Tether Locking Mechanism for Tissue Tightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locking and cutting tethers used in tissue tightening procedures are often complex, time-consuming, and fail to adequately maintain tension, especially in restricted spaces.
Innovation Solution
The development of a tubular locking member with a rotatable plug and a tether tensioning mechanism that secures the tether within the lumen, utilizing apertures and protrusions to create a secure lock and optional cutting mechanism for excess tether removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knotting and tying methods are used to secure the tether, then the tether can be maintained in tension, but the procedure becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex knotting and tying operations from the tether securing process and replaces them with a simple plug insertion mechanism. The plug, when inserted into the locking member, directly secures the tether without requiring any knotting or tying maneuvers, thereby eliminating procedural complexity while maintaining tether tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member and plug are designed to work together in a self-securing mechanism. When the plug is inserted into the locking member, the interaction between the plug's exterior surface and the locking member's interior surface automatically secures the tether in tension without requiring additional manipulation or external assistance.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional cutting methods are used to remove excess tether, then the tether can be trimmed, but the manipulation required is difficult in restricted space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking and cutting functions into a single integrated device. The cutting member is positioned within the locking member to cut the tether at a predetermined location, combining what were previously separate operations (securing and trimming) into one simultaneous action that is easy to perform in restricted spaces.
3Reliability
If the plug is made rotatable to engage the tether, then the tether can be securely locked, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric features on the plug and locking member to achieve reliable tether locking. The exterior surface of the plug has at least one contour (e.g., a curvature) that aligns with the interior surface of the locking member wall portion, creating an asymmetric engagement that prevents plug rotation and secures the tether reliably without requiring complex additional structures.
4Reliability
If multiple protrusions are added to the plug for enhanced engagement, then the tether can be more securely held, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing at least one protrusion (e.g., at least one ridge) on the plug that engages a portion of the tether within the locking member lumen. This localized feature provides enhanced tether engagement and locking reliability at the specific point of contact without requiring complex modifications to the entire plug structure, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
Devices and methods for locking and/or cutting tethers during a tissue modification procedure are described. In some variations, a tether may be used to tighten tissue by bringing two pieces or sections of the tissue together. The tether, which may be under tension, may be locked to maintain the tension, and excess tether may be severed, using one or more of the devices and/or methods. The devices and/or methods may be used, for example, in minimally invasive procedures.