P4HB Bioabsorbable Suture with Monofilament Core and Multifilament Sheath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-strength sutures used in orthopedic procedures are either permanent or partially permanent due to their non-absorbable materials, lacking effective bioabsorbable alternatives that balance strength and resorption.
Innovation Solution
Development of bioabsorbable sutures with a poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) monofilament core and multifilament sheath, offering a high tensile strength range of 130-200 Newtons and elongation to break of 30-50%, along with methods for manufacturing and potential therapeutic agent incorporation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If non-absorbable materials (UHMWPE) are used to form high strength sutures, then the suture strength is improved, but the suture becomes permanent and cannot be resorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the suture material from non-absorbable polymers to poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB), a bioabsorbable polymer. This parameter change enables the suture to maintain high strength (130-200 Newtons) while simultaneously providing controlled resorption capabilities, resolving the contradiction between strength and resorption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a monofilament core surrounded by a multifilament sheath, both made from P4HB. This composite configuration optimizes both strength and resorption properties, achieving ultimate tensile strength of 130-200 Newtons while enabling controlled bioabsorption over time
2Strength
If a combination of non-absorbable and bioabsorbable yarns is used, then the suture strength is improved, but the suture becomes only partially permanent and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses homogeneous P4HB material for both the monofilament core and multifilament sheath, eliminating the need to combine different materials. This homogeneous approach simplifies the suture structure while maintaining high strength (130-200 Newtons) and full bioabsorbability, resolving the contradiction between strength and structural complexity
3Duration of action of moving object
If bioabsorbable materials are used to create resorbable sutures, then the suture can be resorbed, but the suture strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the suture into a monofilament core and a multifilament sheath, both made from P4HB. This segmentation allows optimization of the internal structure to maximize strength while maintaining bioabsorbability, achieving ultimate tensile strength of 130-200 Newtons with controlled resorption characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-filament to multi-filament construction in the sheath, adding dimensional complexity to enhance strength properties while maintaining the bioabsorbable P4HB material property, achieving both high strength (130-200 Newtons) and resorption capability
Data Source
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AI summary
A suture is provided having a multifilament sheath disposed thereabout a monofilament core. The multifilament sheath includes a plurality of yarns, and each of the plurality of yarns includes a plurality of threads. Further, the suture includes poiy-4- hydroxybutyrate (P4HB).