SUTURE BLOCK FOR SURGICAL SUTURES

Abstract: A suture block is a device used to secure surgical sutures, without using knots. By securing the thread with a suture block, it is possible to close a suture in a contact with the tissue, without damaging or mortifying the latter, and without provoking ischemia in the tissue which is compressed by the loop of thread needed to tie a traditional surgical knot. This means that the surgeon no longer has to change the disposition of the operational field at each knot and can avoid having to put down the forceps or the needle-holder, in order to tie a normal knot, thereby saving time. Moreover, far less thread is required and most importantly, the pain caused by the knotted thread which damages and constricts the tissue, is significantly reduced.

Description: DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRIAL INVENTION: "SUTURE BLOCK FOR SURGICAL SUTURES DESCRIPTION A proposal for a suture block for surgical sutures. This carefully-devised invention is made of re-absorbable, non-re-absorbable, metallic or a blend of materials, just like normal two-part surgical sutures, which are joined together and secured to prevent the thread from coming undone. Apart from the traditional knot, the options which exist today as regards securing sutures, consist of metal clips or clips made of materials which are gradually reabsorbed. Clips, however, block the thread in the acute angle formed by the two linear parts before they are closed - in other words, in the vertex of the "V". Yet this an unsuitable and imbalanced position since the thread is subjected to traction and tension. Thus, instead of being and reiriaining in a perfectly orthogonal position in the direction of the traction, the clip tends to assume a vertical position, putting the tissue at one end under pressure and losing optimum surface contact - and hence much of the stability needed for it to serve its purpose. What's more, the linear form of the clip, once closed, is completely ineffectivetl in achieving the desired effect. Invented to hold vessels or tissue together, it is used incorrectly to secure threads. I should add that the use of metal clips entails the use of excessive amounts of material - something which the patent finds hard to accept and which, moreover, interferes with certain diagnostic techniques. Clips made of re- absorbable materiai do not grip the thread and pose the same problems in terms of stability and ergonomics. Even the recent introduction of the Lapra-Ty suture block, which addresses the problem, does not entirely solve it. In practice, this invention works on the basis of the same principle as a normal clip, already outlined, combined with an eccentric clasp and stop, which thus give rise to its shortcomings, namely, its instability and poor ergonomics. The only difference is that it is thicker than a normal clip and thus relies on this increased contact surface area, in order to secure the thread. The manufacturers themselves suggest that it only be used with woven threads, i.e. with those which may be compressed and flattened, and which have a limited diameter - in other words, least resistant ones. Another method of securing a thread is by passing it through a little bead followed by a small lead ring, which works like a cork and a lead pellet. This method which is used only for cutaneous sutures, has several drawbacks. Firstly, the surgeon is forced to thread the needle first through the bead and then through the lead pellet, which must finally be secured using a surgical instrument: secondly, there is the risk that the needle holder lose its grip, and having to change instrument is a further waste of time. Besides, the threads available on the market are meant for continuous sutures and a similar procedure for sutures consisting of isolated stitches would be unthinkable, due to the sheer number of beads and lead pellets required, and the risk of confusion on the operating table, which could easily result. Lastly, the sphere which functions as a suture block and which is positioned between the tissue and the lead pellet, in theory only has punctiform contact with the tissue, when full surface contact is what is really required. In fact, contact between the sphere and the tissue plane only occurs at the tangential point. The result here too is therefore also unsatisfactory: in practice, the larger the contact surface area, the less is the pressure when equal force is applied, and, subsequently, the minor the damage done by the suture block to the tissue. The fact that none of these methods are used as a matter of course as a way to avoid tying knots, proves the point. In laparoscopic surgery the same problem exists - all the methods used to secure a suture are awkward and imprecise. Too many problems and risks are therefore involved, using clips for a different purpose from which they were intended, makes the surgeon feel uneasy, and the use of beads and lead pellets, is too complicated, empiric and haphazard. The innovations introduced with this invention are aimed at offering the surgeon with a new, quicker suture technique, which is less painful and less traumatising for the tissue, and, on occasions, easier to perform. * The first characteristic of the invention is its disc-shaped form which provides the optimal surface area for contact with the tissue, whilst using the rninimum of material. It thereby distributes the tension of the thread uniformly over the largest possible surface area. * The second characteristic of the invention is that it enables the thread to be passed through the centre of the disc thus saving time and , should there be traction, provides balance and stability, guaranteeing optimal, uniform contact between the surface of the disc and the tissue. * Another characteristic of the invention is its suture blocking system which prevents the thread from working itself loose