Now ‘Switch’ the way you suture: Reinventing suturing technique with the new device

Mellon Medical, a Dutch MedTech developer has reinvented suturing by developing a device which enables the surgeon to suture with only one hand, the other hand remaining free to use as needed. The product is named Switch®, a single use precision instrument that allows the surgeon to suture tubular structures or skin with twice the speed of conventional suturing.

The company recently secured € 6 million, to advance its ground breaking patented technology on the path to completion of CE certification in 2019 and market launch (Netherlands and Germany) in late 2019/early 2020 according to a press release.

The annual worldwide sutures and suturing devices market size is expected to reach at $3 billon by 2020.

Although the market introduction is focused on vascular surgery, it has its application in suturing all tubular and layered structures, giving access to multiple disciplines and indications. In gynecology, it can be used fallopian tube reanastomosis, cesareans and hysterectomies.

Single handed Switch® technology allows for high precision suturing of tubular (e.g. arteries) and layered structures (e.g. skin). The technique requires just the use of thumb and index finger to apply a suture as oppose to multiple orchestrated movements of both hands in classical suturing.

In this method, the surgeons are no longer required to transfer the needle from one hand to other as the needle remains secured in one of the two jaws of the device. There are two double action buttons and a single pinch of thumb transfers the needle from one hand to other.

It can easily be maneuvered because of its ergonomic design like a pencil, that has a 30° jaw-angle, that allows the surgeon to suture in all possible radial direction. The device is for single patient use, saving the cost of sterilization.

The combination of suture and needle can be changed according to surgeon’s preference. At present it is available in 8 cm long jaws, but soon 11 cm long jaws model will be there for suturing procedures in deep cavities.

Beside open surgery, the technology can also be applied to  a laparoscopic and robotic setting. The full product portfolio will include devices with various geometries, needles and sutures. Also, will be added a microsurgical model, laparoscopic and robotic variant to complete the armamentarium. 

The technology is expected to save time and reduce many complications. It is estimated that on an average 30% of surgical time is spent on suturing. Mellon has received several international innovation awards for this new invention, including one from the vascular surgeon community during last years’ Charing Cross International Symposium for Vascular Surgery in London.

Here is  the video, to fully understand the scope of suturing with Switch. 

Mellon Medical 3D Animation Switch from Mellon Medical B.V. on Vimeo.

Media courtesy: Mellon Medical