Bone Graft Delivery Syringe Filter Cap Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone graft delivery systems face challenges in efficiently rinsing cryopreservative solution without material loss and contamination risk, especially with granular graft material clogging existing syringe fittings.
Innovation Solution
A bone graft delivery syringe equipped with a filter cap assembly that allows for the removal of cryopreservative solution while retaining the graft material, using a method that involves adjusting the graft-to-fluid ratio and minimizing contamination through a self-contained system with a transparent tubular body and plunger, where the filter is removably coupled to prevent particle loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a luer or nozzle-type cap is used for fluid removal in existing delivery syringes, then fluid can be added or removed, but granular graft material clogs the fitting preventing liquid removal
Solution Approach 1:
A filter element is introduced as an intermediary component between the graft material and the nozzle opening. The filter has pores small enough to retain granular graft material while allowing liquid to pass through, effectively mediating between the need to remove fluid and the risk of clogging
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cap incorporates a porous filter element with controlled pore size that selectively permits liquid passage while blocking solid graft particles. This porous structure enables fluid removal without compromising the integrity of the granular graft material within the syringe
2Loss of substance
If traditional rinsing processes are used multiple times, then cryopreservative solution is removed, but significant graft material is lost and the process is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cap is removed from the syringe after the rinsing process is complete, taking out the temporary filtration barrier that was only needed during rinsing. This allows the graft material to be delivered without restriction while having already achieved thorough rinsing with minimal material loss
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cap remains in place throughout the entire rinsing process, maintaining continuous filtration that prevents graft material loss during multiple rinsing steps. This continuous action eliminates the need for repeated manual intervention and material recovery steps
3Loss of substance
If physical contact with graft material is increased during rinsing, then cryopreservative is removed, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cap creates a self-contained rinsing system where wash solution is introduced through the filter, allowing the rinsing action to occur without direct external manipulation of the graft material. The filter acts as a barrier that enables fluid exchange while protecting the graft from contamination
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
The solution enables thorough rinsing and reconstitution of bone grafts with minimal material loss and reduced contamination risk, allowing for precise adjustment of the graft-to-fluid ratio for optimal handling characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
The filter has a surface area that is substantially larger than that of the nozzle opening, and only slightly smaller than that of the open bore. The effective pore size of the filter is smaller than the bone particle stored within the delivery syringe.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for rinsing and delivering a bone graft. The method includes selecting a delivery syringe containing bone graft material wherein the syringe is coupled to a filter assembly, determining a bone graft:fluid ratio, washing the bone graft material, reconstituting the bone graft material to generate the bone graft with the predetermined bone graft:fluid ratio, and delivering the bone graft to a surgical site.