Arthroscopic Implant Delivery System with Detachable Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an effective method to deliver and position medical implants, particularly sheet-like tissue implants, during arthroscopic procedures for treating rotator cuff tendon injuries, as existing methods often require invasive incisions and lack precise placement mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of an implant delivery system comprising a delivery shaft with a detachable frame and a connection assembly, including a tack member and tether, which allows for the deployment of a sheet-like implant over tendon tears, enabling precise positioning and secure attachment to the tendon or bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods are used to deliver and position medical implants, then the procedure can be completed, but invasive incisions are required and precise placement is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is divided into separate functional components: a delivery shaft for minimally invasive insertion, a detachable frame for implant support, and a connection assembly for controlled deployment. This segmentation allows the system to be inserted through small arthroscopic portals while delivering the implant precisely to the target site without requiring large incisions
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable frame acts as an intermediary structure that is temporarily attached to the delivery shaft during insertion and then detached to allow the implant to be positioned independently. The connection assembly serves as another intermediary mechanism that controls the deployment timing, enabling precise placement while maintaining a minimally invasive delivery path
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a minimally invasive arthroscopic approach is used, then incision size is reduced, but precise positioning and secure attachment of the implant become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable frame is pre-configured with attachment arms and connection features that are designed to engage with the implant before delivery. The connection assembly is pre-loaded onto the delivery shaft with the tack member positioned for immediate deployment. These preliminary configurations ensure that once the implant is delivered through the minimally invasive approach, secure attachment can be achieved without requiring additional complex steps
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a constrained delivery state to an expanded deployed state through the detachment of the frame from the shaft and deployment of the tack member. This dynamic transformation allows the system to maintain a compact profile for minimally invasive insertion while achieving full functional capability for secure implant attachment at the target site
3Measurement precision
If a detachable frame with multiple support struts and attachment arms is used, then implant positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable frame is designed as a multi-functional component that provides structural support through its support struts, positioning accuracy through its geometric configuration, and attachment capability through its attachment arms. The connection assembly serves multiple functions by maintaining frame-shaft attachment during delivery, enabling controlled detachment for deployment, and facilitating implant-tendon/bone attachment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving precise positioning
Data Source
AI summary
An implant delivery system is disclosed. The implant delivery system includes a delivery shaft and a detachable frame longitudinally advanceable relative to a delivery sheath. A tether is secured to the detachable frame and extends through a lumen of the delivery shaft to a handle. The tether may be secured to a connection assembly, including a tack member, a tack disk and a collar. The connection assembly may be attached to the detachable frame. The handle may include a tether clamp to secure the tether relative to the handle.