Braided Filament Flat Morphology Tension Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flat filaments used in surgical sutures tend to fold under tension, reducing their surface area and compromising their structural integrity, leading to ineffective tissue contact and increased risk of tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A braided filament with a higher pick count, typically between 50 and 100 picks per inch, which maintains its flat shape even under tension, ensuring consistent surface area contact and improved structural integrity through a tighter weave and varying cross-sectional shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a flat filament is used to increase surface area contact with tissue, then the contact surface area is improved, but the filament folds onto itself under tension reducing the effective surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by increasing the pick count from conventional low values to at least 50 picks per inch, and preferably at least 75 picks per inch. This parameter change in the braid density transforms the filament's mechanical properties, enabling it to maintain its flat morphology under tension while providing increased surface area contact with tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials by combining multiple fibers in a braided construction with high pick count. The composite braided structure integrates numerous individual fibers woven together in a tight pattern, creating a material that maintains flat shape stability under tension while providing enhanced surface area for tissue contact.
2Strength
If a flat filament with larger surface area is used, then force distribution is improved reducing tissue cutting risk, but the filament frays and pulls apart easily compromising structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by increasing the pick count to at least 50 picks per inch, preferably at least 75 picks per inch. This increased braid density parameter transforms the filament's mechanical properties, providing both improved force distribution across the tissue interface and enhanced structural integrity that resists fraying and pulling apart during manipulation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a tighter weave with higher pick count is used to maintain flat shape, then the flat morphology stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying a pick count of at least 50 picks per inch, preferably at least 75 picks per inch. This parameter specification balances the need for flat morphology stability with manufacturing feasibility, providing a quantifiable threshold that ensures adequate braid density while remaining practical for production.
Data Source
AI summary
A braided filamentary device, in one embodiment, includes a substantially flat morphology having a length, a width, and a height, and a pick count of at least about 50 picks per inch. The filamentary device is adapted to maintain its width while under a tension.