A multipurpose tissue graft apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a multipurpose tissue graft apparatus for preparing a tissue graft for use in ligament and tendon reconstruction surgery. The multipurpose tissue graft apparatus includes a base configured for holding of the tissue graft. A first arm is pivotably mounted on the base and has a top surface and a bottom surface. A second arm is detachably mounted between the base and the first arm. The second arm is configured to form a hollow chamber having a closed end and an open end. The open end is configured to form an extended blade and is also provided with a recess for enabling collection of the muscles scrapped by the blade in the hollow chamber. A roller is detachably mounted on the second arm proximal to the blade for smoothening of the muscles of the tissue graft. The bottom surface of the first arm on its distal end is configured to mount an array of needles in a predefined pattern for affixing sutures on the tissue graft.

Description

[0001] A MULTIPURPOSE TISSUE GRAFT APPARATUS FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The invention generally relates to the field of surgical devices and more particularly to a multipurpose tissue graft apparatus for tendon graft preparation.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] The hamstring semitendinosis and gracilis tendon grafts are the most common grafts used in the anterior cruciate ligament and ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction. The hamstring semitendinosis and gracilis tendon grafts are harvested from the knee with a tendon stripper. The harvested graft is then prepared for reconstruction surgery. The preparation of the graft includes but is not limited to the steps of trimming, sizing, scrapping and suturing to help provide secure fixation of the graft. Each of these preparation steps are usually performed separately, by a skilled person, for example a surgeon or a surgical assistant. For example, initially, the harvested tendon is separated from the attached muscles. The separation of the tendon from the attached muscles is achieved, manually through a blunt knife, a scale or through a blunt side of a surgical knife. The above practice leads to several undesired effects including but not limited to uneven removal of muscles, accidental cut resulting in an inadequate tendon length, sharp injuries to the surgeon, and additionally, prolonging the operating time.

[0005] Subsequent to removal of muscles from the harvested tendon, a plurality of sutures are attached to the graft. Suture attachment to the graft is usually performed manually by sewing of sutures by a variety of methods. Examples of methods adopted, include but are not limited to baseball stitching, roman sandal suture techniques, krackow and Prusik knots. The process of suture attachment, as mentioned herein is a time consuming process and may take several minutes for each end of the graft. Additionally, attaching of the sutures to the graft can result in injuries to the skilled person.

[0006] US69636069B1 discloses a muscle stripping device for use in removing the muscle attached to a tendon. The device has multiple interconnected slots of circular or rectangular shape of various dimensions for removing muscles attached to a tendon. US20100249802A1 discloses a soft tissue graft preparation device for affixing a filamentous material to the graft. The device includes an end effector operably connected to a body portion; the end effector has a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly for affixing filamentous material to the graft.

[0007] US20220338973A1 discloses a graft preparation system having a graft preparation holder and a suture assembly removably coupled thereto. The graft preparation holder have a plurality of leaf segments positioned along the longitudinal axis in a spaced relationship and extending laterally and at least one support structure configured to mate with the leaf segments to provide stability and rigidity to the segments. The suture assembly has at least one suture tail that can be pulled to affix the suture assembly to a graft without penetrating the graft.

[0008] Although the aforementioned devices individually provide removing muscles from the graft and affixing sutures to the graft, there is a need for a multipurpose surgical apparatus that can perform the function of removing muscles from the graft and affixing sutures to the graft without the need to move the graft from one device to the other.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] One aspect of the invention provides a multipurpose tissue graft apparatus for preparing a tissue graft for ligament and tendon reconstruction surgery. The multipurpose tissue graft apparatus includes a base configured to hold the tissue graft. A first arm is pivotably mounted on the base. The first arm has a top surface and a bottom surface. An array of needles is mounted on the bottom surface. A second arm is detachably mounted between the base and the first arm. The second arm is configured to form a hollow chamber having a closed end and an open end. The open end is configured to form an extended blade. A roller is detachably mounted on the second arm proximal to the blade for smoothening of the muscles of the tissue graft. The multipurpose tissue graft apparatus is configured to perform smoothening of muscles of the tissue graft, scrapping off the muscles from the tissue graft, flattening of the tissue graft, affixing of sutures on the tissue graft and further augmenting of the sutures affixed on the tissue graft.

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] So that the manner in which the recited features of the invention can be understood in detail, some of the embodiments are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a multipurpose tissue graft apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the multipurpose tissue graft apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the working of the roller of the multipurpose tissue graft apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 4a and 4b show schematic representations of working of the blade of the multipurpose tissue graft apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 5a, 5b and 5c show schematic representations of the working of the array of needles of the multipurpose tissue graft apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Various embodiments of the invention provide a multipurpose tissue graft apparatus for preparing a tissue graft for use in ligament and tendon reconstruction surgery.

