Two-Part Sewing Needle for Uniform Graft Stitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional graft preparation processes for ligament reconstruction surgeries, such as ACL replacement, result in non-uniform stitch positioning and spacing due to the non-fixed proximal end of the graft, leading to potential graft failure and the need for revision surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A two-part sewing needle with a first needle portion and a removably connected second needle portion, allowing both ends of the graft to be fixed, enabling the formation of a double loop stitch with consistent positioning and spacing by maintaining both ends stationary throughout the stitching process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If only one end of the graft is fixed during stitching, then the operation is simpler, but the stitch positioning and spacing become non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is divided into two separate portions (first needle portion and second needle portion) that can be removably connected. This segmentation allows each needle portion to be independently controlled and positioned, enabling both ends of the graft to be fixed separately while maintaining uniform stitch positioning and spacing throughout the stitching process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A sewing needle having a needle tip configured to pass through a sewing material and a first needle portion that follows the needle tip. A second needle portion is removably connected to the first needle portion and includes an end that is inserted into an elongate hollow receiver located on the first needle portion. The second needle portion follows the needle tip through said sewing material substantially simultaneously with the first needle portion. A first thread connection formed on the first needle portion is configured to carry a first portion of said thread through the sewing material and a second thread connection formed on the second needle portion is configured to carry a second portion of said thread through the sewing material. After passing through the sewing material, the first and second needle portions are separated, brought around outside edges of the sewing material and reconnected for subsequent stitching.