Team 4

Suture Tensiometer: A Novel Device Measuring Suture Tension in Real-Time for Laparotomy Procedures in the Prevention of Hernias

Team Members: Zachery Camacho
Dante Desimone
Maria Soldevila
Sumayah Wehelie

Team Mentors: William Tyler, PhD - SBHSE
Tedd Brandon, MD - Surgical Support Services
James Bogert, MD - Dignity Health

YouTube Link: View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting

Zoom Link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/82831636481

Abstract

Of the 250,000 laparotomies performed annually in the United States, 25% result in incisional hernias with a 1-2% growth in volume since 2011 [1]. To aid surgeons in reducing postoperative complications, our team has partnered with Dr. James Bogert, MD and Dignity Health to create a novel device that measures the tensile strength of sutures in real-time during a laparotomy closure. This device encaptures the normal function of a traditional surgical needle driver with the application of measuring real-time suture tension. Suture tension is not actively recorded, however, the tensile strength of a suture changes depending on the location and size of the suture bite. Post-operatively, hernias can develop over the course of 1-2 years resulting in patients returning for reconstructive surgery. There is currently no device on the market that actively measures suture tension that does not disrupt the flow of operation. In addition, there is research lacking in identifying optimal suture tensions per patient anatomy/case and in the nature of how the tension of suture closures may result in post-operative complications such as incisional hernias. The suture tensiometer device will fall under the category of a Class I surgical device and the surgical market. The device incorporates force sensors in the internal capsule of the needle driver clamp that when the surgeon pulls the needle driver up after initiating a suture the needle driver will measure and record the tension on the suture bite made at that time and place. The tension will be displayed on a separate LED screen. Based on our current estimates, our conceptual prototype will have a unit manufacturing cost of roughly $80. Using a profit margin of 60%, our customers can purchase it for approximately $200-$300. In phase II of capstone, our team has built a functional prototype that has been constructed using various inexpensive materials. SutureTense, Inc. hopes to prevent the occurrence of postoperative complications by providing suture tension information to surgeons in real-time.