Arthroscopic Sheet Implant Delivery System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating partial thickness tears in the supraspinatus tendon, particularly during arthroscopic procedures, lack effective devices and techniques for accurately positioning and attaching sheet-like implants, leading to incomplete repair and potential for further tendon damage, necessitating additional surgeries.
Innovation Solution
An implant delivery system comprising an implant retainer assembly and an implant spreader assembly, which includes a guidewire port and tissue retention members, allows for precise positioning and deployment of sheet-like implants by tracking over a guidewire and using anatomical markers to ensure proper alignment and attachment to the tendon and bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If arthroscopic procedures are used to treat partial thickness tears, then minimally invasive treatment is achieved, but accurate positioning and attachment of sheet-like implants becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A delivery system acts as an intermediary tool that tracks over a guidewire and uses anatomical markers to precisely position and deploy the sheet-like implant during arthroscopic procedures, bridging the gap between minimally invasive access and accurate implant placement
2Adaptability or versatility
If current treatment methods are used for partial thickness tears, then existing surgical protocols are maintained, but repair completeness is insufficient and further tendon damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system enables preliminary precise positioning and secure attachment of the sheet-like implant before finalizing the repair procedure, ensuring complete coverage of the torn tendon portion and preventing further damage through proper initial placement
Data Source
AI summary
An implant delivery system for delivering a sheet-like implant is disclosed. The implant delivery system includes a distal guidewire port for receiving the proximal end of guidewire after the guidewire distal end has been affixed to a first point on bone or other tissue. The implant delivery system is tracked over the guidewire to a selected position defined by the guidewire attachment. The device includes an implant spreader assembly disposed proximate the distal end of a delivery shaft. The implant spreader assembly includes a first arm and a second arm. The arms are coupled to the delivery shaft such that the first arm and second arm are moveable between a closed position and an open position. When pivoting to the open position the distal end of each arm travels in a generally transverse direction to spread a sheet-like implant.