Soft Tissue Repair Assembly Shape Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current soft tissue repair assemblies for suturing, particularly in trauma or disease-induced tears in cartilage, ligament, or muscle, lack effective mechanisms to securely lodge and stabilize the repair materials without causing further tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A soft tissue repair assembly featuring a flexible member and a coupled flexible strand that changes shape from a thin elongated form to a bulkier, securely lodging shape upon tensioning, allowing for snug implantation and secure anchoring within soft tissue without piercing or cutting, using an inserter for deployment and tensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible member is used for soft tissue repair, then ease of insertion through tissue is improved, but securing and stabilization capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member transitions from a first shape during insertion to a second shape after deployment, enabling it to securely lodge within the tissue. The shape change is achieved through tensioning the flexible strand, which transforms the member from a configuration suitable for passage through tissue to one that provides stable anchoring and tear reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member undergoes a parameter change in its geometric configuration, transitioning between different shapes. This shape transformation allows the same member to fulfill dual functions: easy insertion in its first shape and secure stabilization in its second shape, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Reliability
If a bulkier shape is used for secure lodging, then stabilization capability is improved, but ease of insertion through tissue deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member dynamically changes its shape from a compact first shape during insertion to a bulkier second shape for secure lodging. This dynamic transformation allows the member to overcome the insertion barrier while achieving stable anchoring, as the shape change occurs after the member has been positioned within the tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member is prepared in a first shape that facilitates insertion before the actual implantation procedure. After insertion, the shape transformation to the second configuration occurs as a preliminary action to secure the member in place, ensuring both easy insertion and reliable stabilization.
3Reliability
If traditional suturing methods are used, then tissue repair is achieved, but risk of further tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member, being compliant and adaptable in nature, can be inserted through tissue without rigid structures that might cause damage. Its flexibility allows it to conform to the tissue architecture, reducing the risk of further injury while still achieving effective tear reduction and stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic shape-changing capability of the flexible member allows it to be inserted in a low-profile configuration that minimizes tissue disruption, then transform to a secure anchoring shape that repairs the tear without requiring aggressive suturing techniques that could cause additional damage.
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 assembly effectively reduces or closes tears in soft tissues like the meniscus during arthroscopic procedures by securely lodging the flexible member, preventing backout and minimizing tissue damage, while being easy to implement and mastering for surgeons.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible member having first and second ends, and a flexible strand passing through the flexible member. The strand has first and second strand ends extending through the flexible member, such that pulling at least one of the first and second strand ends changes the flexible member from a first shape suitable for insertion through soft tissue to a second shape suitable for securely lodging the soft tissue repair assembly relative to soft tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
A soft tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends, and a strand passing through the flexible member. The strand has first and second strand ends extending through the flexible member, such that pulling at least one of the first and second strand ends changes the flexible member from a first shape suitable for insertion through soft tissue to a second shape suitable for securely lodging the soft tissue repair assembly relative to soft tissue.