Oscillating Blade Tissue Splitter for Uniform Graft Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for harvesting soft tissue grafts face challenges in achieving uniform thickness and viability, often resulting in surgical errors and tissue damage due to manual trimming and the use of instruments that require freezing or embedding, which affect tissue viability and are not suitable for preparing uniform layers for transplantation.
Innovation Solution
A tissue-splitting device that securely holds and measures soft tissue, allowing for precise cutting to produce viable grafts of uniform thickness without embedding, using a horizontal blade or rotary saw that can be adjusted for different thicknesses and is equipped with pressure sensors to ensure minimal tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual trimming is used to prepare tissue grafts, then the surgeon can control the graft size and thickness, but the tissue thickness is non-uniform and surgical errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical trimming with an automated oscillating blade system that mechanically cuts tissue to a predetermined thickness. The oscillating blade moves perpendicular to the tissue surface, automatically separating the graft from the donor site at a controlled depth, eliminating manual cutting errors and achieving uniform thickness without surgeon intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cutting parameter from manual variable depth control to fixed predetermined thickness setting. The system uses a depth stop or programmable controller to maintain a constant cutting depth, ensuring that all grafts are separated at the same uniform thickness regardless of surgeon skill or fatigue.
2Manufacturing precision
If freezing or embedding is used to prepare tissue for cutting, then uniform slices can be obtained, but tissue viability is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the cutting action immediately after tissue harvesting while the tissue is still viable and fresh. The oscillating blade system is prepared in advance and can cut the tissue directly without requiring freezing or embedding steps, maintaining tissue viability throughout the preparation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces freezing/embedding mechanical processes with a direct oscillating blade cutting system that works on fresh, viable tissue. The high-frequency oscillation of the blade allows clean cutting through living tissue without the need for temperature-based preparation methods that would compromise tissue viability.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional harvesting methods are used, then tissue can be obtained, but tissue damage occurs and uniform layers cannot be produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic oscillating blade that moves back and forth perpendicular to the tissue surface at high frequency. This dynamic motion allows the blade to cleanly separate tissue layers without crushing or damaging the tissue, producing uniform graft layers while maximizing the usable tissue yield from the donor site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the harvesting process into distinct phases: the oscillating blade automatically separates the graft layer from the underlying tissue at a predetermined depth, creating a clean division between the graft and donor site. This segmentation allows for precise control over graft thickness and maximizes tissue utilization by clearly defining the harvest boundary.
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue splitting device for splitting a harvested soft tissue to provide a layer of tissue having a uniform thickness and methods for tissue transplantation using uniform layers of tissue.