Self-Locking Loop Tissue Repair System for Low-Profile Tendon Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing ruptured or severed tendons, such as the Modified Kessler Technique, require skill and are time-consuming, often resulting in a bulky repair site that can limit tendon glide and lead to fibrosis and adhesions.
Innovation Solution
A tissue repair system comprising a tissue fixation device with adjustable self-locking loops, a connector with a fixed loop, and a tensioning device with adjustable and fixed loops, which securely anchors and reconnects severed tendon ends without altering the tendon profile or limiting tendon glide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional suture or anchor methods are used to repair ruptured tendons, then the tendon ends can be connected, but the repair site becomes bulky and rough which limits tendon glide and causes abutment against pulleys
Solution Approach 1:
The repair system divides the tendon repair into multiple components: a first strand with a first loop around the first tendon end, a second strand with a second loop around the second tendon end, and a connector joining the strands. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while maintaining a low-profile repair site that does not abut against pulleys
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is threaded through both loops in a nested configuration, with the first loop and second loop positioned within the connector structure. This nesting arrangement creates a compact, streamlined repair site that maintains tendon glide while providing secure fixation
2Reliability
If traditional surgical procedures are used to repair flexor tendons, then the tendon can be reconnected, but the procedure is tedious and difficult requiring high surgical skill
Solution Approach 1:
The strands and loops are pre-configured before surgery, with the connector ready to join the loops. This preliminary preparation simplifies the surgical procedure by eliminating the need for complex intraoperative manipulation, making the repair more accessible to surgeons with varying skill levels while maintaining reliable results
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary component that joins the first strand and second strand together. This intermediary element simplifies the repair process by providing a straightforward joining mechanism that does not require advanced surgical techniques, yet ensures reliable tendon reconnection
3Strength
If bulky repair materials are used to reconnect tendon ends, then strong fixation is achieved, but the repair site abuts against pulley edges causing damage and irritation during flexion
Solution Approach 1:
The strands and connector form a flexible, thin-profile repair structure that does not create bulk at the repair site. This thin-film approach allows the tendon to glide smoothly through the tendon sheath and pulleys without abutment, while the loop and connector configuration provides sufficient fixation strength
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tissue repair includes a tissue fixation device having two adjustable self-locking loops, a tensioning device having one fixed loop and one adjustable self-locking loop and a connector having one fixed loop.