and at the same time does not weaken it , which is fundamental given the tension to which it is regularly subjected. * Another caharacteristic of the invention is that it has a peg - the "male" part - which thanks to a labyrinthine system, gradually blocks the thread whatever its thickness (within, of course, the limits of the calibres and materials normally used in surgery). * Another characteristic of the invention is that it exploites the elasticity and plasticity of the materials normally used in surgery in order to obtain a suture block fashioned in such a way that as the peg gradually enters its female counterpart, the walls "give" because of their elastomeric properties, both in order to hold the thread in place and to adapt to its variable diameter, without compressing it to such an extent that its resistance is reduced. * Another characteristics of the invention is that the front face of the male peg has what could be described as a "V"- shaped mouth, which serves both to position the thread within the suture block, and to ensure that as the thread is introduced, it is gradually tightened, irrespective of its thickness, by a self-blocking system which is independent from the above-mentioned kbyrinthine mechanism. The self-blocking system is the result of the combined effect of the "V"-shaped mouth, and the light pressure to which the two jaws of the "V" are subjected as the suture stop is closed. It works in the same way as the sheet pins on a yacht. * Another characteristic of the invention is that the male part is locked into the shell by a press-stud, spring toggle, or a mixed system. * Another characteristic of the invention is that its shell may consist of two separate pieces, or may be a single system in which the parts are hinged together, or attached to each other by a film. * Another characteristtic of the invention is that it has been designed in such a way as to ensure that the thread is always clamped at the centre of the system.. * Another characteristic of the invention is that a suture which is bound to the tissue is obtained, without the latter being constricted by a knot. This lowers the risk of eschemia, reduces pain and limits tissue trauma and damage. * Another characteristic of the invention is that the edges are rounded and so they reduce the damage that could be caused should they come into contact with the tissue. * Another characteristic of the invention is the ease, simplicity and speed with which it may be applied, reducing the complexity, length and cost of the surgical operation. * Another characteristic of the invention is that once the disc has been secured at the end of a continuous or isolated - stitch suture, by applying a second disc close to the previous one and then cutting the thread between the two, the suture can be made ready for the next stitch, with the suture block already in place at the end of the disc. * Another characteristic of the invention is that its saves on the large quantities of sutural thread normally required. * Another characeristic of the invention is that it can be applied independently, or with disposable loaders, as is the case with clips. * Another characteristic of the invention is to offer the surgeon the possibility of performing a suture involving several stitches, without having to change the disposition of the operational field and without having to put down his instruments to free his hands to tie the knots. Two possible versions of the device have been illustrated, simply by way of example, in 7 illustrations. Figure 1 is a cross-section of the device, in which A is the peg or male part and B the shell or female part, both of which have been pre-assembled for use. C is the "V"-shaped mouth of the peg which secures the thread and keeps it at the centre of the device. D are the teeth of the press-stud mechanism which lock it in position B. The extra tooth, (£), is a spring toggle, a safety device which ensures that the thread is completely and permanently secured. The frontal mouth of the shell is also visible (F). This serves to ensure the correct, central positioning of the thread, which is encouraged by the "V" shaped opening. The two cavities (G) house the spring toggle (E). In order to guarantee that the elasticity of the spring toggle, a fissure has been made in the peg (H). Figure 2 is a frontal section of the device, showing the planes of the peg (K), which are angled, so that they gradually immobilise the thread against the upper and lower internal walls of the shell. Figure 3 is a cross-section and Figure 4 the frontal section of the device in the locked position. Figures 5 - 6 - 7 illustrate the second solution. Figure 5 is a cross-section of the device, in which A is the semi-shell with the peg (the male half) and B the female counterpart, in the ready-to-use position. C is the "V"-shaped semi-mouth of the peg which secures the thread and keeps it at the centre of the suture block. D and E are the respective surfaces of the peg and the female part which are snapped together. F is the tooth of the spring toggle safety device which blocks the thread completely, whilst G is a cavity which when the suture block is closed forms a fissure through which the thread passes. H is an angled plane which allows the thread to be gradually immobilised against the upper and lower internal walls of the female semi-shell. I represents the hinge or film which joints the two parts (A and B) together, and enables them to be rotated. Figure 6 is a cross-section of the device in the locked position. A final option, which is not exclusive either, would be to use common clips to which a stop is added, to ensure that the thread does not enter the vertex of the "V", but, instead, is held at the centre of the clip. The clip should also be modified to include the two semi-circles, so that once the disc-shaped clip is closed, the thread can pass through its centre.

