Sternal Closure Closing Member Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sternal closure systems face difficulties in re-closing a sternum after an emergency operation, as they either cannot be easily re-attached or cause obstructions during medical interventions, especially when the sternum is partially healed or not fully closed.
Innovation Solution
A sternal closure system with a closing member featuring first and second rear engaging areas that can be positively secured to mounting areas on either side of the sternum, allowing for easy re-closure and maintaining a strong bond between the sternum and mounting areas, even after initial separation, using a multi-part configuration with guide surfaces and penetrating elements for a form-fit and snap-fit connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional sternal closure systems are used, then the sternum can be closed initially, but re-closure after emergency operation is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The closing member is divided into two separable halves (first and second closing member halves) that can be independently positioned and attached to each side of the sternum. This segmentation allows the sternum to be re-opened and re-closed efficiently without requiring complete removal and reattachment of a single rigid component, directly addressing the re-closure time issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing member halves are designed to nest within recesses of the mounting areas on the sternal closure. This nesting arrangement allows the closing members to be stored within the structure itself and enables quick re-positioning during re-closure operations, reducing the time and complexity of re-attachment procedures.
2Strength
If bone fixing areas directly cover the cleft, then structural support is provided, but obstructions occur during medical intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The sternal closure is divided into separate components: securing portions that attach to the sternum and a removable closing member that bridges the cleft. This segmentation allows the securing portions to remain attached for structural support while the closing member can be removed or repositioned to provide clear access during medical interventions, eliminating the obstruction problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing member is designed as a separable component that can be completely removed from the sternal closure system. This extraction of the cleft-bridging function allows unobstructed access to the sternum during interventions while maintaining the option to re-attach the closing member for structural support when needed.
3Ease of operation
If the sternum is forced apart during intervention, then access is achieved, but impairments occur to the body
Solution Approach 1:
The closing member can be completely removed from the sternal closure system, allowing the sternum to be accessed without forcing it apart. This extraction eliminates the need to apply damaging spreading forces to the body while still providing access to the sternum for medical interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sternal closure system is designed with dynamic, adjustable components that can be positioned and secured at optimal locations. This dynamic positioning allows access to be achieved through component removal or repositioning rather than through forced separation that would cause body impairments.
4Ease of operation
If a new sternal closure is secured offset from the former one, then re-closure is achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The closing member halves are designed with universal mounting interfaces that can attach to the same mounting areas on the sternal closure. This universality allows re-closure to be achieved by re-attaching the existing closing member components to their original positions, eliminating the need for offset positioning or additional components and simplifying the re-closure procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a closing member for a sternal closure which is adapted to be mounted on a human or animal body in the region of the sternum for closing a cleft therein, wherein the closing member includes a first rear engaging area and a second rear engaging area, wherein, on the one hand, the first rear engaging area is prepared for positive securing on a first mounting area of the sternal closure on the one side of the cleft and, on the other hand, the second rear engaging area is prepared for positive securing on a second mounting area of the sternal closure on the other side of the cleft; to a sternal closure system comprising two first and second securing portions spaced apart from each other and adapted to be mounted on the human or animal body on both sides of a cleft in the region of a sternum as well as such closing member; and to a sternal closure.