Flexible Braided Anchor Assembly for Reload-Free Soft Tissue Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical fixation devices are primarily made from non-flexible materials, limiting their application in soft tissue fixation, particularly for closing gastroenterological defects and other soft tissue approximations.
Innovation Solution
A flexible braided anchor assembly using a flexible strand with braided anchor segments, enhanced by heating and cyanoacrylate coating, is deployed through a delivery needle to create a purse string effect for tissue fixation, utilizing a handle assembly with internal tubes for multiple device deployment without reloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid fixation devices are used, then structural strength is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability for soft tissue fixation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible braided anchor segments instead of rigid structures. These segments are constructed from flexible materials that can conform to soft tissue contours while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength for fixation, directly resolving the contradiction between flexibility and strength requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor assembly utilizes composite construction combining flexible braided segments with reinforcing elements. The braided structure provides flexibility and tissue conformity, while integrated reinforcing features maintain structural integrity and fixation strength, simultaneously addressing both contradictory requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple fixation devices are deployed, then tissue approximation coverage is improved, but device reloading time and procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple anchor segments onto a single flexible strand, creating an integrated assembly that functions as one deployable unit. This merging eliminates the need to reload devices between deployments, allowing continuous placement of multiple anchors along the strand to achieve extensive tissue approximation coverage without procedural interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible strand serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural backbone, the deployment mechanism, and the connector for multiple anchor segments. This multi-functionality allows a single device assembly to perform what would traditionally require multiple separate devices, reducing reloading time and procedural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If braided suture segments are used, then flexibility and tissue conformity are improved, but rigidity and anchoring strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor segments feature localized reinforcement at specific positions along their length. The braided structure provides flexibility and tissue conformity in the main body, while strategically placed reinforcing elements or denser braid patterns at critical locations provide the necessary rigidity and anchoring strength, allowing each segment to exhibit different mechanical properties where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs treatments such as heating or cyanoacrylate coating to modify the physical and mechanical parameters of the braided segments. These treatments increase rigidity and anchoring strength by altering material properties or creating surface modifications, while the overall flexible braided structure maintains its tissue conformity capabilities.
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 flexible braided anchor assembly effectively fixes soft tissues by creating a purse string effect, providing secure tissue approximation with a large securing surface area and minimizing the need for device reloading during multiple fixation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Pulling the flexible strand a first time deforms the first braided suture segment forming the first braided anchor segment
Implementation Method 2
Such a treatment may include heating each of the plurality of braided suture segments
Implementation Method 3
Such a treatment may also include applying a cyanoacrylate coating to each of the plurality of braided suture segments
Implementation Method 4
The cinched plurality of braided anchor segments may have a purse string effect on the plurality of braided anchor segments such that the plurality of flexible braided anchor segments is gathered to provide tissue fixation
Data Source
AI summary
A single delivery needle configuration accommodates multiple soft tissue fixation devices at once. The configuration eliminates the need to reload a fixation delivery device when multiple fixation devices are required. Further, this configuration can include different variations of fixation devices. In embodiments, these fixation devices are typically manufactured from standard braided polyester suture that is cut into segments with predetermined lengths. This design allows the braided suture segments to be preloaded with a suture threaded through the preloaded braided suture segments with a slip knot placed on the proximal end of a first braided suture segments (e.g., distal fixation device). The tailing suture from the slip knot passes through the second, third, fourth braided suture segments, or any required quantity of braided suture segments that have been preloaded into the delivery device. The suture passes completely through a delivery device.