gauge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical suturing training devices lack the ability to objectively assess suturing techniques and fail to simulate the physiochemical properties of natural tissues, relying on synthetic materials that do not accurately mimic real tissue behavior, and using cadaveric or animal tissues is impractical and costly.
Innovation Solution
A suturing training device with movable anchors that apply a controlled force to suspended tissue, equipped with a force gauge to measure the force applied during suturing, allowing for quantitative evaluation of suture quality and haptic response simulation under tension, combined with video recording for qualitative assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If synthetic tissue analogues are used for training, then cost and accessibility are improved, but the physiochemical properties do not reflect natural tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating viscoelastic materials that can be adjusted to match the mechanical properties of natural tissue. The force gauge measures force parameters during suturing, allowing quantitative assessment that accounts for the viscoelastic behavior of tissue, thereby bridging the gap between synthetic analogues and natural tissue properties.
2Reliability
If cadaveric and animal tissue are used for training, then natural tissue properties are simulated, but cost, accessibility, and preparation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses synthetic tissue analogues that copy the essential mechanical behavior of natural tissue through viscoelastic materials. Rather than using actual cadaveric or animal tissue, the device creates a simplified model that replicates the key physiochemical properties needed for suturing training, eliminating the need for complex tissue preparation while maintaining training effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The force gauge measures force parameters during suturing operations on synthetic tissue, allowing the system to quantify and assess suturing performance based on force application. This enables objective evaluation that compensates for the use of synthetic rather than natural tissue, providing metrics that reflect proper suturing technique regardless of tissue type.
3Device complexity
If visual inspection alone is used to assess suturing, then simplicity is maintained, but objective quantitative assessment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using a force gauge to provide real-time quantitative measurements of force applied during suturing. This objective data feeds back to the user and evaluator, enabling precise assessment of suturing technique beyond subjective visual inspection. The force measurements provide immediate feedback on proper tension application and suture placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely visual/mechanical assessment method with an instrumented system that uses a force gauge to measure and quantify forces during suturing. This substitution transforms subjective visual evaluation into objective quantitative measurement, providing precise data on force application while maintaining the basic suturing training function.
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 objective and quantitative assessment of suturing skills, simulates the mechanical properties of natural tissues, and facilitates self-assessment and remote evaluation, improving skill retention and simulation of in vivo conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a force gauge configured to measure a force applied to the tissue when the first and second anchors are moved relative one another by the actuator
Implementation Method 2
an actuator associated with one or both of the first anchor and the second anchor, the actuator being actuatable to cause relative movement between the first and second anchors
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a suturing training device and a method of using the device. The device comprises a base having a first side and a second side, the base defining a plane. The device also comprises a first anchor and a second anchor positioned on the first side of the base. The first and second anchors are each connectable to a segment of tissue so that the tissue is suspended therebetween in use of the device. An actuator is associated with one or both of the first anchor and the second anchor. The actuator is actuatable to cause relative movement of the first and second anchors along the plane. A force gauge is configured to measure a force applied to the tissue when the first and second anchors are moved relative one another by the actuator.