Summary:

Researchers at the Ohio State University have developed a simple, disposable, knot-tying device to be used during surgery. One of the most difficult aspects of laparoscopic surgery is knot tying or ligation of vessels and other tissues. Currently, ligation of these structures during laparoscopy requires the passing of sutures and the tying of knots remotely using videoscopic observation. Although several devices are available to facilitate this knot tying, all of them require the surgeon to use both hands and, in some cases, to use complicated knots and procedures.

Using the OSU technology, the new knot-tying device can be used to tie a knot completely around a vessel in a single one-handed motion. The device uses standard suture materials and also could be used in open surgery for rapid knot tying.

Potential Applications:

Suturing during surgery

Advantages:

• Allows one-handed suturing, freeing up the other hand to perform other tasks
• Simplifying suturing procedure, so mistakes rising from complicated suturing procedures can be reduced