Suture Tensioning Device with Cannulated Tube and Threaded Post
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone fixation techniques using cerclage wires often result in tissue damage and irritation due to improper or loose wire ends, necessitating additional surgical revisions, and there is a need for instruments that can securely attach and tension sutures without causing tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A suture tensioning device featuring a cannulated tube and an adjustable mechanism, such as a wheel or knob, that secures and tightens high-strength sutures, allowing for precise tension application using a forked pin and potentially a tensiometer, facilitating secure tissue fixation without wire-related complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cerclage wires are used for bone fixation, then bone segments can be secured, but wire ends cause tissue damage and irritation requiring additional revision
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful wire ends from the surgical site by tucking them into a recess in the bone, eliminating the source of tissue irritation while maintaining the fixation function of the cerclage wire
Solution Approach 2:
The wire ends are nested within a recess or cavity in the bone structure, concealing them within the bone itself to prevent external tissue contact and irritation
2Strength
If high strength suture material is used for tissue attachment, then attachment strength is improved, but precise tension control is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism with a movable spool or wheel that allows the surgeon to continuously adjust and fine-tune suture tension in real-time, transitioning from static to dynamic control for precise tension management
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual knot-tying mechanics with a mechanical spool-based tensioning system that provides more precise and controllable tension application through rotational movement of the spool
3Reliability
If traditional wire tensioning methods are used, then bone segments can be secured, but improper wire tucking requires additional revision surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary tucking of wire ends into the bone recess during the primary surgery, ensuring proper wire positioning before closing, which prevents the need for future revision procedures
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 enables secure and controlled tensioning of sutures, reducing tissue damage and irritation, and providing a reliable method for bone and tissue fixation, adaptable to various surgical procedures including bone fractures and ACL reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
An adjustment device (for example, a wheel or a knob) is actuated to turn a threaded post on the end of the tube
Implementation Method 2
A length of suture passes through at least a portion of the cannulated tube and is secured into a forked pin attached to the adjustment device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~4
AI summary
A device for tensioning suture (100; 200; 300) which includes a cannulated tube (10) that allows a suture to be fed through at least a portion of the tube. An adjustment device (for example, a wheel or a knob (45; 245)) is actuated to turn a threaded post on the end of the tube A length of suture passes through at least a portion of the cannulated tube and is secured into a forked pin (44; 44a) attached to the adjustment device. Turning the adjustment device draws against the suture, increasing therefore the tension on the suture. The suture tensioning device may be employed in conjunction with a tensiometer.