Bio-degradable Tendon Grasping Device with Curved Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for tendon repair often result in incomplete initial fixation, require sutures, depend on biological healing, necessitate post-operative immobilization, and allow only gradual mobilization and weight bearing, which prolongs recovery time.
Innovation Solution
A tendon grasping device made of bio-compatible materials with a series of curved elements that deform from a radially extended to a radially retracted position to firmly surround tendons, providing full initial fixation without sutures and allowing immediate mobilization and weight bearing, using a deformable structure with loops or coils and attachment means like suture threads or resilient ratchet elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional suture techniques are used for tendon repair, then the tendon can be connected, but the fixation is incomplete and requires post-operative immobilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional suture-based mechanical fixation with a mechanical grasping device that uses radial compression force to secure the tendon. The device comprises a series of curved elements that deform from radially extended to radially retracted position, transforming the fixation mechanism from tensile (sutures) to compressive (grasping device), thereby achieving complete initial fixation without requiring post-operative immobilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the curved elements from a radially extended condition to a radially retracted position. This parameter change enables the device to transition from a delivery state to a fixation state, where the curved elements firmly surround the tendon, providing stable fixation without sutures and allowing immediate mobilization
2Reliability
If sutures are used to hold fixed tissues together, then the tendon can be secured, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for sutures from the tendon repair procedure. The grasping device with its curved elements provides a complete fixation solution that does not require additional suture materials or complex suturing techniques, thereby simplifying the surgical procedure while maintaining reliable tendon security
Solution Approach 2:
The grasping device performs multiple functions: it grasps the tendon, provides fixation, and enables immediate mobilization, all in a single device. This multi-functionality replaces the traditional multi-step process involving sutures, knots, and immobilization, reducing surgical complexity while ensuring tendon security
3Reliability
If traditional tendon repair methods are used, then the tendon can be reconnected, but biological healing is required which prolongs recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces biological healing-dependent fixation with a mechanical grasping system that provides immediate stable fixation. The radially retracted curved elements firmly surround the tendon, providing mechanical stability that does not depend on biological healing processes, thereby enabling faster recovery and earlier mobilization while ensuring reliable tendon reconnection
4Reliability
If post-operative immobilization is required, then the repaired tendon can heal, but mobilization and weight bearing are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The grasping device with attachment means provides self-sustaining fixation that does not require external immobilization support. The device maintains tendon security through its mechanical grasping action and attachment mechanism, allowing the patient to mobilize and bear weight immediately without external bracing or immobilization devices, thereby improving productivity while ensuring proper healing
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
Enables secure tendon fixation without sutures, reduces recovery time by allowing immediate post-operative mobilization and weight bearing, and minimizes tissue swelling, facilitating faster healing and reduced surgical procedure duration.
Implementation Method 1
a series of curved elements which are connected sequentially to form a hollow deformable structure, whereby in use each curved element of the series of curved elements surrounds a tendon and the structure deforms from a radially extended condition to a radially retracted position
Implementation Method 2
attachment means to attach the tendon grasping device to a further tendon grasping device. These means comprises at least one or more of the following: a) suture thread, b) clip, c) resilient ratchet element, preferably resilient ratchet means
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to devices that are used to repair ruptured tendons (500). In particular the invention relates to a tendon grasping device (1) and to devices for the application thereof and to the uses if these devices. The tendon grasping device (1) is made of a suitable for surgery bio-compatible, preferably bio-degradable material. It comprises a series of curved elements connected sequentially to form a hollow deformable structure. In use each curved element surrounds the tendon (500) and the structure deforms between a radially extended condition and a radially retracted condition, in which each curved element firmly surrounds the tendon by applying pressure around the tendon without penetrating it. The curved elements are either loops (10) or coils and the series of curved elements includes at least an end loop (10) as well as a further loop (10) or a coil connected to the end loop (10).