Soft Tissue Rivet with Expanding Sleeve for Bone Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing soft tissue, such as tendons and ligaments, are time-consuming and require precise placement of soft tissue suture anchors into the bone, complicating the reattachment or replacement process during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A soft tissue rivet assembly with a bullet and sleeve system, where the bullet retains the soft tissue via a suture and the sleeve is secured in the bone using expanding members, allowing for quick and secure attachment to a pre-selected boney structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional soft tissue suture anchors are used, then soft tissue can be secured to bone, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires precise placement
Solution Approach 1:
The soft tissue is attached to the bullet portion before insertion into the bone. The bullet is pre-assembled with the soft tissue and suture, allowing the entire assembly to be inserted as a single unit into the bone cavity, eliminating the need for separate anchor placement and soft tissue attachment steps during surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a bullet portion for bone insertion, a sleeve portion for expansion within the bone cavity, and a guide pin for alignment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall insertion process
2Reliability
If traditional soft tissue suture anchors are used, then soft tissue can be secured to bone, but precise placement is required which complicates the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
A guide pin is introduced as an intermediary tool to facilitate precise placement. The guide pin extends through the bullet and sleeve, providing a reference axis that guides the insertion trajectory into the bone cavity, making it easier to achieve accurate positioning without requiring excessive operator skill
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a self-aligning mechanism where the guide pin and the interaction between the bullet and sleeve portions automatically guide the assembly into the correct position within the bone cavity, reducing the need for external guidance or complex placement procedures
3Productivity
If the soft tissue attachment mechanism is simplified, then surgical time is reduced, but the security of soft tissue attachment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bullet portion and sleeve portion are merged into a single integrated assembly that functions as one unit during insertion. The bullet provides the insertion mechanism while the sleeve provides the expansion and anchoring function, combining multiple functions into one operation to maintain security while improving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve portion incorporates expanding members that dynamically change from a compressed insertion state to an expanded anchoring state within the bone cavity. This dynamic transformation allows the device to be easily inserted while then providing secure anchoring once positioned, maintaining both efficiency and reliability
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
This method simplifies the reattachment process by allowing for efficient and secure engagement of soft tissue to the bone, reducing surgical time and ensuring proper healing by minimizing exposure and interference during insertion.
Implementation Method 1
The second portion of the rivet has at least one expanding member that may engage the boney structure or portion upon contact with the first portion of the rivet
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for reattaching soft tissue to a selected boney structure using a rivet. Generally, a rivet having first portion and a second portion is provided to fully secure a soft tissue in the boney structure. The first portion of the rivet retains the soft tissue via a suture which is threaded through the first portion. The second portion of the rivet has at least one expanding member which engages the boney structure upon contact with the first portion of the rivet. Thus, the soft tissue is fully secured to the boney structure, ensuring proper healing.