Suture Clamp with Elastomeric Disc for MRI Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for maintaining suture tension, such as crimping metal beads or sewing sutures into the skin, cause patient discomfort and increase the risk of infection, especially when the suture anchor needs to remain in place for an extended period, as they can irritate the skin and are incompatible with MRI procedures.
Innovation Solution
A suture clamp with a hinge connection and snap-fit mechanism that securely holds the suture in place without direct contact with the skin, using an elastomeric disc for comfort and minimizing tissue irritation, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly to maintain or release tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal crimp beads are used to maintain suture tension, then the suture can be securely held, but patient discomfort and skin irritation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a soft, biocompatible intermediate material (such as silicone or elastomer) that contacts the patient's skin instead of metal crimp beads. This intermediary maintains the suture tension function while eliminating the harmful effects of metal on skin, resolving the contradiction between reliability and patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters of the suture anchor from hard metal to soft, flexible biocompatible materials. This parameter change allows the device to maintain mechanical function (suture holding) while improving biocompatibility and reducing patient discomfort during long-term wear.
2Reliability
If metal crimp beads are used to maintain suture tension, then the suture can be securely held, but the risk of infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces metal crimp beads with soft, biocompatible intermediate materials that serve as a mediator between the suture and patient's body. These materials reduce infection risk while maintaining suture security through alternative retention mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite or alternative materials (such as medical-grade silicone, elastomers, or biocompatible polymers) instead of traditional metal alloys. These composite materials provide both the mechanical properties needed for suture retention and the biocompatibility required to minimize infection risk.
3Reliability
If metal crimp beads are used to maintain suture tension, then the suture can be securely held, but compatibility with MRI procedures is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces soft, non-metallic intermediary materials that replace metal components in the suture anchor system. These materials are inherently compatible with MRI procedures while maintaining the essential function of securing the suture, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and MRI compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes metal-based mechanical retention systems with alternative material-based retention mechanisms. The soft biocompatible materials use elasticity, friction, or geometric interlocking instead of metal crimping, eliminating MRI incompatibility while preserving suture security.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the suture anchor remains in place for an extended period, then long-term tension maintenance is achieved, but skin irritation and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the suture anchor from hard, non-compliant metal to soft, compliant biocompatible materials. This allows the device to be retained in the patient's body for extended periods (weeks or months) without causing skin irritation, as the soft materials conform to and move with the surrounding tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs flexible, thin-walled structures made of soft materials that can accommodate tissue movement and physiological changes over time. This flexibility prevents skin irritation during long-term retention while maintaining suture tension through the compliant material's elastic properties.
5Volume of moving object
If small metal beads are used to maintain suture tension, then the device size is minimized, but the difficulty of precise placement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the suture anchor into modular components or uses a segmented design that allows for easier manipulation and more precise placement. The soft, flexible nature of the materials enables the components to be assembled or positioned with greater accuracy during the procedure while maintaining a compact overall size.
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 suture clamp effectively maintains suture tension with reduced patient discomfort and risk of complications, being easier to use and compatible with long-term procedures, including those requiring MRI scans.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge connection joining them
Implementation Method 2
using an elastomeric disc for comfort and minimizing tissue irritation
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, there is disclosed embodiments of devices to hold sutures extending from the skin, such as suture portions of a suture anchor. Methods of using such devices are also disclosed.