Tapered Looped Suture Forming System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming loops in sutures during wound closure procedures lack efficiency in creating a tapered surface, which is beneficial for effective tissue engagement.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a base, clamping device, tensioning device, welding assembly using ultrasonic energy, and a cutting assembly capable of forming a tapered end on the suture loop, allowing for the creation of a looped suture with a tapered surface suitable for tissue penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a loop is formed in a suture thread using existing methods, then the suture can be used for wound closure, but the end of the suture lacks a tapered surface that would enhance tissue engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (clamping, tensioning, welding, cutting, and tapering) into an integrated suture forming system. The base assembly holds multiple components working together: clamping device for securing thread ends, tensioning device for maintaining proper tension, welding assembly for joining thread sections, and cutting assembly for creating the tapered surface. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by achieving precise tapered surface formation while maintaining ease of manufacture through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by first clamping and tensioning the thread ends before welding, and by forming the tapered surface through the cutting assembly after welding. The base assembly is configured to receive and position the suture thread in advance, with channels guiding the thread through the various processing stages. This preliminary positioning and preparation enables precise tapered surface formation without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If a tapered end is formed on the suture loop, then tissue engagement is enhanced, but additional manufacturing steps and equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly serves multiple functions: it retains the suture thread, clamps the thread ends, tensions the thread during welding, and positions the thread for cutting and tapering. The welding assembly and cutting assembly are both mounted on the base, allowing the same base structure to support multiple processing functions. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by consolidating components rather than requiring separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting assembly and welding assembly are both mounted on the base assembly, creating a nested configuration where multiple functional components are integrated into a single base structure. The base provides a common platform that houses and coordinates the clamping device, tensioning device, welding assembly, and cutting assembly. This nesting approach enhances tissue engagement through tapered surface formation while managing system complexity through integrated design.
3Productivity
If existing methods are used to form suture loops, then the process is simple, but the efficiency of wound closure procedures is reduced due to lack of tapered surface
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous useful action by integrating clamping, tensioning, welding, cutting, and tapering operations into a single automated sequence on the base assembly. The clamping device secures the thread, the tensioning device maintains proper tension throughout the process, the welding assembly joins the thread sections, and the cutting assembly forms the tapered surface—all in continuous operation without manual intervention between steps. This continuity improves wound closure efficiency by producing ready-to-use tapered suture loops without sacrificing formation time.
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
The system effectively forms a looped suture with a tapered surface, enhancing tissue engagement and reducing the likelihood of thread separation during use, thereby improving the efficiency of wound closure procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a welding assembly configured to join a first and second section of the thread to form a loop, and a cutting assembly configured to form a tapered end on the first section of the thread. The welding assembly of the system may be configured to weld using ultrasonic energy.
Implementation Method 2
The cutting assembly of the system may be configured to cut using one of ultrasonic energy, blades and lasers.
Implementation Method 3
The cutting assembly of the system may be configured to cut using one of ultrasonic energy, blades and lasers.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for forming a looped suture having a tapered cut is provided. The system includes a base for selectively retaining a portion of thread, a clamping device for receiving a first end of the thread, a tensioning device for receiving a second end of the thread, a welding assembly configured to join a first and second section of the thread to form a loop, and a cutting assembly configured to form a tapered end on the first section of the thread.