Retractable Suture Implantation Device for Meniscal Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices lack an effective method for repairing meniscal tears, which are common due to traumatic injury or degenerative processes, as existing solutions are inadequate for securely suturing the tears in meniscal tissue.
Innovation Solution
A suture implantation device with a pointed tip and retractable wings and needles that extend from the distal end to create holes in the meniscus, allowing a suture to be threaded through and tightened to close the tear, providing secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a suture is manually threaded through meniscal tissue, then the repair can be performed, but the procedure is time-consuming and difficult to perform securely
Solution Approach 1:
The device pre-positions the suture on retractable supports that extend from the distal end before tissue penetration. The suture is already attached and positioned on the supports, eliminating the need for manual threading during the procedure. The supports are extended in advance to facilitate quick suture deployment through the meniscal tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable suture supports automatically capture and pull the suture through the tissue as they retract into the device body. The capturing devices engage the suture and pull it through the meniscus without requiring manual manipulation, allowing the device to perform the threading action itself.
2Reliability
If existing suture devices are used on meniscal tissue, then suturing can be attempted, but they fail to provide secure fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: retractable supports for suture positioning, a pointed tip for tissue penetration, and capturing devices for suture engagement. Each segment performs a specific function that contributes to secure fixation, with the supports creating initial holes and the capturing devices ensuring proper suture threading.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture supports are designed to be movable between retracted and extended positions, allowing the device to adapt its configuration during the procedure. The supports extend to facilitate suture passage and retract to secure the suture, providing dynamic control over the implantation process to ensure reliable fixation.
3Reliability
If multiple holes are created in the meniscus for suture threading, then secure repair is achieved, but the device must be complex to create and thread sutures through multiple holes
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple hole-creating supports into a single integrated structure that can be inserted simultaneously. The multiple retractable supports are mounted on the same distal end and can be extended together to create multiple holes in one action, rather than requiring separate insertions for each hole.
Solution Approach 2:
All the retractable supports are pre-positioned on the device before the procedure. The supports are extended in advance to their operational positions, and the suture is pre-attached to them, so that when the device is inserted, the holes are already positioned and the suture is ready to be pulled through without requiring complex real-time manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for implanting a suture. The device includes an elongated shaft that extends from the main body and has a distal end that includes a pointed tissue piercing tip. A first suture support is mounted to the distal end. The first suture support has a first opening and is movable between a retracted position where the first suture support does not extend from the distal end and an extended position where the first suture support does extend from the distal end. A first suture capturing device is mounted to the distal end and is aligned with the first suture support. The first suture capturing device is movable between a retracted position in which it does not extend from the distal end and an extended position in which it does extend from the distal end. The first suture capturing device extends within the first opening of the first suture support when in the extended position.