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. does not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denotes the presence of at least one of the referenced items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” or “includes” and / or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It will be further understood that for the purposes of this disclosure, “at least one of” will be interpreted to mean any combination of the enumerated elements following the respective language, including combination of multiples of the enumerated elements.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, unless otherwise described, the same drawing reference numerals are understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. The relative size and depiction of these elements may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.

[0022] Various embodiments of the invention provide a multipurpose tissue graft apparatus for preparing a tissue graft for use in ligament and tendon reconstruction surgery. The tissue graft for use in ligament and tendon reconstruction surgery can be harvested from a patient’s own body (autograft) or from donor’s body (allograft).

[0023] The multipurpose tissue graft apparatus includes a base; the base is configured for holding of the tissue graft. A first arm is pivotably mounted on the base and has a top surface and a bottom surface. A second arm is detachably mounted between the base and the first arm. The second arm is configured to form a hollow chamber having a closed end and an open end. The open end is configured to form an extended blade and is also provided with a recess for enabling collection of the muscles scrapped by the blade in the hollow chamber. A roller is detachably mounted on the second arm proximal to the blade for smoothening of the muscles of the tissue graft. The bottom surface of the first arm on its distal end is configured to mount an array of needles in a predefined pattern for affixing sutures on the tissue graft.

[0024] The multipurpose tissue graft apparatus described hereinabove shall be explained in detail through FIG. 1 -FIG. 5. FIG. 1 shows a multipurpose tissue graft apparatus and FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the multipurpose tissue graft according to an embodiment of the invention. The multipurpose tissue graft apparatus includes a base 1 ; the base 1 is fixed and is configured to hold the tissue graft. The base 1 is further provided with a mat 2 to assist in holding of the tissue graft. The mat 2 is either permanently attached to the base 1 or is detachable. The mat 2 is either a rubber mat or a silicon mat with a textured surface to provide grip and slip proof holding of the tissue graft on the base 1 . A first arm 3 is pivotably mounted on the base 1 through a locking screw 4. The locking screw 4 allows pivotable mounting of the first arm 3 to the base 1 and also allows motion of the first arm 3 in relation to the base 1 during operation of the apparatus. The first arm 3 has a top surface 3a and a bottom surface 3b. The bottom surface 3b of the first arm 3 is mounted with an array of needles 5 in a predetermined pattern. The array of needles 5 are provided on a distal end of the first arm 3 and are configured for affixing sutures on the tissue graft. The array of needles 5 are capable of removably retaining a suture material (not shown) in a predefined pattern and affixing of the suture material on the tissue graft. In some embodiments of the invention, a hole 6 is provided on the first arm 3 for passage of the suture material to the array of needles 5. A second arm 7 is detachably mounted between the base 1 and the first arm 3. In one embodiment of the invention, the second arm 7 is detachably attached to the first arm 3 of the apparatus. In one embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface 3b of the first arm 3 has a pair of parallel running channel (not shown) on the longitudinal edges for slide fitting of the second arm 7. In another embodiment of the invention, the second arm 7 has a concave shaped indentation for push fit connection on the locking screw 4. The second arm 7 is configured to form a hollow chamber 8 having a closed end 8a and an open end 8b. The open end 8b extends to form a blade 9 and also has a recess 10. The blade 9 is configured for scrapping off the muscles from the tissue graft. In one embodiment of the invention, the blade 9 is a flat blunt blade to enable scrapping off the muscles from the tissue graft without damaging the tendon. The recess 10 provided on the open end 8b of the hollow chamber 8 enables collection of the muscles scrapped off by the blade 9 from the tissue graft in the hollow chamber 8. A roller 11 is detachably mounted on the second arm 7 proximal to the blade 9 for smoothening of the muscles of the tissue graft. The diameter of the roller 11 is larger than the height of the blade 9 to enable smoothening of the muscles of the tissue graft by the roller 11 without allowing the blade 9 to come in contact with the tissue graft. In one embodiment of the invention, the roller 11 is dumbbell shaped; the middle bar of the dumbbell roller snugly fits into a groove to enable rotational movement of the roller 11 and easy detachment from the second arm 7.

