Angled Retention Suture Assembly for Lower-Scarring Wound Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wound closure methods using perpendicular sutures create significant scarring due to tearing forces, which are not effectively managed by current retention suture assemblies.
Innovation Solution
The retention suture assembly employs angled retaining bars with tunnels that distribute closure and tearing forces differently, using angled sutures to minimize tearing by distributing forces into the retaining bars, thereby reducing scarring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If perpendicular sutures are used to close wounds, then wound closure is achieved, but tearing forces cause significant scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional perpendicular (single-dimension) suture orientation to angled sutures positioned at approximately 45 degrees relative to the wound edges. This dimensional change in suture orientation allows the suture to simultaneously resist both horizontal separation forces and vertical tearing forces, effectively distributing stress across multiple vectors and reducing the concentration of tearing forces that cause scarring.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining bar with its specifically engineered tunnel geometry is prepared in advance with predetermined angular orientation and dimensional characteristics. The tunnel is designed with specific radius ratios (R1/R2 between 0.5-2.0) and angular configurations that pre-establish the force distribution pattern before the suture is even tied, ensuring optimal force management from the moment closure is applied.
2Device complexity
If traditional retention suture assemblies with perpendicular holes are used, then simple construction is maintained, but tearing forces are not effectively distributed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies key geometric parameters of the retaining bar structure, specifically the tunnel angle (approximately 45 degrees from vertical), the radius ratio (R1/R2 between 0.5-2.0), and the relative positioning of opening centers. These parameter changes transform the force distribution characteristics without fundamentally altering the retaining bar concept, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving superior force management through optimized geometry.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If angled retaining bars with specific tunnel geometries are used, then tearing forces are distributed effectively, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining bar is constructed from composite or multi-layer materials that provide both structural integrity and flexibility. This allows the complex angled geometry to be manufactured with precise tolerances while maintaining the mechanical properties needed for effective force distribution. The composite construction enables the tunnel walls to have optimized thickness and material composition for maximizing force distribution while minimizing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to devices that join a pair of edges. Previously, suture assemblies used holes perpendicular to a vertical plane. Embodiments of the present invention use a first pad tunnel (130) between a first pad lower plane opening (126) and a first pad upper plane opening (122). A first pad tunnel major axis (132) passes through a first pad upper plane opening center (124) and a first pad lower plane opening center (128). For reference a first pad orthogonal axis (134) passes through the first pad upper plane opening center (124) orthogonal to the first pad upper plane (118) and the first pad lower plane (120). A first pad angle (θ1) is measured clockwise from the first pad orthogonal axis (134) to the first pad tunnel major axis (132). The first pad angle is at least five degrees but no more than 175 degrees.