TMJ Disc Suture Fixation Apparatus with Integrated Handle and Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive endoscopic surgery techniques for repositioning the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc face challenges such as misalignment of the traction suture, reliance on a single suture for stabilization, and the lack of appropriate suturing devices, leading to difficulties in arthroscopic disc repositioning and increased patient discomfort due to slippery sutures and cumbersome needle handling.
Innovation Solution
A suture fixation apparatus comprising multiple suture needles with integrated inner cores and handles, featuring a wire snare and crochet hook mechanism to securely capture and manage the suture thread, reducing slippage and facilitating easy operation, thereby stabilizing the TMJ disc during arthroscopic surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single suture is used for disc repositioning, then the surgical procedure is simplified, but the stabilization of the entire disc is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single suture into multiple sutures (first suture and second suture) that are positioned at different locations on the disc. The first suture is positioned in the lateral 1/3 and the second suture is positioned in the medial 2/3, allowing each suture to stabilize specific regions of the disc, thereby achieving comprehensive disc stabilization while maintaining procedural simplicity
2Ease of operation
If calculi forceps are used to catch the suture, then the suture can be manipulated, but the slippery suture causes repeated actions and increases patient pain
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an inner core as an intermediary component that is integrated with the suture needle. The inner core provides a non-slippery surface that securely engages with the suture, eliminating the need for calculi forceps to grasp the slippery suture. This intermediary mechanism allows smooth suture manipulation without repeated actions, thereby reducing patient trauma and pain
3Device complexity
If suture needle without handle is used, then the needle is simple, but it is hard to operate during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the suture needle with an integrated handle to form a unified surgical instrument. The handle is connected to the needle shaft, providing the surgeon with a grip for precise control during insertion and manipulation. This combination maintains the simplicity of the needle structure while significantly improving ease of operation during arthroscopic surgery
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2C
AI summary
A fixation device for suturing and restoring a temporomandibular joint disc comprises a first suture needle (9) and a first core, a second suture needle and a second core, and a third suture needle. Either of the first and the second suture needles is connected at its rear end with a big handle (1) by a tube socket (3), the said big handle (1) is provided with a vertical groove from surface to centre, and with a transverse groove (2) near the tube socket (3), the said transverse groove (2) has the same size as the vertical groove and is perpendicular to the vertical groove. The first core includes a seamless tube (10) and is welded with a ferrule wire (4) at the tip; the second core includes a seamless tube and is welded with a crochet hook at the tip. Either of the first and the second cores has a 90-degree arc near its rear end and is connected with a small handle (7) at the rear end. The first, second core can exactly traverse the vertical groove of the big handle (1) of the first, second suture needle, respectively, and the 90-degree corner can exactly be locked to the right or left in the transverse groove (2), and the ferrule wire (4) or the crochet hook can exactly come out from the tip of the suture needle (9).