Barbed Suture Reinforced Tissue Patch for Hernia Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tissue patches used for reinforcement in applications like hernia and rotator cuff repairs exhibit suboptimal mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and suture pullout strength, which can lead to inadequate load-bearing support and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a tissue patch with barbed sutures, which are either biodegradable or non-degradable, placed in a pattern such as Z or X configuration along the patch to enhance mechanical properties, and secured to the patient using these sutures, potentially combined with bioactive agents to promote healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional tissue patches are used for reinforcement, then they can be implanted for tissue repair, but their mechanical properties (tensile strength, suture pullout strength) are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining tissue patch material with suture material to create a reinforced structure. The suture acts as a reinforcing element embedded within or attached to the tissue patch, creating a composite construct that leverages the strengths of both materials - the tissue patch provides biological integration while the suture provides enhanced mechanical strength and load-bearing capacity.
2Strength
If traditional tissue patches are used, then they can be implanted, but their suture pullout strength is insufficient for adequate load-bearing support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the reinforcement function into two distinct components: the tissue patch that provides biological integration and the suture that provides mechanical strength. The suture is placed in specific patterns (parallel, perpendicular, or diagonal orientations) to distribute loads effectively, with multiple sutures working together to enhance overall pullout strength and load-bearing capacity.
3Force
If tissue patches are used in high-wear areas like rotator cuff, then they must provide significant load bearing support, but traditional patches cannot handle the loads effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by considering the three-dimensional orientation of sutures within the tissue patch. Sutures are placed in multiple orientations (parallel, perpendicular, diagonal) to address loads from different directions, particularly important for rotator cuff applications where multidirectional forces are encountered. This multidimensional suture arrangement enhances the patch's ability to handle complex loading scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of improving the mechanical properties of a tissue patch is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a tissue patch and placing at least one barbed suture along at least a portion of the tissue patch. The method may further include the step of placing one or more additional barbed sutures in a laterally spaced relation to the barbed suture. The barbed suture may be biodegradable or non-biodegradable.