Sternal Plate with Hook-and-Loop Engagement for Rapid Re-entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sternal reapproximation systems for post-sternotomy procedures lack the ability to provide secure and efficient fixation while allowing rapid reopening of the thoracic cavity, often resulting in unstable patients due to the risk of wire breakage or over-tightening issues with conventional wire fixation methods, and the inability to quickly remove implants for reaccess.
Innovation Solution
A sternal reapproximation plating system comprising orthopedic plates with metallic VELCRO® or hook-and-loop engagement members that securely couple to form a robust fixation system, allowing for easy uncoupling and reapproximation, enabling quick surgical reaccess without the need to unscrew or remove hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional wire fixation methods are used with twisting to tighten wires, then sternal compression is achieved, but wire breakage risk increases due to tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional twisting mechanism with a ratchet-and-spool system. The ratchet mechanism converts rotational motion into unidirectional linear motion, allowing the wire to be tensioned smoothly without the cyclic loading and stress concentration caused by twisting. This substitution eliminates the harmful tensile forces that lead to wire breakage while maintaining effective sternal compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spool as an intermediary component between the wire and the sternal compression function. The spool acts as a mechanical advantage device that distributes the tensioning force evenly along the wire length, preventing stress concentration at any single point. This intermediary mechanism allows controlled wire tensioning without the direct twisting forces that compromise wire integrity.
2Force
If wires are tightened too much to ensure sternal compression, then compression is sufficient, but wires can cut into or through the sternum
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism provides inherent feedback control by allowing wire tensioning in one direction while preventing reverse motion. This mechanical feedback system enables the surgeon to apply compression force gradually and stop precisely when adequate compression is achieved, without the risk of over-tightening that occurs with twisting mechanisms where force application is difficult to control and reverse.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static wire tensioning process into a dynamic, controlled sequence using the ratchet mechanism. The wire can be tensioned incrementally with each ratchet engagement, allowing real-time adjustment and monitoring of compression force. This dynamic approach enables precise control over the applied force, preventing excessive compression that could damage sternal tissue.
3Reliability
If prior art sternal reapproximation systems are used, then sternal fixation is achieved, but rapid reopening of thoracic cavity is not possible without removing implants
Solution Approach 1:
The wire fixation system is segmented into modular components: the wire itself, the spool mechanism, and the ratchet assembly. This segmentation allows the wire to be independently released from the spool without affecting the overall structural integrity of the sternal fixation. The modular design enables selective release of the wire while maintaining plate stability, facilitating rapid reopening without complete implant removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the wire tensioning function from the overall fixation system by using a separate spool mechanism. This extraction allows the wire to be independently manipulated and released from the spool without disturbing the plated sternum. The wire can be quickly unwound and removed while the plates remain in place, enabling rapid surgical reaccess while preserving the structural fixation.
4Ease of operation
If experience-based wire tightening is used by surgeons, then sternal compression can be achieved, but inconsistency in tightening leads to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism provides objective, quantifiable feedback through its mechanical engagement clicks, replacing subjective surgeon experience with a standardized mechanical response. Each ratchet engagement represents a known increment of wire tension, creating a repeatable and consistent tightening process that eliminates variability between surgeons and cases while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the qualitative, experience-based wire tightening process into a quantitative, parameter-controlled process. The ratchet mechanism defines discrete tension levels that can be consistently replicated, changing the operation from an art based on surgeon skill to a science based on mechanical parameters. This standardization ensures consistent sternal compression outcomes across different surgeons and procedures.
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
The system provides secure sternal reapproximation and efficient reopening of the thoracic cavity, reducing the risk of wire breakage and over-tightening complications, while enabling rapid reaccess for emergency procedures, thereby improving patient stability and surgical flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
orthopedic plates with metallic VELCRO® or hook-and-loop engagement members that securely couple to form a robust fixation system
Data Source
AI summary
A medical fixation system for bone repair including: a first orthopedic plate attached one bone via an inferior surface and a superior surface having a first plurality of sternal plate engagement members; a second orthopedic plate attached to one bone via an inferior surface and a superior surface having a second plurality of sternal plate engagement members; and a third orthopedic plate that bridges the first and second orthopedic plates with a superior surface and an inferior surface having a plurality of bridging plate engagement members; wherein the plurality of bridging plate engagement members is complimentary and opposite to the first and second pluralities of sternal plate engagement members, such that upon contact between the plurality of bridging plate engagement members and the first and second pluralities of sternal plate engagement members, a secure coupling is formed between the first and second orthopedic plates and the third orthopedic plate.