Bioabsorbable Textile for Rotator Cuff Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical devices for repairing rotator cuff tendons lack effective mechanical and biological properties to promote durable healing, leading to high re-tear rates and inadequate restoration of joint function, with existing scaffolds failing to match the mechanical properties of native tendon tissue and integrate properly with host tissue.
Innovation Solution
A bioabsorbable textile comprising hyaluronan-based fibers and non-resorbable fibers, designed to provide mechanical reinforcement and promote biological healing by mimicking the native tendon architecture, with a combination of mechanical and biological augmentation to support tissue regeneration and integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If non-resorbable suture materials are used, then the mechanical strength and durability of the repair are improved, but the materials must be removed or remain in place indefinitely, causing foreign body reaction and preventing natural tissue regeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from non-resorbable to resorbable suture materials, specifically using polyglycolic acid and polylactic acid copolymer sutures that gradually degrade over time. This allows the mechanical strength to be maintained initially and then naturally transferred to regenerated tissue, resolving the contradiction between durability and biocompatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by designing sutures that are intentionally discarded (resorbable) after serving their temporary function of holding the repair together. The resorbable sutures degrade and are absorbed by the body, making way for natural tissue regeneration while having provided the necessary mechanical support during the healing process.
2Reliability
If resorbable suture materials are used, then biocompatibility and natural tissue regeneration are improved, but the mechanical strength and durability of the repair are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using resorbable sutures with time-dependent mechanical properties that change during the healing process. The sutures provide high initial strength that gradually decreases as they resorb, matching the temporal profile of tissue strength gain during regeneration. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing strength when needed and biocompatibility when tissue is ready.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by using resorbable sutures that perform their mechanical support function in advance of complete tissue regeneration. The sutures are designed to maintain repair integrity during the critical early healing phase, then gradually transfer load to the regenerating tissue, ensuring biocompatibility is achieved before full mechanical strength is required from the native tissue.
3Shape
If existing scaffold materials are used, then structural support is provided, but the mechanical properties do not match native tendon tissue and integration with host tissue is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining resorbable suture materials (polyglycolic acid and polylactic acid copolymer) in specific ratios and configurations to create a composite structure that mimics native tendon properties. This composite approach allows optimization of both structural support and biological integration, resolving the contradiction between shape maintenance and tissue compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by using different suture material compositions and resorption rates in different regions of the repair. The multifilament construction allows different zones to have different mechanical and biological properties, enabling better matching of local tissue requirements and improving overall integration with host tissue while maintaining structural support.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a system for delivery of an implant to a targeted area of a subject, the system includes the implant includes a plurality of bioresorbable hyaluronan-based fibers and a plurality of non-resorbable fibers, a bone fastener configured to couple the implant to bone, a soft-tissue fastener configured to couple the implant to soft tissue, a soft-tissue fastener tool (SFT) configured to couple with and deliver the soft-tissue fastener through the implant and soft-tissue, a bone fastener tool (BFT) configured to couple with and deliver the bone fastener and the implant. The BFT may further be configured to facilitate positioning of at least a portion of the implant over the targeted area after delivery thereto, and a cannula having a cannula passage. The cannula passage may be configured to receive the BFT coupled with the bone fastener and implant therethrough to secure the implant about the targeted site.