Surgical Cable Tensioning Device with Adjustable Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic surgical cable tensioning devices are inefficient, often causing damage to the cable, requiring excessive procedural time, and limiting surgeons' ability to use their hands, leading to insufficient or lost tension, and necessitating frequent re-tensioning and replacement of cables.
Innovation Solution
A surgical cable tensioning device with a handheld body featuring a clamping mechanism and adjustable gripping force, allowing for controlled tension application and re-tensioning without damaging the cable, enabling one-handed operation and reuse of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional cable tensioning device is used to tension the orthopedic surgical cable, then the cable tension is increased to secure the bone, but the cable may become damaged or crushed requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tensioning device that acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the cable. The device includes a body with a cable receiving passage and a tensioning mechanism that gradually applies force through the cable, distributing the stress evenly and preventing localized crushing or damage to the cable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning device employs dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the surgeon to incrementally increase cable tension while monitoring cable integrity. The device can be adjusted during the surgical procedure to achieve optimal tension without exceeding cable strength limits, preventing damage while securing the bone effectively.
2Force
If a conventional cam-based tensioning device is used, then initial tension is applied to the cable, but no additional force can be applied once the cam is clamped
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning device features a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows continuous modification of cable tension. The device includes adjustable components that enable the surgeon to incrementally increase tension beyond the initial application, adapting to the specific requirements of different surgical situations and bone structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for parameter changes in cable tension through its adjustment mechanism. The surgeon can modify the tension parameter during the procedure by operating the adjustment components, enabling flexible control over the force applied to the cable to achieve optimal fixation without damage.
3Force
If multiple orthopedic surgical cables are tensioned sequentially, then each cable secures the orthopedic device further, but previously tensioned cables may loosen or the device position may shift
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning device is designed to maintain cable tension through its locking or retention mechanism. When one cable is tensioned and secured, the device position is stabilized, preventing shifts that would affect subsequently tensioned cables. This preliminary securing action ensures that later cable tensions are applied to a stable configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback through the stable positioning of the orthopedic device after each cable tensioning. The device position serves as a reference point that confirms proper tensioning, allowing the surgeon to proceed with confidence that previously tensioned cables remain secure while tensioning additional cables.
4Force
If a conventional cable tensioning procedure is used, then the surgeon must use both hands to operate the tensioning device, but the surgeon's hands are already limited in use during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning device is segmented into distinct functional components: a body portion that can be held in one hand, a cable receiving mechanism, and a tensioning/adjustment mechanism. This segmentation allows the surgeon to operate the device with one hand while maintaining control over cable tension application and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning device incorporates self-contained mechanisms that reduce the need for complex two-handed operations. The adjustment mechanism is designed to be operable with minimal hand movements, and the device maintains tension through its internal mechanism, reducing the continuous manual input required during the procedure.
5Force
If conventional cable tensioning devices are used, then the procedure becomes time-consuming, but surgical procedures require efficiency to reduce costs
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning device allows the surgeon to apply initial cable tension quickly during the main surgical procedure without requiring separate tensioning steps. The device is integrated into the surgical workflow, enabling tensioning to be performed as part of the implantation process, thereby reducing overall procedural time and improving efficiency.
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 allows for precise and maintainable tensioning of orthopedic surgical cables, reducing procedural time, minimizing cable damage, and enabling efficient re-tensioning during surgical procedures without losing previously applied tension.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping mechanism with adjustable gripping force... allowing for controlled tension application
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for tensioning an orthopedic surgical cable used in conjunction with an orthopedic implant device, a bone, and/or bone implant or structure. At least one device in accordance with various embodiments of the invention includes a handheld body handheld body capable of receiving a portion of the orthopedic surgical cable. The handheld body includes a clamping body adapted to restrain a first portion of the orthopedic surgical cable with an adjustable gripping force, wherein a tension is placed on the orthopedic surgical cable. The handheld body also includes an adjusting mechanism adapted to cooperate with the clamping body to change the gripping force on the orthopedic surgical cable. In addition, the handheld body includes a slide adapted to change the position of the clamping body relative to the handheld body. Furthermore, the handheld body includes a force application member operably connected to the slide, wherein the slide is adapted to be manipulated in order to change the position of the clamping body in a manner whereby the tension is subject to gradual control by manipulation of the slide and force application member, and whereby the handheld body and orthopedic surgical cable are adapted to allow the orthopedic surgical cable to be tensioned by the clamping body at a first tension, and further adapted to allow the orthopedic surgical cable to be subsequently tensioned by the slide and force application member at a second tension without loss of tension.