Curved Suture Insertion Device with Shape-Memory Thread
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transosseous suture thread insertion along non-rectilinear paths are complex, laborious, and prone to errors due to the use of multiple rectilinear holes that can cause impingement issues and lead to prolonged surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a cannula with a super-elastic, shape-memory thread-like element that assumes a curved form at room temperature, allowing for easy insertion and perforation of bone tissue along a curved path, facilitated by a screw mechanism and indicator device for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple rectilinear holes are made to create a piecewise linear path, then the suture thread can be inserted through the bone, but the procedure becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved guide needle instead of multiple rectilinear holes to create a smooth curved path through the bone. This single curved trajectory eliminates the complexity of aligning multiple straight holes while maintaining reliable suture thread insertion, directly resolving the contradiction between insertion reliability and procedural complexity
2Reliability
If multiple rectilinear holes are made to create a piecewise linear path, then the suture thread can be inserted through the bone, but the surgical duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved guide needle creates a single continuous curved path through the bone, eliminating the need to sequentially create and align multiple rectilinear holes. This reduces surgical time significantly while maintaining the reliability of suture thread insertion through the curved trajectory
3Ease of operation
If a curved path is created through bone tissue, then the suture thread insertion is simplified, but precise control of the exit point becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The guide needle incorporates an indicator device that provides visual feedback about the needle's orientation and the projected exit point on the bone surface. This allows the surgeon to adjust the needle position and angle to achieve precise control of the exit point while maintaining the simplicity of the curved insertion path
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 device simplifies and accelerates the insertion process, reducing surgical time and minimizing errors by enabling smooth, curved path creation through bone tissue with precise control over the thread's exit point, allowing for both cortical and spongy zone penetration.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible thread-like element 4 is housed in a coaxially sliding manner inside the cannula 3 and is suitable, on command, for exiting from the active end 30 of the cannula 3. The thread-like element 4 has the property of freely assuming, that is, when not sheathed in the cannula 3 and at least in an adequate temperature range for which its operative use is foreseen—this temperature range comprising within it room temperature—a natural and predetermined curved form at least in a determined portion of the terminal part thereof.
Implementation Method 2
The thread-like element 4 is made of a super-elastic, shape-memory material. The thread-like element 4 is preferably made of an alloy of Nickel and Titanium, where the two elements are present in very similar atomic percentages. The characteristics of the alloy impart superelasticity and shape memory
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the transosseous insertion of suture threads comprises: —a main body (1), equipped with a grip (2), supporting a protruding cannula (3) provided with an active end (30); —a flexible thread-like element (4) which is housed in a coaxially sliding manner inside the cannula (3) and is suitable, on command, for exiting from the active end (30) of the cannula (3). The thread-like element (4) is made of a super-elastic, shape-memory material and thus has the property of freely assuming, at least in an adequate temperature range for which its operative use is foreseen, a natural and predetermined curved form at least in a determined portion of the terminal part thereof. Means are provided for producing the coaxial movement of the thread-like element (4) in the two directions relative to the cannula (3).