Trocar Suture Needle Guide Apparatus for Hernia Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for closing trocar wound sites during laparoscopic procedures are cumbersome and lack a simple, reproducible, and reliable means, often leading to trocar site hernias due to improper closure of the fascial peritoneal layer.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument system comprising a needle apparatus with a sharp tip and insufflation channel, equipped with a guide apparatus for consistent and reproducible closure, allowing for single-handed use and featuring a spring-loaded safety tip and suture capture mechanism to facilitate quick and reliable closure of the wound site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods of wound site closure are used, then multiple instruments (suture passers, guides) must be introduced, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the needle, guide apparatus, and suture capture mechanism into a single integrated suture passing instrument. The needle apparatus includes an outer needle shaft with an obturator, a guide apparatus with channels, and a suture catcher mechanism all merged into one device that can be introduced through a single portal, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments while improving closure reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The needle apparatus serves multiple functions: it acts as both the piercing element and the guide for suture passage, the guide apparatus provides both structural support and suture routing channels, and the suture catcher mechanism both captures and tensions the suture. This multi-functionality reduces the number of instruments needed while maintaining reliable closure
2Productivity
If multiple instruments are introduced for closure, then more components are available, but the procedure takes more time and is less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the needle, guide, and suture capture mechanisms into a single instrument, the patent enables all closure actions to be performed in one continuous motion without the time-consuming steps of introducing and coordinating multiple separate instruments, thereby improving closure efficiency and reducing procedural time
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is pre-loaded onto the needle apparatus before introduction, and the guide apparatus is pre-configured with channels and catchers. This preliminary preparation allows the closure to be executed immediately upon insertion without additional setup time, enhancing productivity
3Reliability
If a simple closure method is used, then the procedure is faster, but the closure may be improper leading to hernias
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the guide apparatus with predetermined channels and the suture catcher mechanism ensures that the suture follows a controlled path through the tissue layers, providing reliable closure without requiring complex manual manipulation by the surgeon, thus maintaining simplicity while ensuring proper closure technique
Solution Approach 2:
The guide apparatus acts as an intermediary that directs the needle and suture through predetermined channels, ensuring proper tissue approximation and closure technique without requiring the surgeon to perform complex manual steps, thereby maintaining both simplicity and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A trocar wound closure system includes a suture passing needle and a guide for directing the needle through the wound site. A distal portion of the needle includes a capture rod with a slot. An obturator tube with a cutout section can be axially actuated to align the cutout section with the slot, and then moved out of alignment so as to capture the suture. The guide includes at least two tracks for directing the needle through the tissue track. A suture catcher is located adjacent to the exit of each track and configured to be actuated from a radially extended configuration to a retracted configuration so as to capture the suture section inserted through each loop. Radially expandable arms at distal section are movable between an expanded configuration and a slender configuration.