Suture Tensioning Lever Mechanism for Arthroscopic Bone Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgeons face difficulties in applying sufficient tension to sutures during arthroscopic procedures, particularly when reattaching torn or detached soft tissues like the rotator cuff, as manual pulling can be cumbersome and require excessive force, especially when performing other tasks simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable lever mechanism integrated with or as an add-on to a suture gun that allows surgeons to easily apply tension to the suture by rotating the lever, utilizing a coil spring to maintain and release tension, enabling one-handed operation and ensuring the tendon is securely cinched to the bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the surgeon manually pulls on the suture to apply tension, then the suture can be tensioned to cinch the tendon to the bone, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
A tensioning device with a spool and lever mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the surgeon and the suture. The surgeon operates the lever, which rotates the spool to wind the suture and apply controlled tension, eliminating the need for direct manual pulling and reducing the force required by the surgeon.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning device transforms the linear pulling action into a rotational motion through the lever and spool mechanism. By operating in a different dimensional space (rotation rather than linear tension), the surgeon can apply controlled force more easily while achieving the same tensile effect on the suture.
2Reliability
If the surgeon pulls on the suture to apply proper tension, then the tendon can be cinched to the bone, but the surgeon has other tasks to perform making the manual pull cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning device integrates multiple functions into a single tool: it provides controlled tension application, maintains consistent force through the spring mechanism, and allows one-handed operation. This multi-functionality ensures reliable tension application without requiring additional surgical assistants or complex procedural steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism automatically maintains proper tension on the suture after the lever is positioned, eliminating the need for continuous surgeon intervention. The device self-regulates the tension force, allowing the surgeon to proceed with other surgical tasks while the tensioning device maintains the required force independently.
3Ease of operation
If a tensioning mechanism is added to the suture gun, then tension application becomes easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning device is designed as a separate, modular attachment that can be added to existing suture guns. The spool, lever, and spring components are segmented into discrete parts that attach to the suture gun's existing structure, minimizing integration complexity while providing the desired tensioning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning mechanism components are nested within or around the existing suture gun structure. The spool may be positioned within the gun housing, and the lever attaches to external mounting points, allowing the additional functionality to be accommodated within the existing device footprint without significant structural redesign.
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
Facilitates the application of consistent tension to the suture with ease, reducing the manual effort required and allowing for efficient cinching of the tendon to the bone during surgical procedures, enhancing the ease and precision of the surgical process.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a coil spring to maintain and release tension
Data Source
AI summary
A suture tensioning apparatus for tightening the suture used to tie a tissue of a patient to the bone of the patient so that the tissue will cinch to the bone. A lever is mounted on a stub shaft that is supported to a base member and is movable in a lateral position. A pair of spaced spools are mounted on the lever and the reach of the suture is wrapped around each of the spools. Means, including a coil spring wrapped around the stub shaft is connected to the lever and a rotatable dome. The movement of the lever causes the lower portion of the coils to unwrap around the stub shaft, and rotation of the dome causes the upper portion of the coils to unwrap whereby the movement of the coil spring forces the lever to return to its original position. The tensioning apparatus can be incorporated into an existing suture gun or can be made integral therewith.