Sternal Bridge U-Notch Design for Tissue Swelling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sternal retractors used in cardiac surgery are bulky and complex, making them difficult to handle, clean, and sterilize, and are not suitable for temporary sternal opening in cases of excessive tissue swelling where immediate closure would be harmful.
Innovation Solution
A sternal bridge with a simple, bio-safe design featuring U-shaped notches and through holes for secure suturing, manufactured from materials like stainless-steel, titanium, or plastic, and produced via 3D printing or injection molding, allowing for adjustable separation of the sternum edges to accommodate varying tissue conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional retractors are used to keep the sternum open, then the sternal opening can be maintained, but the devices become bulky and complex making them difficult to handle, clean, and sterilize
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is divided into two separate blades (first blade and second blade) that can be independently positioned and secured. Each blade has its own securing mechanism with set screws, allowing independent adjustment and simplifying cleaning and sterilization processes compared to a single complex unit
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanism is extracted as a separate functional component with set screws that can be independently adjusted and removed. This separation allows the main blade structure to be simpler and easier to sterilize while the securing mechanism can be maintained separately
2Reliability
If conventional retractors are used to keep the sternum open, then the sternal opening can be maintained, but the devices are bulky adding extra expenditure to manufacturing and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is segmented into two separate blades that can be manufactured independently using standard machining processes. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to producing a single complex integrated device, while maintaining the reliability of sternal opening maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter adjustments through set screws that can be tuned to provide the appropriate retraction force. This adjustability eliminates the need for multiple fixed-size devices, reducing manufacturing variety and associated costs while maintaining reliable performance
3Productivity
If the sternum is sutured back immediately after surgery, then the procedure is completed efficiently, but excessive tissue swelling causes pressure on the heart and circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is positioned and secured in place before the sternum is fully closed, creating a preliminary barrier that prevents premature closure. The set screws are adjusted to establish the correct retraction force in advance, ensuring the sternum remains open during the critical period when tissue swelling occurs, thus preventing harmful pressure on the heart while allowing efficient completion of the surgical procedure
Data Source
AI summary
A sternal bridge has a contiguous panel having a first length and a first height, a first U-shaped notch of a second height less than the first height and a first depth on one end of the contiguous panel, a second U-shaped notch of the second height and the first depth on an opposite end of the contiguous panel, a concave shape on a lower surface of the contiguous panel, and a first through hole passing from the lower surface of the panel through both sides of the first U-shaped notch, and a second through hole passing from the lower surface of the panel through both sides of the second U-shaped notch, the first and second through holes enabling the sternal bridge to be sutured onto the chest wall on either side.