Synchronous Tissue Screw Drive for Rapid Apical Cuff Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching an apical cuff to cardiac muscle tissue in ventricular assist devices are time-consuming and prone to bleeding complications due to the use of sutures, and there is a lack of systems for synchronously driving multiple tissue screws to secure the cuff.
Innovation Solution
A synchronous drive system that simultaneously drives two or more tissue screws at the same speed and torque, applying minimal axial force, with a positioning template and shipping/tray assembly to secure the apical cuff and screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional suture methods are used to attach the apical cuff to cardiac muscle tissue, then the attachment can be achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and prone to bleeding complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional suture-based mechanical attachment system with a screw-based mechanical fastening system. The tissue screws engage with threaded bores in the apical cuff and are secured against the cardiac muscle tissue using compression plates, eliminating the need for time-consuming suture tying while providing more reliable and consistent attachment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from flexible suture tensioning to rigid screw-threaded engagement with controlled compression. The screw threads provide precise positional control and the compression plates apply controlled normal force against the tissue, transforming the attachment parameters from tension-based to compression-based fastening.
2Reliability
If multiple sutures are placed manually to secure the apical cuff, then attachment can be achieved, but bleeding complications increase due to imperfections in suture placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual suture placement with a standardized screw-based fastening system. The screws engage with pre-formed threaded bores in the apical cuff and are secured using compression plates that distribute pressure evenly against the cardiac muscle tissue, eliminating the tissue penetration and knot-tying steps that cause bleeding complications with conventional sutures.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression plates are designed to automatically distribute compressive forces across multiple contact points on the cardiac muscle tissue when the screws are tightened. This self-distributing mechanism ensures even pressure application without requiring precise manual positioning, reducing the risk of localized tissue damage and bleeding.
3Productivity
If a synchronous drive system is used to simultaneously drive multiple tissue screws, then attachment speed and precision improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual screw driving operations into a single synchronous drive system. The common driveshaft with multiple driver members allows simultaneous rotation of multiple tissue screws through the apical cuff and into the cardiac muscle tissue, achieving rapid multi-point attachment while maintaining synchronized torque and speed across all screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronous drive system is designed as a multi-functional tool that can simultaneously perform multiple screw driving operations, positioning, and attachment functions. The system accommodates multiple driver members on a single driveshaft, each capable of engaging different tissue screws, providing a universal attachment solution that replaces multiple separate surgical instruments.
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 rapid and secure attachment of the apical cuff to cardiac muscle tissue with reduced bleeding risks by synchronously driving tissue screws, ensuring precise positioning and minimal axial force application.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear mechanism including a planet carrier, a plurality of planet gears rotatably coupled to the planet carrier, and an input gear secured to the driveshaft and in operable engagement with the plurality of planet gears
Implementation Method 2
synchronous drive system configured to drive two or more tissue screws at the same speed and same torque
Data Source
AI summary
A synchronous drive system, method and kit for simultaneously driving more than two or more rotational tissue screws and a method for simultaneously affixing a medical device to tissue employing the synchronous drive system. The synchronous drive system is particularly configured to affix an apical cuff to cardiac muscle tissue by simultaneously driving a plurality of rotational tissue screws through the apical cuff and into cardiac muscle tissue thereby affixing the apical cuff to the cardiac muscle tissue.