Chest Wall Reconstruction Implant With Flexible-Rigid Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal plates used for sternal and chest wall reconstruction are rigid, lacking modularity and flexibility, leading to patient discomfort and limited access for subsequent thoracic events, and do not provide adequate fixation and support for complex fractures.
Innovation Solution
A composite device combining a rigid reinforcement member with a flexible body member, featuring grommets for fixation and a woven fabric interface, allowing for customizable placement and multiple fixation options, including a channel for guidewire passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional metal plates are used for sternal reconstruction, then structural support is provided, but patient discomfort increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines a rigid reinforcement member (metal or PEEK) with a flexible woven body member (ePTFE or biologic material) to create a composite structure that provides both structural support and tissue compatibility, reducing patient discomfort while maintaining strength
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement member is positioned only at specific locations where structural support is needed (at the fracture site), while the flexible body member covers the remaining surface area to provide comfort and tissue integration, creating localized rigidity where required
2Strength
If rigid metal plates are used, then fixation strength is improved, but adaptability to complex anatomies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The woven body member acts as a flexible shell that can conform to complex sternal and chest wall anatomies, while the rigid reinforcement member provides fixation strength at critical locations, combining flexibility and strength
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for dynamic adjustment during surgery through multiple fixation options (screws, wires, sutures) and modular reinforcement members that can be configured to match the specific anatomical geometry of each patient
3Reliability
If conventional fixation methods are used, then simple fractures are stabilized, but complex fractures require multiple devices and procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as a multi-functional system that can treat both simple and complex fractures with a single device type, offering multiple fixation methods (screws, wires, sutures) and configurable reinforcement members to address various fracture patterns without requiring multiple different devices
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular device with multiple fixation options is used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components (reinforcement members of various sizes and shapes that can be selected and combined) allowing customization for different fracture patterns while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices for repair of the chest wall and associated methods. Embodiments of the device include a reinforcement member and a body member surrounding and supporting the reinforcement member. The reinforcement member may define at least one opining. The device may be designed to be placed on an outer surface of bone near an injury or defect, and each opening may be designed to receive a fastener so as to secure the device to the bone at the location to be repaired. When installed, the injury or defect may be substantially stabilized to allow healing to occur. In this way, embodiments of the device and method provide a modular device for soft tissue or structural fixation, graft support, or reinforcement in medical applications.