Tapered Transition for Suture Needles with Rotational Drivers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current suture needles are not designed to work optimally with new ergonomic rotational action needle drivers, leading to potential damage to the needles or the drivers due to the presence of steps or lips that interfere with the rollers, making it difficult for left-handed surgeons and increasing the risk of errors during suturing procedures.
Innovation Solution
A suturing needle with a tapered transition portion that provides a smooth transition from the needle body to the suture thread, allowing the rollers to move seamlessly over the thread attachment component without opening, reducing the risk of damage and enabling efficient loading and use with rotational needle drivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard swaged needles are used with rotational needle drivers, then the needle can be loaded into the driver, but the swage end interferes with the rollers causing potential damage to the needle or driver
Solution Approach 1:
A tapered transition portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the swage end and the needle body. This transition portion acts as a mediator that allows the rollers to pass over smoothly without the abrupt step change that causes interference and potential damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometry of the needle end is changed by introducing a tapered transition portion with gradually changing diameter. This parameter change eliminates the abrupt step change in the traditional swage design, allowing smooth roller passage while maintaining secure suture attachment.
2Strength
If traditional flat-tip needle drivers are used, then the needle can be clamped securely, but the static relationship prevents adaptability for left-handed users and reduces procedural efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The needle driver transitions from a static clamping mechanism to a dynamic rotational mechanism. The rollers rotate to advance the needle through tissue, providing adaptability for different user preferences and improving procedural efficiency while maintaining secure needle engagement.
3Strength
If the swage end is present on the needle, then the suture can be attached securely, but it creates a step or lip that interferes with roller movement
Solution Approach 1:
The needle end is segmented into distinct functional zones: the swage end for secure suture attachment, the tapered transition portion for smooth roller passage, and the needle body for structural integrity. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without interfering with others.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the needle end are given different geometric properties tailored to their specific functions. The swage end maintains its traditional secure attachment geometry, while the transition portion features a tapered geometry optimized for roller movement, creating local quality variations that satisfy multiple requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a suturing needle having a tapered transition portion extending from a proximal end of the needle to cover at least a portion of a suture thread swaged on the needle. The tapered transition portion is flexible and provides a smooth transition from a diameter of the suture thread to a diameter of the needle body. The tapered transition portion allows for engaging the suture needle on rollers of a rotational needle driver in one smooth motion.