Vacuum-Assisted Suture Clip Deployment Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current suture securing methods in surgical procedures, especially during endoscopic surgery, are time-consuming and require multiple steps, necessitating improved devices for easy access and accurate tensioning of sutures without the need for knots.
Innovation Solution
Development of suture clip delivery devices with a tubular shape and vacuum-assisted deployment mechanisms that allow for easy placement and secure anchoring of suture clips, eliminating the need for knots by using shape-memory materials and mechanical advancer buttons for efficient clip deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knot-tying methods are used for suture securing during endoscopic surgery, then the suture can be securely anchored, but the surgical time increases and the procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the knot-tying step from the suture securing process by introducing a separate clip device that independently anchors the suture. The clip is delivered through the suture lumen and deployed to grip the suture, eliminating the need for traditional knot manipulation and significantly reducing surgical time while maintaining secure anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip acts as an intermediary device between the suture and the tissue anchor points. Instead of directly tying the suture to itself or to tissue, the clip mediates the connection by gripping the suture and being anchored to tissue, simplifying the securing process into distinct, manageable steps.
2Reliability
If traditional knot-tying methods are used, then suture tension can be maintained, but the procedure requires multiple instruments and surgeons cooperating in a multi-step process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of suture delivery, tensioning, and anchoring into a single integrated clip device. The clip is delivered through the suture lumen, allows for tension adjustment during deployment, and secures the suture in one action, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments and cooperative multi-step procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip device performs multiple functions autonomously: it is self-delivered through the suture lumen, self-tensions by gripping the suture during deployment, and self-anchors to tissue. This self-service capability reduces the need for multiple surgeons and instruments to coordinate complex multi-step knot-tying procedures.
3Productivity
If clips are used to secure sutures, then surgical time is reduced and ease of implantation is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clip delivery device employs a nested structure where the clip is delivered through the lumen of the delivery catheter. The clip itself contains nested components including the gripping elements and deployment mechanism. This nesting allows the complex functionality to be packaged in a compact, manageable form that can be delivered through minimally invasive access routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex manual knot-tying mechanics with a pre-configured mechanical clip deployment system. The clip's gripping action and anchoring mechanism are engineered to automatically perform the securing function when deployed, substituting the skill-intensive manual knot-tying process with a simpler, more reliable mechanical action that reduces surgical time and complexity.
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 solution significantly reduces surgical time, enhances ease of implantation, and provides secure suture tensioning in limited spaces, such as those around the heart, by allowing for knotless suture securing and efficient deployment of suture clips.
Implementation Method 1
connecting a vacuum source to the vacuum port; approaching the suture lines with a distal end of the inner body of the device; applying a vacuum so as to draw the suture lines into the distal end of the delivery device
Implementation Method 2
The clips are preferably made of a shape memory material
Data Source
AI summary
Suture clip deployment devices for applying suture clips to sutures are described. Some embodiments can include a generally tubular main body and a vacuum port located at the distal end, a hollow inner body longitudinally slidable within the main body and extending from the main body at its distal end, and a suture recess located in the generally tubular main body. At least one suture clip configured to frictionally fit on an outer surface of the inner body is deployed during use. Clip deployment can occur after a vacuum source is applied to the device so as to draw the suture into the device. The suture lines can be retrieved through the suture recess, and the device can be actuated so as to deliver the suture clip off the delivery device and onto the suture, locking the suture in place.