Coil Tissue Repair Device for Ligament Tension Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Soft tissue injuries, such as ligament and tendon lacerations, face challenges with high tension at suture sites leading to tissue tearing, and frayed ends are difficult to suture effectively, often requiring repeat surgeries.
Innovation Solution
Tissue repair devices with a coil design that distributes tension along the repaired tissue, encircles and grips elongate tissue using friction and constriction, and can be made from biodegradable materials to promote healing without piercing the tissue, allowing for minimal damage and early mobilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If sutures are used to repair soft tissue injuries, then tissue can be reconnected, but high tension at suture sites causes tissue tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is divided into multiple segments (first suture portion and second suture portion) that are distributed along the tissue length. This segmentation allows the tension to be distributed across multiple attachment points rather than concentrated at a single suture site, reducing the risk of tissue tearing while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture transitions from a traditional linear configuration to a three-dimensional distributed configuration with portions extending along the tissue in multiple directions. This dimensional change allows tension distribution across a larger volume and surface area of the tissue, reducing localized stress concentration.
2Reliability
If traditional suturing methods are used for frayed tissue ends, then tissue can be connected, but effective suturing is difficult and often requires repeat surgeries
Solution Approach 1:
The suture system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The distributed portions of the suture automatically distribute tension and secure the frayed ends through friction and distribution of force along the tissue surface, eliminating the need for complex manual suturing techniques and reducing the skill level required for effective repair.
3Strength
If tension is concentrated at discrete suture sites, then tissue can be held together, but the risk of tissue tearing increases under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is segmented into multiple portions distributed along the tissue, transforming a single high-stress concentration point into multiple lower-stress distribution points. This segmentation maintains the tissue holding capability while reducing peak stress at any individual location.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the suture are positioned at different locations along the tissue, allowing each local region to experience optimized stress distribution. The suture portions can be adjusted to match local tissue characteristics and stress patterns, providing tailored support where needed.
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 devices reduce the risk of tissue tearing under stress, facilitate healing by distributing tension, and can be used in conjunction with or instead of sutures, enabling faster repair and minimizing the need for complex suturing.
Implementation Method 1
employ principles of friction and constriction to remain fixed in place
Implementation Method 2
encircles and grips elongate tissue using friction and constriction
Implementation Method 3
can be made from biodegradable materials to promote healing
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for reconnecting or supporting torn, damaged or weak tissue are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments can be used on long slender tissue such as ligaments, tendons, nerves, vessels, intestines, muscles, bones, appendages and any other elongate tissue within the body, of both humans and other animals. The devices can wrap around elongate tissue and is capable of supporting the tissue or keeping two severed ends in close proximity to one another. The devices can be used in addition to or in lieu of sutures. The devices can function similar to a Chinese Finger Trap and are capable of decreasing in diameter upon extension, thus constricting upon the tissue. The multiple coils of the devices can make sufficient surface contact on the ligament or tendon, using friction to keep the device in place, while also allowing access for diffusion of oxygen and nutrients.