Graft Preparation Card and Tenaculum for Secure Suture Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing grafts for surgical reinforcement lack efficient systems to securely attach sutures, providing adequate strength and stability during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A graft preparation system comprising a fixation implant with adjustable eyesplices, a graft preparation card, and a tenaculum, which allows for secure attachment of sutures to the graft through a series of stitches and loops, enhancing the graft's structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If sutures are sewn into the graft with a needle to provide reinforcement, then the graft strength is improved, but the complexity of the preparation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suture system is divided into separate functional components: a fixation implant with button and holes for anchor points, a suture construct with adjustable eyesplices for tension distribution, and a tape suture for graft attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall preparation process through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation implant and suture construct are pre-assembled with predetermined configurations before surgery. The adjustable eyesplices are pre-positioned on the suture construct, and the tape suture is pre-attached to the graft with initial stitching. This preliminary preparation reduces intraoperative complexity by eliminating the need to assemble these components during the surgical procedure
2Reliability
If a fixation implant with multiple sutures and constructs is used to secure the graft, then the reliability of graft attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation implant serves multiple functions: the button provides a central anchor point, the holes accommodate suture threading and tensioning, and the overall structure secures both the graft and sutures in a single device. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components into one integrated implant, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The suture construct with its adjustable eyesplices is nested through the holes of the fixation implant, while the tape suture is nested within the graft tissue. This nesting arrangement allows multiple sutures and fixation elements to be organized within a compact configuration, reducing spatial complexity while maintaining secure attachment
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable eyesplices are used in the suture construct to provide flexibility, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The eyesplices are designed as adjustable rather than fixed components, allowing dynamic repositioning along the suture construct. This dynamic feature enables adaptation to varying graft tensions and anatomical configurations without requiring precise pre-determination of final suture lengths, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining high adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A graft preparation system includes a fixation implant including a strand of suture wrapped around a graft preparation card. A tenaculum includes a first arm having a first tooth and a second arm having a second tooth that are pivotally connected at a pivot. The first arm includes a slot between the first tooth and the pivot that receives the graft preparation card. A tape suture assembly includes a tape suture and a first suture strand. The tape suture is positioned on a graft, and the tape suture is attached to the graft with a stitch formed with the first suture strand.