Flat Suture Banding System for Symmetric Tissue Compression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical banding systems for stabilizing separated body tissues face issues such as bulky materials, wire-induced tissue damage, interference from biasing mechanisms, and inadequate tensioning, particularly in applications like sternal repair, where precise and symmetric tensioning is required without re-centering.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tensioning device featuring a buckle frame with parallel sides, a flexible flat suture or band that can be securely attached to the frame, and a mechanism allowing for symmetric tensioning without re-centering, using a pin or bar attachment system that prevents rotational movement and provides a low profile for minimally invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If bulky spring materials are used to achieve dynamic compression, then compression force is provided, but the device occupies substantial space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bulky spring mechanism from the compression device, extracting the harmful volume occupation while preserving the compression function through alternative means (suture band with biasing element integrated into the band itself rather than a separate spring component)
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a three-dimensional bulky spring structure to a two-dimensional flat suture band configuration, reducing volumetric occupation while maintaining compression capability through the band's width and integrated biasing mechanism
2Force
If wires are used to wrap bones into position, then compression is achieved, but wires can cut into the bone fragments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flat suture band (flexible film/strap) instead of rigid or sharp wires, distributing compression force across a wider surface area to prevent cutting into bone fragments while maintaining effective compression
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the compression element from thin-wire configuration to wide-band configuration, increasing the contact surface area and reducing pressure concentration that causes tissue cutting
3Force
If biasing mechanism is placed in line with the band, then dynamic compression is achieved, but the mechanism interferes with suture purchase on tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the biasing mechanism directly into the suture band structure itself, integrating the compression function with the anchoring function, allowing the band to maintain both tissue purchase and dynamic compression without separate interfering components
Solution Approach 2:
The suture band is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: anchoring to tissue through friction and purchase, providing dynamic compression through integrated biasing, and maintaining tissue approximation, eliminating the need for separate specialized components
4Stability of the object's composition
If twisted wires are used to hold bone fragments, then initial stability is provided, but wires untwist too soon causing failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic suture band system with integrated biasing that maintains continuous adaptive tension rather than relying on static twisted wire configuration, allowing the band to dynamically adjust and maintain stability over extended periods without untwisting failure
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 effectively holds tissues in compression and tension, minimizing tissue damage and providing a low profile for cosmetic and practical benefits, while allowing for precise tension adjustment and easy needle passage, enhancing healing outcomes and patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element, disposed at a second side of the frame, between the second side of the frame and the bar
Implementation Method 2
A band, by definition, is wide. In being wide, a band distributes its forces over a wider surface area. This inhibits the band from digging into the bone
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tensioning device for holding separated tissues in contact with one another. The device comprises a frame having two opposing first and second sides and a lower surface and an upper surface, and a band for extending through and around said separated tissues to be held together in conjunction with said frame. The band has two ends releasably attached to the sides of the frame. When the ends are secured to the sides of the frame, the band holds separated tissues together and establishes a path of tension along its length that extends linearly between the two ends of the band.