Sternal Clamp Implant with Tool Engagement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sternal osteosynthesis using wires are prone to complications such as blood vessel injury, early wire failure, postoperative infections, and instability due to material limitations, leading to increased surgical risks and prolonged healing times.
Innovation Solution
A clamp-based implant system with a first prong and second prong connected by a connecting portion, featuring a member for engagement with a bending tool, allowing for precise positioning and stable support, made from biocompatible materials like titanium to ensure long-term stabilization and minimize invasiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If wire ligatures are used for sternal closure, then the sternum can be stabilized, but the maximum tensile strength is only 20-22 kg which is insufficient to resist chest cavity pressure of 150 kg during coughing
Solution Approach 1:
The implant divides the sternum into multiple segments by passing prongs through alternating intercostal spaces (first through 2nd space, second through 4th space, etc.), creating distributed fixation points that collectively resist higher forces than a single wire ligature
Solution Approach 2:
The implant uses a biocompatible material composition (including titanium, stainless steel, or cobalt-chromium alloys) that provides superior strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance compared to traditional wire materials, enabling the structure to withstand 150 kg chest cavity pressure
2Strength
If multiple wire ligatures (6-8 wires) are used to resist 150 kg pressure, then stabilization strength is improved, but the complexity of the procedure and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant merges multiple stabilization functions into a single integrated structure where two prongs work together with a connecting portion to provide both lateral and longitudinal stability, replacing the need for 6-8 separate wire ligatures
Solution Approach 2:
The single implant structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides lateral stabilization, longitudinal positioning, and distributes mechanical loads across multiple intercostal spaces, making it a universal solution that replaces several different wire techniques
3Reliability
If wire ends are twisted multiple times (4-5 rotations) during closure, then the fixation is secured, but the wire becomes weakened or overstretched creating predetermined breaking points
Solution Approach 1:
The implant's connecting portion self-secures through its own structural geometry and material properties without requiring external twisting or knotting operations, eliminating the strength-degrading repeated rotational stresses
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is pre-formed with a connecting portion designed to engage and lock in place through controlled deformation during insertion, providing secure fixation before any postoperative loading occurs, eliminating the need for intraoperative twisting
4Object-affected harmful factors
If small contact area wire is used on bone, then the implant can be minimally invasive, but pressure necrosis occurs and underlying bone dies leading to loosening of fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The implant transitions from a one-dimensional wire to a two-dimensional prong structure with width and surface area, distributing contact pressure across a larger bone surface while maintaining minimal invasiveness through controlled insertion geometry
Data Source
AI summary
An implant 1 for sternal osteosynthesis has a clamp 10 with a first prong 101, a second prong 102 and a connecting portion 100. In the connecting portion 100 is formed a member 11 for the purpose of providing engagement with or for positionally stable support for a compatible supporting member of a bending tool (not shown). On both sides of the connecting portion 100 of the clamp 10, the member 11 has protrusions, which, together with the edges of the connecting portion, form angles for the purpose of engagement of the bending tool.