Tendon Repair Frame with Segmented Elongation Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tendon repair methods face challenges with high failure rates due to overloading and adhesion formation, leading to reduced repair strength and increased risk of tendon rupture, especially during rehabilitation.
Innovation Solution
A soft tissue repair device with a tubular frame structure that includes multiple struts and a moveable portion to elongate with the tendon, while maintaining a fixed position at the repair site, using staples or tines for secure anchoring to prevent overloading and adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If suture is used to mend the two ends of a tendon together, then initial repair strength is achieved, but repair strength degrades quickly with subsequent loading and mobilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate portion as a mediator between the first and second tendon ends. This intermediate portion provides a stable anchoring region that distributes mechanical loads, preventing stress concentration at the suture line. The intermediate portion acts as a buffer that protects the initial suture repair from degradation under subsequent loading and mobilization forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The repair device is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first portion for anchoring to the first tendon end, a second portion for anchoring to the second tendon end, and an intermediate portion connecting them. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its function - the end portions provide secure anchoring while the intermediate portion maintains tension and prevents gapping, thereby improving both initial strength and long-term durability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If postoperative therapy is utilized to reduce adhesion, then adhesion formation is reduced, but tension induces gap formation or tendon rupture at the repair site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by incorporating an intermediate portion that is specifically designed to absorb and distribute tensile forces before they can reach the vulnerable repair site. This pre-cushioning mechanism protects the repaired tendon from the harmful effects of tension-induced gapping or rupture during postoperative therapy when adhesion reduction is prioritized.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the frame is configured to elongate along the length of the first and second portions, then tendon elongation is accommodated, but the intermediate portion must resist elongation to maintain fixed position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different mechanical properties to different portions of the frame. The first and second portions are designed with elongation capability to accommodate tendon stretching, while the intermediate portion is designed with rigidity to resist elongation and maintain the fixed position of the repair site. This spatial differentiation of mechanical properties allows the device to simultaneously achieve adaptability and stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems and/or methods for repairing soft tissue, such as, a lacerated tendon. A repair device includes a frame having a tubular structure with a longitudinal length and struts at least partially defining the tubular structure. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion with an intermediate portion therebetween, each extending along the longitudinal length. The intermediate portion is configured to substantially maintain a fixed position and is configured to be positioned over first and second ends of the lacerated tendon to substantially maintain the first end abutted against the second end. The first portion and the second portion of the frame are configured to be positioned over separate portions of the tendon and configured to move and elongate along a length of the respective first portion and second portion of the frame as the portions of the tendon elongate.