1. Biozip Suture Group 24 Katie Good and Emily Schaefer Advisors: Bruce Beyer, M.D. Paul King, Ph.D.

2. Project Definition Design Surgical Tie Cable tie mechanics Absorbable Gynecological Applications Caesarean section Hysterectomy

3. Background Current sutures - require application of tension in opposite directions to tighten and close the knot Gynecological procedures - confined areas Difficult to apply tension Suture integrity compromised Alternative method for joining tissue or sealing pedicle Require tension in one direction

4. Importance C-section - 1.2 Million surgeries/year Hysterectomy - 600,000 surgeries/year Improved suture will Decrease surgery time Easier to close tissue Reduce incidence of infection

5. Current Status Met with Dr. Beyer to identify suture constraints/requirements Met with Dr. Shastri to discuss material properties Closure Techniques bag clips, twist ties, rubber bands, zipper, magnet, hook, button, barrette, buckle, two d- rings, etc. Innovation Workbench Concept Map

6. Current Work Comparing closure methods with Innovation Workbench to identify best closure method Combining desirable components of closure techniques to adapt for application

7. Future Work Selecting best closure method to meet criteria Cambridge Engineering Selector (CES) Suture material selection Companies that produce material of interest