Wound Closure Applicator Single-Trigger Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wound closure devices lack an efficient and simple applicator for effective and efficient application, which can mitigate the risk of post-operative surgical site infections.

Innovation Solution

A medical device applicator with a proximal handle, an elongate shaft, a slidable actuator, and an ejector rod, featuring a jaw with prongs to securely hold and deploy the wound closure device, allowing for loading, opening, closing, and releasing functions via a single trigger mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a traditional wound closure device is used without a specialized applicator, then the application process becomes complex and inefficient, but the device can still be applied manually

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication efficiencyVSAvoidapplicator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator merges multiple functions (loading, positioning, deploying, and ejecting the closure device) into a single integrated tool. The handle, shaft, actuator, and ejector rod work together as one unified system, eliminating the need for separate manual manipulation steps and significantly improving application efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator is designed as a multi-functional device that can load different types of closure devices, position them accurately, deploy them through actuation, and eject them after use. This universal design allows a single applicator to perform multiple operations that would otherwise require different tools or manual techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If a simple manual application method is used, then the device complexity is low, but the precision and control of closure device deployment are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure device placement precisionVSAvoidapplicator mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator acts as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the closure device. It provides precise control over the deployment process through its mechanical components (shaft, actuator, ejector rod), ensuring accurate placement of the closure device at the wound site while maintaining sterility and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator performs preliminary actions by pre-loading the closure device onto its shaft in a controlled environment before patient application. The device is positioned and prepared for deployment in advance, ensuring precise placement when actually applied to the wound, thereby improving placement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If multiple separate tools are used for loading and deploying the closure device, then the device complexity for each tool is low, but the overall procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication timeVSAvoidintegrated applicator system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator combines loading, positioning, and deployment functions into a single tool, eliminating the need to switch between multiple separate tools during the procedure. This integration significantly reduces application time by allowing continuous operation without tool changes or repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator maintains continuous useful action throughout the application process. The closure device remains loaded on the applicator from storage to deployment, and the actuator mechanism allows continuous control over the deployment process without interruption, thereby minimizing procedure time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Reliability

If the closure device is held securely by the applicator, then the control during deployment is improved, but the complexity of the gripping mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure device holding reliabilityVSAvoidprong and jaw mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping mechanism is segmented into distinct components (jaw with first pair of prongs, shaft with second pair of prongs) that can independently engage different parts of the closure device. This segmentation allows for reliable holding through multiple contact points while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240358372A1Applicator for wound closure device

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 ZSX MEDICAL LLC

AI summary

An applicator for a wound closure device includes a proximal handle and a barrel extending from the handle. The barrel includes an elongate shaft, a slidable elongate actuator, and an elongate, slidable ejector rod. A jaw is pivotably attached to a distal end of the elongate actuator. The jaw has a first pair of prongs and the shaft distally terminates in a second pair of prongs. The first and second pairs of prongs are configured to releasably receive the wound closure device. A single trigger is attached to the handle and is actuatable to a first position configured to enable loading of the wound closure device to the first and second pairs of prongs, a second position configured to open the loaded wound closure device, a third position configured to close the loaded wound closure device, and a fourth position configured to release the wound closure device from the applicator.