Biologic Construct Delivery System for Arthroscopic Implantation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biologic constructs used in arthroscopic surgery are fragile and prone to tearing, making them difficult to handle and deliver without damage, which increases costs and risks during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a frame for preparing the graft outside the body, a seal system that allows passage of large, soft constructs without damage, a means for deploying and orienting the construct within the body, and a suture management system to facilitate easier handling and implantation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If biologic constructs are made soft and flexible for biological compatibility, then biocompatibility is improved, but handling and delivery become difficult and prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidhandling and delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The biologic construct delivery system is divided into multiple components: a delivery device with grasping mechanism, a separate frame for preparing the graft outside the body, and a seal system. This segmentation allows the soft biologic construct to be handled by rigid instruments without direct manual manipulation, reducing damage while maintaining biocompatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A specialized delivery device acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's hands and the soft biologic construct. The device includes a grasping mechanism that can securely hold the construct during insertion through a cannula, and a frame that provides structural support during suture preparation outside the body, eliminating the need for hand-holding with hemostats

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If fluid seals are used to maintain joint fluid containment, then fluid containment is improved, but passage of sutures and instruments through biologic constructs is blocked causing tearing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid containmentVSAvoidsuture and instrument passage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seal system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The seal can transition between a closed state that maintains fluid containment and an open state that allows passage of instruments and sutures. The delivery device can temporarily open the seal, pass the construct through, and then close it to maintain containment during the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The frame allows preliminary preparation of the graft outside the body, including suturing and orientation, before insertion into the joint. This preliminary action occurs in a more accessible environment where instruments can easily access the construct without needing to pass through restrictive seals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If biologic constructs are made fragile for precision implantation, then implantation precision is improved, but cost increases and risks to patient increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplantation precisionVSAvoidcost and patient risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery device and frame provide protective support for the fragile biologic construct during critical phases of handling and insertion. The frame acts as a cushioning structure that prevents accidental damage during suture preparation, while the delivery device protects the construct during cannula passage, reducing the risk of damage-related costs and patient risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20250152322A1Method and devices for implantation of biologic constructs

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 SMITH & NEPHEW INC

AI summary

Systems for delivering a sheet-like implant including a means of deploying and orienting the sheet-like implant within the body.