Variable Cross-Section Sutures for Knot Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flat sutures are incompatible with standard surgical instrumentation and tend to form loose or undone knots due to their shape, making them less favorable for surgical use.
Innovation Solution
A method to alter the cross-sectional shape of flat sutures by twisting or manipulating portions to create rounded shapes, which are compatible with standard instrumentation and can maintain secure knots, using techniques such as twisting, heat treatment, or mechanical reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a flat suture shape is used to increase contact surface area and distribute forces, then tissue contact footprint and force distribution are improved, but compatibility with standard surgical instrumentation and knot security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The suture has different cross-sectional shapes at different locations: the body portion maintains a flat cross-section for force distribution, while the end portions are formed into rounded shapes for compatibility with standard instrumentation. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is divided into distinct functional segments: a flat body portion for force distribution and tension, and rounded end portions for instrumentation compatibility and knot tying. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromising the others.
2Strength
If a flat suture shape is used to increase contact surface area, then force distribution is improved, but knot security and manipulation ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The end portions of the suture are formed into rounded shapes that are easily manipulated and tied with standard knot-tying techniques, while the body portion maintains its flat shape for force distribution. This local quality differentiation ensures both ease of operation and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is segmented into a flat body portion for strength and a rounded end portion for ease of manipulation. The rounded end allows the suture to be handled, tied, and secured using traditional surgical techniques without requiring specialized tools or techniques.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a flat suture shape is used to distribute forces, then tissue safety is improved, but compatibility with existing surgical instrumentation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suture has a flat cross-section along its body to distribute forces and prevent tissue cutting, while the ends are rounded to be compatible with standard surgical instrumentation such as needle drivers and suturing devices. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between tissue safety and instrumentation compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is segmented into a flat body portion that minimizes tissue damage through force distribution, and rounded end portions that enable compatibility with existing surgical instrumentation. This segmentation allows the suture to work with standard equipment while maintaining tissue safety.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes, in one embodiment, a method of forming a suture having various cross-sectional shapes, the method including the steps of braiding the suture such that the suture has a first cross-sectional shape along a length; holding a first end of the suture and holding the suture at a second position at a location in between the first end and a second end such that a first portion of the suture is defined between the first end and the second position; manipulating the first end relative to the second position to alter the first portion of the suture into an altered cross-sectional shape different from the first cross-sectional shape; and releasing the first end and the second position, wherein the step of manipulating is performed such that, upon release, the first portion maintains its manipulated shape.