Non-symmetrical Barbs for Suture Holding Strength and Insertion Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barbed sutures face limitations in enhancing holding strength without increasing insertion force or stiffness, as the size and configuration of barbs significantly influence both factors.
Innovation Solution
The development of non-symmetrical barbs about a primary plane, either geometrically or through differing materials, which bend or rotate out of plane during insertion to reduce resistance and improve tissue grasping post-insertion, incorporating external elements or varying material compositions to achieve enhanced holding strength with reduced insertion force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If barb size and configuration are increased to enhance holding strength, then holding strength is improved, but insertion force and stiffness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barb is designed with non-symmetrical geometry about a primary plane, featuring a first portion on one side and a second portion on the other side with different configurations. This asymmetry allows the barb to bend or rotate out of plane during insertion, reducing insertion force requirements while maintaining enhanced holding strength through the asymmetric barb structure that better grasps tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-symmetrical barb configuration enables dynamic bending or rotating motion out of the primary plane during the insertion process. This dynamic behavior reduces resistance during insertion while the barb maintains its grasping capability in the inserted state, resolving the contradiction between insertion force and holding strength.
2Strength
If barb size and configuration are increased to enhance holding strength, then holding strength is improved, but overall stiffness of the suture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-symmetrical barb design with different configurations on opposite sides of the primary plane provides enhanced holding strength while the asymmetric geometry allows for controlled flexibility during insertion, preventing excessive stiffness increase compared to symmetrical designs with equivalent holding strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The barb features local variations in geometry and material properties between the first portion and second portion, creating localized areas of different stiffness. This local quality differentiation allows the barb to flex during insertion while maintaining overall structural integrity and holding strength, avoiding uniform stiffness increase.
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2~2a
Figure 3~3b
AI summary
A suture including a shaft extending longitudinally along a length of the suture, and a plurality of barbs extending outwardly from said shaft. At least one of the barbs is non-symmetrical about a primary plane extending along the longitudinal length of the suture, and bisecting a distal tip of the barb and a center of the shaft.