Sternal Clamp Suture Channel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sternal clamps have cumbersome and difficult-to-adjust locking mechanisms that are often non-releasable, making it challenging to quickly and easily secure or release the clamp, especially in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A sternal clamp assembly with sliding body members that use a suture-receiving channel and anchoring channels to securely lock the clamp in place by wrapping a suture around the sternum, allowing for quick release by cutting or releasing the suture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used to secure the sternal clamp in compressed position, then the clamp can be held securely, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome, difficult to adjust and difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex mechanical locking mechanisms entirely and extracts only the essential function of securing the clamp. The suture cable system provides security through simple friction and knotting, eliminating cumbersome screws, clips, or interlocking parts while maintaining reliable clamp retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture cable acts as a simple, replaceable element that can be quickly cut or untied for removal. This disposable-like approach to the securing mechanism allows rapid release by simply cutting the suture, avoiding the need for complex disassembly of permanent locking mechanisms.
2Reliability
If non-releasable locking mechanisms are used, then the clamp remains securely locked, but the clamp cannot be quickly removed in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates permanent locking mechanisms entirely, replacing them with a temporary securing method using suture cable that can be instantly released by cutting. This extraction of complex locking systems resolves the contradiction between stable locking and rapid removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture cable system allows for rapid release by simply cutting the cable, skipping the entire disassembly process of mechanical locks. This enables immediate clamp removal in emergency situations while maintaining secure locking during normal use through proper suture tensioning.
3Reliability
If screws or fasteners are used to lock the clamp members, then the clamp can be secured in position, but the fasteners can be dropped or lost during the clamping step
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all small fasteners, screws, and clips from the design, replacing them with a continuous suture cable system. This extraction eliminates the risk of dropping small components while maintaining reliable clamp securing through the cable's friction-based locking and knotting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture cable functions as a flexible continuous element that runs through the clamp structure, providing securing without discrete fasteners. This flexible cable system is easier to manipulate surgically and cannot be lost, as it remains integrated with the clamp body throughout the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A sternal clamp having a first sliding body member and a second sliding body member telescopically mated, and a suture-receiving channel disposed on the exterior of the first sliding body member and the second sliding body member, wherein the first sliding body member and the second sliding body member are securable about a severed sternum by encircling and securing a suture about the first sliding body member and the second sliding body member, the suture being received and retained within the suture-receiving channel.