Bioabsorbable Tissue Fastening via Segmented Penetrating Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical staples made of metal are not bio-absorbable and require removal, causing discomfort and trauma, while plastic staples lack the rigidity to penetrate tissue effectively for joining.
Innovation Solution
A tissue fastening system comprising a metal penetrating member and flexible bioabsorbable plastic fastening members, where the penetrating member drives the plastic fastening members through tissue and secures them with a backing member using ultrasonic welding, allowing the system to be flexible and absorbable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal staples are used for tissue joining, then strength and rigidity are improved, but bio-absorbability deteriorates requiring removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to bioabsorbable plastic, fundamentally altering the degradation behavior. The plastic staple is designed to maintain structural integrity during the healing period then gradually degrade and be absorbed by the body, eliminating the need for removal surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable, single-use staple that is designed to serve its function temporarily and then be discarded by the body through natural absorption. This eliminates the need for permanent implants that require surgical removal.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If plastic staples are used for tissue joining, then bio-absorbability is improved, but rigidity and penetration capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stapling function into two separate components: a rigid penetrating member (metal needle) that performs the penetration function, and a flexible plastic staple that performs the joining and absorption function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The penetrating member acts as an intermediary tool that delivers the plastic staple through the tissue. The penetrating member temporarily assumes the rigidity function during insertion, then the plastic staple assumes the joining function, eliminating the need for the staple itself to be rigid.
3Ease of operation
If flexible plastic fastening members are used, then tissue flexibility is improved, but penetration capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the penetration and fastening functions into separate components. The penetrating member provides the necessary rigidity for penetration, while the flexible plastic fastening member provides tissue compatibility and flexibility after insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The penetrating member serves as an intermediary delivery mechanism that enables the flexible plastic fastening member to reach and secure the tissue without compromising the fastening member's flexibility or the tissue's natural movement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient tissue joining with reduced trauma, eliminates the need for staple removal, and maintains tissue integrity through flexibility and bioabsorbability.
Implementation Method 1
The set of teeth are configured to pierce and spread tissue over the set of lobes of the first fastening member
Implementation Method 2
The first and second fastening members may be configured to be ultrasonically welded together along the first and second tissue contacting surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening system includes first and second fastening members and a penetrating member. The first fastening member includes a backspan and a set of lobes that extend from the backspan. The second fastening member includes a backspan and a set of lobes that extend from the backspan. The penetrating member includes a first body which is substantially planar, a set of teeth, and a first trailing wall that extends from the first body orthogonal to a plane that is defined by the first body. The set of teeth extend from a leading edge of the first body which is opposite a trailing edge of the first body and are configured to pierce and spread tissue over the set of lobes of the first fastening member. The first trailing wall is configured to support the backspan of the first fastening member.