Claims: CLAIMS 1) Suture block for surgical sutures 2) Suture block for the surgical sutures, as in the above-mentioned claims, consisting of two separate parts, or two interconnected parts (hinged together or joined by means of a film) 3) Suture block for the surgical sutures, as in the above-mentioned claims, capable of securing all the types of sutural thread which are normally used in surgery 4) Suture block for the surgical sutures, as in the above-mentioned claims, the blocking system of which has the aim of completely securing the thread and preventing it from slipping, without altering its structure or reducing its resistance to traction. 5) Suture block for the surgical sutures, as in the above-mentioned claims, which exploits the elasticity and plasticity of the materials normally used in surgery, in order to obtain an elastomeric effect, so that the materials "give", holding the thread in place and adapting to the variable diameter of the thread, without damaging it. 6) Suture block for the surgical sutures, as in the above-mentioned claims, with a press-stud, spring toggle, or mixed self-blocking system 7) Suture block for the surgical sutures, as in the above-mentioned claims, in which one part, the peg, is capable of blocking all calibres of thread normally used in surgery 8) Suture block for the surgical sutures, as in the above-mentioned claims, in which the blocked thread is always held at the centre of the system 9) Suture block for the surgical sutures, as in the above-mentioned claims, the outer edges of which are rounded, to reduce the damage to the tissue 10) Suture block for the surgical sutures, as in the above-mentioned claims, in which a kbyrinthine system increases the attrition, reducing the possibility of the thread slipping and thus enhancing its grip.11 ) Suture block for the surgical sutures, as in the above-mentioned claims, which using a "V M -shaped self-blocking system, gradually immobilised the thread, which may therefore be of variable diameter 12) Suture block for the surgical sutures, as in the above-mentioned claims, with angle internal, lateral walls, so that as the two arms of the "V"-shaped peg are gradually squeezed together as they enter the shell, thus providing a further thread- blocking system 13) Suture block for the surgical sutures, as in the above-mentioned claims, consisting of re-absorbable, non-re-absorbable, metallic or mixed materials 14) Suture block for the surgical sutures, as in the above-mentioned claims, preferably disc-shaped 15) Suture block for the surgical sutures, as in the above-mentioned claims, with the thread preferably passing through the centre of the disc 16) Suture block for the surgical sutures, as in the above-mentioned claims, which, using equal amounts of material, ensures for the largest possible contact surface area between the suture block and the surrounding tissue 17) Suture block for surgical sutures, as in the above-mentioned claims, which may be used both in superficial and in-depth, open and laparoscopic surgery 18) Suture block for surgical sutures, as in the above-mentioned claims, which may be applied independently, or with loaders attached to the appropriate forceps, or with forceps assembled with fully-disposable loaders 19) Suture block for surgical sutures, as in the above-mentioned claims, enabling sutures to be performed without constricting the tissue, as is the case with traditional knots, and thus reducing pain, damage and ischemia, the bugbears of knotted threads.

Inventors: VALENTI GABRIELE, VALENTI, GABRIELE
Applicants: VALENTI GABRIELE, VALENTI, GABRIELE
Application year: 1997
Main classification: A61B17
IPC codes: A61B17