Collapsible Frame Biologic Construct Delivery System
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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 effectively handle and deploy these soft, floppy implants without damage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a frame for preparing the graft outside the body, a fluid-tight seal system for passing the implant 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 with a collapsible frame and a 'coin purse' cannula seal, to facilitate safe and efficient implantation of biologic constructs in arthroscopic surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biologic constructs are used for joint repair, then tissue regeneration and healing are promoted, but the constructs are fragile and prone to tearing during delivery and manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a collapsible frame structure that acts as a flexible protective shell, allowing the biologic construct to be compressed into a compact form for delivery through small incisions while maintaining structural integrity. The frame expands at the target site to support the construct during implantation, preventing tearing while enabling easy manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a delivery device as an intermediary between the surgeon's hands and the fragile biologic construct. This mediator includes specialized components such as a collapsible frame and suture management systems that handle the construct gently, preventing direct manual manipulation that could cause damage while enabling precise placement.
2Reliability
If fluid-tight seals are used to hold fluid during arthroscopic surgery, then fluid containment is maintained, but sutures and metal instruments cannot pass through without tearing the seal and damaging the biologic construct
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic seal system that can transition between sealed and open states. The seal remains fluid-tight during surgery but can be temporarily opened to allow passage of sutures and instruments, then resealed. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing both fluid containment and instrument accessibility at different times in the surgical process.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device is segmented into multiple functional components, including separate channels for fluid containment and instrument passage. This segmentation allows the seal to maintain fluid integrity while dedicated pathways accommodate sutures and instruments without compromising the seal or damaging the biologic construct.
3Ease of operation
If biologic constructs are prepared and implanted using traditional manual methods, then the constructs can be handled, but the process is time-consuming and the constructs remain vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-attaching the biologic construct to the collapsible frame before surgery. This allows the construct to be prepared and protected in advance, reducing intraoperative manipulation time and minimizing exposure to damage risks during the critical implantation phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible frame structure provides self-service functionality by automatically expanding and stabilizing when deployed, eliminating the need for continuous manual support during critical phases of implantation. The frame's mechanical design enables it to support itself and the construct, reducing surgeon workload and improving reliability.
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.