Multi-Stranded Tissue Support Device for Erosion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for supporting subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and organs face issues such as bulkiness, stiffness, and the risk of erosion or 'cheese-wire' effect due to single-strand suture materials, and barbed devices can be uncomfortable and prone to pulling away.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stranded component with freely extending strands and gathering points that allow sliding, fabricated using suture materials or metallic materials, which can be formed into closed or open loops to distribute stress evenly and prevent unraveling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single strand of suture material is used to form tissue-supporting slings, then the device is simpler to manufacture and insert, but the device causes cheese-wire erosion through tissue and provides insufficient stress distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single continuous suture strand into multiple parallel strands (typically 3-6 strands) that are gathered at each end to form a multi-stranded sling. This segmentation distributes the supporting load across multiple strands, preventing the cheese-wire erosion effect while maintaining overall device simplicity through the continuous strand construction method.
2Reliability
If woven or braided components are used for tissue support, then stress distribution is improved, but the devices become bulky and stiff causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using traditional woven or braided constructions that create bulk, the patent employs multiple parallel strands that are gathered at the ends only. This segmentation approach provides stress distribution benefits similar to woven structures while maintaining a slender, flexible profile that avoids patient discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies gathering (local consolidation) only at the ends of the strands where structural integrity and load transfer are critical, while leaving the central portion of the sling as loose, parallel strands. This local quality approach provides structural strength where needed while maintaining flexibility and minimal bulk in the tissue-contacting region.
3Strength
If barbs are added to suture material to provide additional support, then engagement strength is improved, but the devices become uncomfortable and prone to pulling away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes engagement across multiple strands rather than relying on barbs on a single strand. The gathering points at each end create distributed friction and mechanical engagement across all strands simultaneously, providing strong anchorage without the discomfort and reliability issues of barbed structures.
4Strength
If pledgets are used for supporting internal organs, then support strength is improved, but the devices are too bulky for subcutaneous tissue support and require open surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-stranded structure that provides organ-support strength through the combined strength of multiple strands working in parallel, while the overall device remains slender and flexible enough for subcutaneous placement and minimally invasive insertion, eliminating the need for bulky pledgets or open surgery.
Data Source
AI summary
A fabricated component for providing desired structural support has plural strands of material extending between opposing gathering points, and free ends extending from the gathering points. The component is preferably fabricated from a single strand of material using an appropriate folding procedure which includes the formation of plural loops of the strand, one upon the other, and development of the gathering points in opposing regions of the looped strand by passing opposing ends of the strand around the loops of the strand, and then through the resulting throws, or using a separate knotting arrangement. The fabricated component can be used in medical procedures, such as the support of subcutaneous tissue, muscle and organs, and other non-medical applications.