Handling performance of the novel Bi-curve and G-curve suture needle designs: An exploratory study

Purpose: To improve the handling characteristics of suture needles, two novel needle designs, the Bi-curve and the G-curve, were developed by modifying conventional curvature designs. Methods: Ten surgeons with varying levels of experience performed standardized open and robotic suturing tasks using half-circle, Bi-curve, and G-curve needles in a simulation environment. Suturing times were evaluated under both conditions. Moreover, advanced laparoscopic suturing tasks were performed using a robotic system. Needle trajectory parameters, burst pressure resistance, and subjective assessments of manipulability were analyzed to assess technical performance and potential tissue impact. Results: During open forward suturing, both the Bi-curve and G-curve needles reduced suturing time significantly from that required with the half-circle needle, whereas no significant differences were observed among needle types in robotic suturing tasks. In advanced laparoscopic tasks, needle-passage quality scores were significantly higher for the Bi-curve and G-curve needles. Needle trajectory metrics and burst pressure resistance were comparable for all needle designs. Subjective evaluations revealed that no surgeon rated the novel needles as inferior to the conventional needle in terms of manipulability. Conclusions: In this exploratory study, the Bi-curve and G-curve needles demonstrated handling performance comparable to, and in some aspects favorable to, that of the conventional half-circle needle, without causing more tissue damage.