Self-retaining Suture Retainers with Supporting Fins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-retaining sutures face limitations such as retainers lying flat or reducing tensile strength due to manufacturing methods, and residual stresses causing barbs to relax before implantation, which affects their effectiveness in wound closure.
Innovation Solution
A self-retaining suture is formed by pinching the suture core to create retainers with a supporting fin, and optionally cutting a slot in the fin to enhance retainer projection and prevent settling, maintaining tensile strength and effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If retainers are formed by cutting into the suture body, then retainer projection is improved, but tensile strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suture body is divided into a main body portion and a retainer portion, where the retainer is formed as a separate element that can be attached to the suture body. This segmentation allows the retainer to be optimized for projection and tissue engagement without compromising the tensile strength of the main suture body, as the retainer is attached rather than cut from the body.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary element (such as a fin, bridge, or attachment structure) is introduced between the suture body and the retainer to connect them. This intermediary allows the retainer to project from the suture body while maintaining structural integrity and tensile strength, as the intermediary distributes loads and prevents direct stress concentration at the retainer-suture interface.
2Reliability
If barbs are formed to engage tissue, then tissue engagement is improved, but residual stresses cause barbs to relax before implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is pre-formed and pre-positioned on the suture body during manufacturing, with the configuration stabilized through controlled deformation and attachment processes. This preliminary action ensures that the retainer maintains its projected configuration and does not relax before implantation, as the manufacturing process itself creates the stable, engaged configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical or chemical parameters of the suture material or retainer structure are modified during manufacturing to create a stable, relaxed configuration that resists further deformation. This may involve controlling the degree of deformation, selecting materials with appropriate elastic properties, or applying surface treatments that stabilize the retainer configuration.
3Reliability
If retainers are made to resist suture movement, then wound closure effectiveness is improved, but insertion difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer structure is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to flex or deform during insertion to minimize resistance, and then spring back to its engaged configuration once pasted through the tissue. This dynamic behavior enables easy insertion while maintaining effective tissue engagement after deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed with a configuration that allows movement in one dimension (along the suture axis) during insertion, while providing resistance in the perpendicular dimension (radially outward) to prevent tissue slippage. This dimensional differentiation enables easy passage through tissue while maintaining effective wound closure.
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 method allows for effective tissue engagement in one direction while minimizing impact on suture integrity and strength, ensuring reliable wound closure with improved retainer projection and reduced material impediment for insertion.
Implementation Method 1
forming a tissue retainer by deforming the elongated body such that the tissue retainer protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the elongated body
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of the invention, a manufacturing process produces and an. Article produced has a self-retaining suture wherein a force is used to squeeze the suture causing retainers to form out of material from the suture body. In an embodiment of the invention, fins are formed between the retainers and the suture body, wherein said fins support the retainers. In another embodiment, retainer stops are provided in order to prevent the retainer from settling back in the body of the suture.