Superelastic Dynamic Tensioning Device for Orthopedic Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Securing and maintaining proper tension on surgically implanted sutures is challenging due to issues like slippage and migration, which can lead to loss of compression over time.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic tensioning device that is deformable superelastically from a resting to a stretched state, allowing sutures to be connected at coupling sites and maintaining tension through superelastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suture is tensioned during surgical implantation to compress tissue, then stable compression is achieved initially, but the suture loses tension over time due to slippage and migration
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static suture system to a dynamic system using a shape-memory alloy wire that can actively adjust and maintain tension. The wire changes its mechanical properties in response to temperature changes, enabling it to dynamically compensate for tissue relaxation and maintain compression force over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape-memory alloy wire changes its physical state between martensitic (soft, deformable) and austenitic (rigid, tension-maintaining) phases through temperature changes. This parameter change allows the wire to be easily implanted in the soft state and then transform to maintain tension in the hard state, solving the tension loss problem.
2Reliability
If a rigid fixation device is used to maintain suture tension, then tension stability is improved, but the device complexity and surgical difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shape-memory alloy wire performs the tension-maintaining function autonomously through its inherent shape-memory properties. The wire automatically transforms from martensitic to austenitic phase in response to body temperature, eliminating the need for complex external mechanisms or frequent surgical adjustments to maintain tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the temperature-dependent phase transformation of shape-memory alloy to achieve tension stability without complex mechanical structures. The simple wire structure transforms its properties based on temperature, providing reliable tension maintenance while keeping the device design simple and surgical procedure straightforward.
3Ease of operation
If a shape-memory alloy wire is used to dynamically tension the suture, then tension control and compression consistency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shape-memory alloy wire autonomously controls tension through its temperature-dependent phase transformation. The wire self-regulates its tensioning action by transforming from martensitic to austenitic phase in response to body temperature, providing consistent compression control without requiring complex external control mechanisms or surgical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the inherent temperature-parameter dependence of shape-memory alloy to achieve precise tension control. The wire's mechanical properties (soft vs. rigid state) change with temperature, enabling automatic and consistent compression control while maintaining a simple wire-based device structure.
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 device enables controllable and robust tensioning of sutures, ensuring consistent compression for improved surgical outcomes and reducing the risk of suture slippage and migration.
Implementation Method 1
The dynamic tensioning device may be deformable superelastically from a resting state to a stretched state
Data Source
AI summary
Constructs, devices, and methods for dynamically compressing tissue. An exemplary construct comprises a dynamic tensioning device configured to be implanted in a subject and defining a suture-coupling site. The dynamic tensioning device may be deformable superelastically from a resting state to a stretched state. A suture may be connected to the dynamic tensioning device at the suture-coupling site.