Tapered Looped Suture Reducing Insertion Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sutures with loops formed during manufacture often require increased force to pull through tissue, leading to potential tearing or trauma due to the doubling of suture diameter, which is undesirable for secure tissue attachment.
Innovation Solution
A looped suture with a tapered surface is developed, where the overlapping sections are secured using methods like ultrasonic welding or adhesives, allowing for easier insertion and reduced tissue trauma by angling the tapered surface relative to the suture's longitudinal axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a loop is formed in a suture by overlapping sections, then the suture can secure tissue, but the diameter of the suture doubles where the sections overlap, increasing the force required to pull the loop through tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a tapered surface at the proximal end of the overlapping section, where the diameter gradually decreases from the overlap region toward the proximal end. This localized geometric modification reduces the force required to initiate penetration while maintaining the full looping structure for tissue securing. The taper is specifically positioned at the critical entry point into tissue, allowing smooth penetration without requiring high force throughout the entire suture length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by introducing a tapered surface that is not uniformly distributed along the suture. The taper is asymmetric in its placement, concentrated at the proximal end of the overlapping section rather than being uniform throughout. This asymmetric design creates a progressive diameter reduction that facilitates easier tissue penetration while preserving the loop's structural integrity and securing function.
2Ease of manufacture
If the suture diameter is doubled to create the loop, then the loop can be formed, but this increases the force applied to the suture which may result in tearing or trauma to the tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered surface is locally applied only at the proximal end of the overlapping section, creating a gradual diameter reduction specifically where the suture enters tissue. This localized modification allows the loop to maintain its full diameter for secure tissue engagement while the tapered region reduces penetration force, thereby minimizing tissue trauma during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered surface is pre-formed during manufacturing as a permanent feature of the suture. This preliminary geometric preparation ensures that when the suture is later inserted into tissue, the tapered proximal end automatically guides penetration with reduced force requirements, preventing tissue damage before the looping action occurs.
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 tapered surface design reduces the force required to insert the suture through tissue, minimizing trauma and facilitating secure attachment with reduced risk of separation during use.
Implementation Method 1
The overlapping sections may be welded together using ultrasonic energy.
Implementation Method 2
The overlapping sections may instead be adhered together using an adhesive.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture including a loop having a tapered surface is provided. The suture includes an elongate body including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion includes first and second overlapping sections and a loop. A proximal end of the first overlapping section may be tapered with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body. The first overlapping section may be secured to the second overlapping section proximal of the loop. The overlapping sections may be secured together by at least one method selected from the group consisting of glues, adhesives, epoxies, solvents, heat and ultrasonic energy.