Barbed Drawstring Tubular Construct for Tissue Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for repairing torn tendons and ligaments lack a mechanism to prevent slippage of frayed ends and rely on consistent tension for stability, which can lead to improper regrowth and failure of the repair.
Innovation Solution
A fibrous connective tissue stabilization apparatus with a biocompatible, surgically implantable tubular construct equipped with a barbed drawstring that engages the tissue to prevent slippage and allows for localized delivery of growth hormones and other stimulants, featuring adjustable and retractable barbs for customizable support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a tubular construct is used to enclose torn fibrous connective tissue, then the tissue is stabilized and alignment for regrowth is ensured, but the frayed ends can slip out of the construct without a retention mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The drawstring is segmented with multiple barbs along its length, allowing different sections to engage with tissue at various positions within the tubular construct. This segmentation provides distributed retention points that prevent slippage more effectively than a single continuous drawstring.
Solution Approach 2:
The barbs on the drawstring are designed with asymmetric geometry - they have a leading face that allows easy penetration through tissue and a trailing face that resists withdrawal. This asymmetric shape enables the barbs to engage tissue in one direction while preventing slippage in the opposite direction, solving the reliability problem.
2Reliability
If a barbed drawstring is added to prevent slippage, then tissue retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barbed drawstring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides tissue retention through barb engagement, allows for adjustable tensioning to control the degree of tissue compression, and can be used to deliver therapeutic agents through the tubular construct. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawstring is designed as a flexible, thin, biocompatible element that can be easily inserted through the tubular construct and adjusted during surgery. Its flexibility allows it to conform to the tissue geometry while maintaining retention capability, avoiding the need for complex rigid mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tubular construct is made tight to prevent slippage, then tissue stability is improved, but blood flow and nutrient diffusion to the repair site are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drawstring tension is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to tissue healing needs. The surgeon can tighten the drawstring initially to prevent slippage, then gradually loosen it as healing progresses to restore blood flow and nutrient diffusion. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between stability and nutrient supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables periodic adjustment of the compression force applied to the tissue. The drawstring can be tightened in stages during surgery or adjusted post-operatively, providing intermittent compression that prevents slippage during critical healing phases while allowing periods of reduced compression to maintain blood flow and nutrient delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for repairing a torn portion of fibrous connective tissue including placing the torn portion of the fibrous connective tissue within a tubular construct consisting of a biocompatible, surgically implantable material, wherein the tubular construct is equipped with at least one barbed drawstring having a plurality of barbs on a surface thereof, and wherein the drawstring transforms the tubular construct from a first configuration in which the tubular construct has a first minimum diameter, to a second configuration in which the tubular construct has a second minimum diameter that is less than the first minimum diameter; and using the drawstring to transform the tubular construct into the second configuration; wherein, when the tubular construct is in the second configuration, the plurality of barbs engage the fibrous connective tissue.