Percutaneous Bone Fixation Fastener with Orientation Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fracture fixation methods are complex, time-consuming, and prone to screw stripping or loss of grip, often requiring multiple incisions and not suited for percutaneous surgery, with existing lag screws providing only one-sided cortex fixation.
Innovation Solution
A tissue fixation system comprising an elongate fastening member and a fastener that can transition between orientations, with a biasing mechanism to maintain tension, allowing for flexible or rigid fixation through a single skin portal, using a medical device to tension and crimp the fastener for secure bone stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bone screws are used for fracture fixation, then bone stabilization is achieved, but the surgical process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring multiple incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical functions into a single percutaneous access point. The delivery system integrates the guide wire, catheter, and fastener deployment mechanisms into one unified apparatus that can be inserted through a single skin portal, eliminating the need for multiple incisions while maintaining reliable bone stabilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a catheter as an intermediary delivery system that facilitates the percutaneous insertion of the fastener. The catheter serves as a conduit through which the fastener is delivered to the bone fracture site without requiring direct surgical exposure, thereby simplifying the surgical approach while ensuring accurate placement
2Reliability
If traditional bone screws are used for fracture fixation, then bone stabilization is achieved, but the surgical time increases due to multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pre-configured fastener design with integrated threading and compression features that are prepared before insertion. The fastener is pre-formed with the necessary structural characteristics to provide immediate stabilization upon deployment, eliminating the need for intraoperative drilling, tapping, and screw insertion steps that consume significant surgical time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical screw insertion process with a percutaneous deployment mechanism. Instead of using power drills and manual screw drivers, the fastener is delivered through a catheter and deployed using a controlled release mechanism, significantly reducing the time required for fracture fixation while maintaining stabilization effectiveness
3Reliability
If traditional lag screws are used for fracture fixation, then one-sided cortex fixation is achieved, but percutaneous surgery is not suitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by delivering the fastener from the opposite direction through percutaneous access. Instead of exposing the bone and inserting screws from the lateral approach, the fastener is delivered through the skin and soft tissue directly to the fracture site, enabling percutaneous surgery while maintaining effective cortex fixation on both sides of the fracture
4Measurement precision
If screws are inserted through multiple incisions, then accurate placement is possible, but the surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a guide wire and catheter as intermediary tools to achieve accurate fastener placement through a single incision. The guide wire is first inserted percutaneously to establish the correct trajectory, followed by the catheter that delivers the fastener along the predetermined path, ensuring accurate placement without requiring multiple incisions for exposure and measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue fixation system is provided for dynamic and rigid fixation of tissue. A fastener connected with an elongate fastening member, such as a cable, wire, suture, rod, or tube, is moved through a passage between opposite sides of tissue. The fastener is provided with a groove that accommodates at least a portion of the fastening member to reduce the profile during the movement through the passage. The fastener is then pivoted to change its orientation. A second fastener can then be connected with the fastening member. While tension is maintained in the fastening member, the fasteners are secured against relative movement. This may be done by deforming the fastening member, either the first or second fasteners, or a bushing placed against the second fastener.