Biologic Construct Delivery System with Fluid-Tight Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biologic constructs for joint pathologies are fragile and prone to tearing during delivery and manipulation, leading to increased costs and procedural challenges in arthroscopic surgery, as existing delivery instrumentation fails to protect the implants and manage sutures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a frame for preparing the graft outside the body, a fluid-tight seal system for passing large, soft constructs without damage, a means for deploying and orienting the construct within the body, and a suture management system, including a 'kite' graft repair and delivery system, a collapsible frame with clamps, and a 'coin purse' cannula seal, to facilitate safe and efficient implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biologic constructs are delivered using conventional delivery instrumentation, then the procedure can be performed with standard equipment, but the biologic constructs are prone to tearing and damage during delivery and manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized delivery device with a fluid-tight seal system that acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's hands and the fragile biologic construct. The seal system allows the construct to be passed through without direct handling, preventing tearing while maintaining control during delivery and manipulation within the joint space.
2Reliability
If fluid-tight seals are used to protect the biologic construct, then the construct is protected from damage, but sutures and metal instruments cannot pass through the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The seal system is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to different instruments and constructs. The seal can be temporarily opened or deformed to accommodate sutures and metal instruments passing through, then returns to its fluid-tight state to protect the biologic construct during manipulation within the joint space.
3Ease of operation
If biologic constructs are handled manually with hemostats, then the constructs can be held and manipulated, but suture management becomes very difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device merges multiple functions into a single integrated system. The device can hold the biologic construct, manage sutures, and facilitate delivery through the seal system all in one apparatus, eliminating the need for separate hemostats and reducing the time required for suture preparation and management.
4Quantity of substance
If larger biologic constructs are passed through the cannula, then more tissue can be repaired, but the risk of tearing and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid-tight seal system provides a protective environment before the biologic construct is exposed to the joint space. The seal acts as a cushioning barrier that supports larger constructs during passage through the cannula, preventing tearing and damage that would otherwise occur with conventional delivery methods.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for delivering a sheet-like implant to a target site including a means of deploying and orienting the sheet-like implant within the body.