Mechanized Suture Tensioning Device for Bone Fragment Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical methods for stabilizing and compressing separated body tissues, particularly bones, face issues with twisted wires that lose tension prematurely and can damage tissues, and dynamic compression devices that are bulky, stiff, and interfere with healing, lacking sufficient tension holding capabilities and flexibility to follow bone contours.

Innovation Solution

A mechanized tensioning system with proximal handles, movable distal tensioning tips, a pivot, and suture holding clamps, which uses a buckle with a lock bar and tensioning tab to apply consistent tension to suture bands, allowing for adjustable friction at the binding interface to secure bone fragments effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If twisted wires are used to hold bone fragments together, then tension holding capability is provided, but the wires untwist prematurely and can cut into bone fragments causing tissue damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetension holding capabilityVSAvoidstability of wire configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wire is divided into multiple segments or loops that can independently maintain tension. The segmented structure prevents the wire from untwisting as a single unit while distributing the holding force across multiple contact points with the bone fragments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wire configuration is designed to be dynamically stable, allowing controlled movement and adjustment while maintaining tension. The wire can accommodate slight movements and deformations of bone fragments during healing without losing its tension-holding capability or cutting into the bone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If dynamic compression devices with bulky spring materials are used, then compression force is provided, but the devices occupy substantial space and do not store much energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression forceVSAvoidspace occupied by device

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses thin, flexible suture bands instead of bulky spring materials to provide compression force. These thin films can be tensioned to store elastic energy and provide continuous compression force while occupying minimal space around the bone fragments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The compression force is provided by changing the tension parameter of the suture band rather than using bulky mechanical springs. By adjusting the tension in the thin band, sufficient compression force is generated without the volume penalty of traditional spring-based devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If bands with larger cross-sectional area are used, then strength to hold bone fragments is increased, but the bands become stiff and cannot follow bone contours

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength of bandVSAvoidcompliance with bone contours

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The suture band is designed with varying local properties - wider sections provide strength where needed to hold bone fragments, while narrower or more flexible sections allow the band to conform to the contours of the bone. This local variation in geometry maintains both strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Force

If mechanical interfaces are used to bind band ends together, then tensioning capability is provided, but the interface becomes the weakest link and requires incremental tensioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensioning capabilityVSAvoidstrength of binding interface

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The band ends are merged into a continuous loop configuration, eliminating the mechanical interface between separate band ends. This continuous structure removes the weakest link and allows for smooth, continuous tensioning without incremental adjustments at connection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system provides consistent and even tensioning of suture bands, preventing premature loss of tension and tissue damage, while allowing for flexibility to follow bone contours, enhancing the stability and healing process by maintaining optimal tension throughout the healing process.

Implementation Method 1

a spring disposed between the handles for biasing the handles to a desired state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The toggle clamp includes a cam with serrations for gripping suture band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10568676B2Tensioning devices and methods for dynamic suture systems

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 ZIMMER INC

AI summary

A system for repairing separated body tissues includes a tensioning device comprising two proximal handles for grasping, a pair of movable distal tensioning tips, a pivot between the proximal handle and distal tensioning tips, and suture holding clamps proximal to the tensioning tips. The tensioning device is used in conjunction with a buckle with lock bars and a tensioning tab for securing and tensioning suture. The tensioning tab is provided to secure the lock bar in its first position until tension on the suture exceeds a predetermined level.