Rib Fixation Brackets for Minimally Invasive Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic surgical procedures for stabilizing fractured bones, particularly ribs, often require large incisions and dissection of cartilage, leading to prolonged patient recovery times and increased surgical duration.
Innovation Solution
The use of minimally invasive stabilization devices, comprising bio-compatible brackets and fasteners, such as LACTOSORB®, which are delivered through small incisions and secured using a delivery system that allows for precise placement and fixation within the thoracic cavity, minimizing tissue disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional orthopedic surgical procedures are used to stabilize fractured ribs, then reliable fixation is achieved, but large incisions and cartilage dissection are required leading to prolonged recovery time and increased surgical duration
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into separate components: a fixation device with body and arm, and a separate fastener. This segmentation allows the fastener to be driven through the fixation device into the bone, providing reliable fixation while enabling minimally invasive delivery through small incisions, thereby reducing recovery time compared to traditional open procedures
2Reliability
If traditional orthopedic surgical procedures are used to stabilize fractured bones, then secure fixation is achieved, but surgical duration is increased due to large incisions and cartilage dissection
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is nested within or delivered through the fixation device, allowing both components to be introduced through a single small incision. This nested delivery approach eliminates the need for large incisions and extensive cartilage dissection, significantly reducing surgical duration while maintaining secure fixation through the integrated fastening mechanism
3Loss of time
If minimally invasive stabilization devices are used, then recovery time and surgical duration are reduced, but precise placement and fixation within the thoracic cavity must be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
A delivery system acts as an intermediary tool to precisely position and deploy the fixation device and fastener within the thoracic cavity through small incisions. This intermediary delivery mechanism enables accurate placement of the fixation components on the rib while maintaining the benefits of minimally invasive access, thereby achieving both reduced recovery time and precise placement
Data Source
AI summary
A system for surgically repairing a rib of a patient is described. The system can include a first rib bracket, one or more fasteners, a driver and a caddy. The first rib bracket can be configured to be fixedly attached to a first side of the rib that faces a thoracic cavity of the patient. The one or more fasteners can be configured to fixedly attach the first rib bracket to the rib. The driver can have an end effector configured to drive the one or more fasteners into the rib. The caddy can be configured to retain the one or more fasteners and deliver these to a position adjacent the rib. The end effector can engage the one or more fasteners to drive the one or more fasteners from the caddy and into the rib to fixedly attach the first rib bracket to the first side of the rib.