Prosthetic Knit With Selective Barb Zones for Atraumatic Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing prosthetic knits with barbs for tissue attachment can be traumatic to sensitive organs and require complex assembly processes, leading to inconsistent mechanical properties and potential weaknesses in the prosthesis.

Innovation Solution

A single-piece openwork prosthetic knit with alternating zones of barbs and barb-free areas, manufactured using a biocompatible polymer yarn and a heat-fusible monofilament yarn, where barbs are formed and then melted and flattened to create a smooth, non-traumatizing surface without additional stitching or welding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If barbs are provided on the entire prosthesis surface for tissue attachment, then fastening capability is improved, but trauma to sensitive organs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening capabilityVSAvoidtrauma to sensitive organs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis incorporates zones with different properties: some zones have barbs for tissue attachment while other zones are smooth and barb-free to contact sensitive organs. This spatial differentiation of properties allows the prosthesis to simultaneously provide secure fastening in appropriate areas while avoiding trauma to vulnerable organs in other areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple textile portions are assembled to create composite prosthesis with mixed barb zones, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixed barb zonesVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple textile portions with different barb configurations are merged into a single continuous knit structure. The knitting machine produces one integrated prosthesis with varying barb densities across different zones, eliminating the need to assemble separate textile pieces and their associated stitching or welding processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple textile portions are assembled to create composite prosthesis, then adaptability is improved, but mechanical strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixed barb zonesVSAvoidmechanical properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of assembling multiple pieces to create zone differentiation, the invention inverts the approach by knitting a single continuous structure with spatially varying properties directly built-in during the knitting process, thereby eliminating assembly joints that would otherwise be weak points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If additional attachment means are used for prosthesis fixation, then fastening reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidattachment means

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis is equipped with barbs that enable self-attachment to biological tissues without requiring additional external fixation means such as staples, sutures, or clips. The barbs mechanically engage with the tissue during implantation, allowing the prosthesis to secure itself autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a prosthetic knit with consistent mechanical properties and smooth, non-traumatizing zones, eliminating the need for additional attachment methods and reducing the risk of weakness at assembly zones, while maintaining effective tissue integration and fastening capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

cutting, by melting, of said loops, each loop generating two barbs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

melting and flattening said barbs over one or more given zone(s) of the first face by application, with pressure, to said zone(s) of an anvil heated to the melting point of said barbs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS9439749B2Knit with zones without barbs, method of making same and prostheses obtained therefrom

Publication Date: 2016.09.13 SOFRADIM PRODUCTION SAS

AI summary

The present invention relates to an openwork prosthetic knit (1) made from a single piece based on first yarns of biocompatible polymer materials that define a first face (2) and a second face that are opposite one another and on a second biocompatible yarn that generates barbs (3) that protrude outwards from at least said first face, characterized in that said first face comprises at least one zone in which it is provided with said barbs and at least one zone (5) in which it is free of such barbs. It also relates to a process for manufacturing such a knit (1) and to a prosthesis comprising such a knit (1).