[0025] Now referring to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the working of the apparatus shall be explained. FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the working of the roller of the multipurpose tissue graft apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention. The first step in preparing the tissue graft is providing a tissue graft for use in ligament and tendon reconstruction surgery. The tissue graft includes a tissue graft harvested from patient’s own body (autograft) or from a donor’s body(allograft). The harvested tissue graft is placed on the mat 2 provided on the base 1 . The textured surface of the mat 2 helps in holding the tissue graft firmly in place without the risk of slipping. Then, the first arm 3 is moved in relation to the basel thereby bringing the roller 1 1 in contact with the tissue graft at the muscle tendon junction. The movement of the first arm 3 in relation to the base 1 can be done manually or can be mechanised through a motor. The roller 1 1 compresses and smoothen the muscles of the tissue graft for ease in scrapping off the muscles from the tissue graft by the blade 9. After smoothening of the muscles of the tissue graft, the roller 1 1 is detached from the apparatus. Detachment of the roller 1 1 from the apparatus enables the blade 9 to come in contact with the tissue graft when the first arm 3 is moved towards the base 1 . The tissue graft is then pulled out from the base 1 thereby enabling the blade 9 to scrape off the muscles from the tissue graft (FIG 4a). Through the recess 10 on the second arm 7, the scrapped muscles are collected in the hollow chamber 8 (FIG 4b). The final step of tissue graft preparation is affixing of sutures on the tissue graft. For affixing the suture, the first step is to detach the second arm 7 from the apparatus (Fig.5a). For affixing the sutures, a first suture material 12 is removably retained between the array of needles 5 (Fig 5b). The first suture material 12 includes a monofilament or multifilament suture and includes a suture tape, a suture thread or a braided suture and other such suture materials known in the art. For affixing sutures, the first arm 3 is moved in relation to the base 1 thereby bringing the array of needles 5 in proximity to the tissue graft placed on the mat 2. In one embodiment of the invention, the array of needles 5 are configured to pierce the tissue graft thereby affixing the first suture material 12 on the tissue graft. In another embodiment of the invention, the array of needles 5 pierce through the tissue graft in manner such that the suture material forms plurality of loops on the opposite side of the tissue graft. A second suture material (not shown) is then passed through the plurality of loops for further augmenting the sutures resulting in the tissue graft having increased thickness and decreased length (Fig 5c). In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the array of needles 5 is placed proximal to the tissue graft thereby bringing the first suture material 12 in close contact with the tissue graft. A second suture material (not shown), through a needle is then passed between the array of needles 5 and looped with the first suture material 12 in a predetermined pattern to secure and affix the first suture material 12 and the second suture material on the tissue graft.

[0026] The invention thus provides a multipurpose tissue graft apparatus which can perform the function of smoothening of the muscles of the tissue graft, scrapping of the muscles from the tissue graft and affixing of sutures on the tissue graft for preparing the tissue graft for use in ligament and tendon reconstruction surgery without the need to move the graft from one device to the other. Further the apparatus is easy and safe to operate and saves the surgeon’s operating time. Further, all the operations of the apparatus including movement of the first arm in relation to the base, pulling of the tissue graft out of the apparatus for scrapping of the muscles by the blade can be mechanized using motors, robotic arms and other such automation devices known. The multipurpose tissue graft apparatus, as described herein is capable of performing a variety of functions necessary for preparing a tissue graft. The multipurpose tissue graft apparatus can perform the functions that include but are not limited to flattening of the tissue graft, smoothening of muscles of the tissue graft, scrapping of muscles from the tissue graft, affixing of sutures to the tissue graft and further augmenting of the sutures affixed on the tissue graft.

[0027] The foregoing description of the invention has been set for merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A multipurpose tissue graft apparatus for preparing a tissue graft, the apparatus comprising: a base configured for holding the tissue graft; a first arm pivotably mounted on the base, the first arm having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface configured to mount an array of needles; a second arm detachably mounted between the base and the first arm, the second arm configured to form a hollow chamber having a closed end and an open end, the open end configured to form an extended blade; and a roller detachably mounted on the second arm proximal to the blade for smoothening of the muscles of the tissue graft.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the open end is also provided with a recess for enabling collection of the muscles scrapped off from the tissue graft.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the roller is larger than the height of the blade to enable smoothening of the muscles of the tissue graft by the roller without allowing the blade to come in contact with the tissue graft.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claiml , wherein the roller is configured to roll over the tissue graft for smoothening ofthe muscles of the tissue graft when the first arm is moved in relation to the base.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the blade is a flat blunt blade and is configured for scraping off the muscles from the tissue graft.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the blade scrapes off the muscles from the tissue graft when the detachable roller is detached.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the blade scrapes off the muscles from the tissue graft when the first arm is moved in relation to the base thereby bringing the blade proximal to the tissue graft while the tissue graft is pulled out of the apparatus.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the hollow chamber is configured for collecting the muscles scrapped from the tissue graft by the blade.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the array of needles are mounted in a predefined pattern on a distal end of the bottom surface of the first arm wherein the array of needles are configured for affixing sutures to the tissue graft.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the array of needles affix the suture on the tissue graft when the second arm and the roller are detached from the apparatus.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the array of needles affix the sutures to the tissue graft when the first arm is moved in relation to the base.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured to perform flattening of the tissue graft, smoothening of muscles of the tissue graft, scrapping of muscles from the tissue graft, affixing sutures on the tissue graft and further augmenting the sutures affixed on the tissue graft.

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