Biceps Tenodesis Delivery Tool with Segmented Anchor and Fork
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures for anchoring a biceps tendon to the humerus are cumbersome, requiring multiple tools and risking tendon damage due to screw insertion and tension maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A tendon anchoring system with a sheath inserter tool that includes a locking mechanism and guidewire management to facilitate the secure placement of a sheath and expander within a bone hole, reducing the number of steps and risk of tendon injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a screw is used to anchor the tendon to bone, then the tendon can be securely anchored, but the rotation of the screw into the bone hole can tear through the tendon and increase the risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is divided into two separate components: a screwless anchor for anchoring the tendon and a separate tendon fork tool for delivery. This segmentation eliminates the rotational damage caused by traditional screw anchors while maintaining anchoring functionality through a different mechanism that expands within the bone hole rather than rotating.
Solution Approach 2:
A tendon fork is introduced as an intermediary tool to deliver the anchor into the bone hole and maintain tendon positioning. The fork acts as a mediator between the surgeon's control and the tendon, allowing precise placement without direct screw rotation contact with the tendon, thereby preventing tendon tearing.
2Reliability
If multiple tools are used in the current procedure, then the tendon can be anchored effectively, but the procedure time is prolonged and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated tool system. The tendon fork combines anchoring, tendon positioning, and delivery functions in one instrument, eliminating the need for separate tools for each step. This consolidation maintains anchoring effectiveness while significantly reducing procedure time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tendon fork is designed as a universal tool that performs multiple functions: it delivers the anchor, positions the tendon, maintains tension, and secures the anchor in the bone hole. This multi-functionality replaces several specialized tools with one versatile instrument, reducing procedural steps and time while maintaining reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If tension is applied to the tendon during screw insertion, then the tendon can be positioned correctly, but the anchor can back-out of the bone hole
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is pre-loaded into the tendon fork tool before the procedure, with the tendon already positioned and tensioned correctly. This preliminary preparation ensures precise tendon positioning is achieved before insertion, eliminating the need to maintain tension during the insertion process itself, thereby preventing anchor back-out while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A tendon anchoring system comprising an outer shaft having a lumen extending therethrough and a sheath alignment protrusion formed on a distal end thereof. The inner shaft disposed within the outer shaft and having first and second prongs formed on a distal end thereof. The prongs being movable between an extended position in which the prongs extend distally beyond the distal end of the outer shaft, and a retracted position in which the prongs are retracted into the distal end of the oute shaft, the prongs extending along opposed sides of the sheath alignment protrusion of the outer shaft and a handle assembly coupled to the proximal end of each of the first and second shafts.