Expandable Collagen Patch Support for Surgical Tissue Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collagen patches used in soft tissue repair introduce complexities and potential sources of error during the repair process, necessitating improved integration and support mechanisms for enhanced healing.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a collagen patch integrated with an expandable member, such as a balloon, that progressively integrates with the tissue and degrades biologically, providing mechanical support and promoting tissue regeneration by urging the patch toward the repair site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a collagen patch is used for soft tissue repair, then tissue integration and biological healing are improved, but device complexity and potential sources of error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collagen patch with an expandable member into a single integrated device. The expandable member is attached to the patch and can be inflated to compress the patch against the tissue, ensuring proper positioning and contact. This merging eliminates the need for separate application steps and reduces potential errors in positioning and securing the patch independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable member is pre-attached to the collagen patch before implantation. During the surgical procedure, the expandable member is inflated to automatically compress the patch against the tissue surface, performing the compression and positioning actions in advance of final healing. This preliminary action ensures proper patch contact without requiring additional complex securing steps during surgery.
2Strength
If an expandable member is integrated with the patch, then mechanical support and tissue compression are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable member is constructed as a thin-walled balloon or囊 structure that can be inflated to provide compression force. This flexible shell design allows the member to conform to the tissue surface while providing uniform compressive force, achieving strong mechanical support without requiring complex rigid structures or multiple components that would complicate manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable member uses pneumatic inflation (gas or fluid pressure) to generate the compressive force needed for mechanical support. By using pressure-driven expansion rather than mechanical actuators or complex spring systems, the design achieves reliable strength and compression while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of basic inflatable membrane technology.
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 system enhances tissue repair by ensuring seamless integration and support, reducing recovery time and minimizing the risk of re-tear, while facilitating faster healing and improved functional outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
the expandable member may be formed from a material that expands in response to receipt of a fluid (e.g., forming an inflatable balloon having the expandable interior)
Implementation Method 2
The patch includes a patch material that progressively integrates with tissue of the patient (e.g., at least in part via biological processes of the patient)
Implementation Method 3
the expandable member is formed of a member material that progressively degrades within the patient at least in part via biological processes of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A system for surgically augmenting tissue of a patient has a patch configured to integrate with the tissue being repaired and an expandable member defining a longitudinal axis. The patch includes patch material that progressively integrates with tissue of the patient at least in part via biological processes in the patient. The system also has a suture channel extending through the expandable portion in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the expandable portion. The suture channel has a first end and a second end sized and configured to receive and pass a suture therethrough.