Surgical Staple Bridge Geometry for Low-Irritation Bone Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staples with protuberances cause tissue irritation and complications during implantation, and there is a need for improved geometries that reduce soft tissue irritation and enhance stability and compressive force during bone fusion procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical staple design featuring a bridge with a reduced width portion and extensions, along with legs that transition from an acutely angled to parallel configuration, utilizing shape memory properties to enhance compressive force and minimize tissue irritation by reducing sharp edges and promoting secure implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surgical staples have protuberances for use with insertion, then insertion functionality is improved, but tissue irritation follows implanting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic protuberances from the staple design entirely. Instead of using protuberances for insertion, the staple relies on its leg geometry and elastic deformation capabilities. This extraction of the harmful feature eliminates tissue irritation while maintaining insertion functionality through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding protuberances to facilitate insertion, the patent inverts the approach by using recesses or notches in the bridge structure that allow insertion tools to engage with the staple. This inverse approach achieves the same insertion functionality without the harmful protuberances on the staple body.
2Adaptability or versatility
If surgical staples have complex geometries with protuberances, then insertion capability is improved, but soft tissue irritation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing geometric features (recesses, notches, or smooth surfaces) only in the specific locations where insertion tool engagement is needed, rather than adding protuberances across the entire staple body. This localized approach maintains insertion capability while minimizing tissue irritation at other critical interfaces.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If surgical staples use simple geometry without protuberances, then tissue irritation is reduced, but insertion functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary insertion tool that engages with the staple through recesses or notches in the bridge. This intermediary device mediates between the simple staple geometry and the insertion requirement, allowing easy insertion without requiring complex protuberances on the staple itself.
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 design reduces soft tissue irritation, enhances stability, and provides improved compressive force for bone fusion, with enhanced visibility and ease of insertion, minimizing complications and promoting secure fixation.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing shape memory properties to enhance compressive force and minimize tissue irritation
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical staple is provided having a bridge and at least a first leg and a second leg. The bridge has a first end and a second end. The surgical staple has a first extension of the bridge adjacent the first end of the bridge and extending on an opposite side of the first leg relative to the second leg and a second extension of the bridge adjacent the second end of the bridge and extending on an opposite side of the second leg relative to the first leg. The bridge may also have a waisted or reduced width mid-section.