Surgical Graft Tensioning Device with Flexure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tensioning multiple graft strands during surgical procedures, such as ACL reconstruction, are time-consuming and challenging to achieve equal tension, often requiring manual application of weights or handheld devices that are awkward and laborious.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with a grip and a frame featuring opposed segments connected by a flexure, allowing for dynamic movement towards each other under tension, and an indicator to show the applied tension, facilitating balanced and efficient tensioning of graft strands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual tensioning of each graft strand is performed one at a time, then equal tension can be applied to multiple strands, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple graft strands onto a single frame structure, allowing simultaneous tensioning of multiple strands. The frame with multiple retention mechanisms enables all strands to be tensioned together in one operation rather than sequentially, resolving the contradiction between achieving equal tension and reducing procedural time.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure automatically distributes tension across multiple strands through its geometric configuration and flexure mechanism. When tension is applied to the frame, it self-distributes the force equally to all attached strands through the flexure's mechanical advantage, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of each strand individually.
2Manufacturing precision
If weights or handheld devices are used to apply equal tension to each strand, then tension can be applied to multiple strands, but the process becomes awkward and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The frame acts as an intermediary device that simplifies the tensioning process. Instead of directly manipulating each strand with weights or handheld devices, the surgeon applies tension to the frame as a single unit, and the frame mediates the distribution of this force equally to all strands through its structural design and flexure mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates a flexure mechanism that dynamically adjusts and equalizes tension distribution across multiple strands. The flexure allows the frame to adapt to variations in strand properties and automatically balance the tension forces, making the operation simpler while maintaining precision.
3Productivity
If multiple graft strands are tensioned simultaneously using traditional methods, then procedural time is reduced, but achieving equal tension becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into multiple retention mechanisms, each dedicated to a specific graft strand. This segmentation allows independent attachment and tensioning of each strand while maintaining overall system coordination through the common frame structure and flexure mechanism, enabling simultaneous tensioning with equal precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure mechanism provides mechanical feedback that indicates when equal tension has been achieved across all strands. As tension is applied to the frame, the flexure's deformation and movement provide visual and tactile feedback to the surgeon, allowing real-time adjustment to achieve equal tension distribution.
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
Enables precise and efficient tensioning of graft strands, allowing surgeons to maintain equal tension across multiple strands, reducing procedural time and improving biomechanical properties, thereby enhancing surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second segments are connected to each other and to the grip at one end by a flexure and being separated at an opposite end by a variable angle
Implementation Method 2
The first and second segments are connected to each other and to the grip at one end by a flexure
Data Source
AI summary
Various exemplary methods and devices for tensioning grafts are provided. In general, a surgical device can include a grip and a frame. The frame can have two opposed segments. The segments can be spaced apart from one another and can each be configured to have at least one suture attached thereto. The sutures attached to the frame can each be configured to attach to a graft. The two segments can be configured to dynamically move toward and away from each other in response to tension that is applied to the sutures attached to the frame. The frame can include an indicator configured to provide an indication of the tension applied to the sutures. The grip can have at least one opening therein. The at least one opening can be configured to have a surgical instrument passed therethrough.