Tissue Compression Plate Assembly for Graft Shape Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for using autograft or allograft tissue in shoulder joint repairs lack efficient means to maintain tissue compression and shape post-processing, hindering precise surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A plate assembly is introduced for use with a tissue compression system, comprising a first plate with a cavity to receive harvested tissue and a second plate with a projection that fits into the cavity, allowing the system to apply and maintain compression on the tissue even after the plates are removed from the press.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If harvested tissue is compressed using a press during surgical preparation, then the tissue dimension and shape are improved for surgical repair, but the tissue cannot maintain compression and shape after removal from the press

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue dimension controlVSAvoidtissue shape maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The plate assembly is prepared in advance with a cavity and projection structures that pre-establish the desired tissue compression geometry. When tissue is placed in the cavity and the plates are assembled, the compression shape is immediately established and maintained without requiring continuous external pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The plate assembly acts as an intermediary device between the press and the tissue. It receives compression force from the press and translates it into sustained compression on the tissue through its structural design, allowing the tissue to maintain compressed shape even after removal from the press.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If harvested tissue is compressed and shaped for surgical repair, then the tissue is suitable for precise surgical procedures, but there is no efficient means to maintain tissue compression post-processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue shape precisionVSAvoidpost-processing handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plate assembly is designed with pre-formed cavity and projection structures that establish the desired tissue compression geometry before the surgical procedure begins. This preliminary structuring allows the tissue to maintain its compressed shape during subsequent surgical operations without requiring additional compression devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The plate assembly structure itself provides the compression maintenance function through its inherent geometric design. The cavity and projection features automatically maintain tissue compression through their structural configuration, eliminating the need for external compression devices or continuous manual intervention during surgical procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a simple plate structure is used for tissue compression, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain tissue compression and shape after press removal is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplate structure simplicityVSAvoidtissue compression maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The plate assembly is divided into two separate plates - a first plate with a cavity and a second plate with a projection. This segmentation allows each plate to have a simple, straightforward structure while the combination of the two plates creates the compression maintenance function. The simplicity of individual components is preserved while achieving the desired tissue compression stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The plate assembly effectively maintains tissue compression and shape post-processing, enabling precise surgical procedures such as suturing while maintaining the graft's dimensions, thereby enhancing the reliability and accuracy of tissue repairs.

Implementation Method 1

the press is configured to apply pressure to the plate assembly to compress the harvested tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS20250135067A1Plate assembly for tissue compression system and corresponding method
Publication Date: 2025.05.01 ARTHREX INC
  • US20250135067A1 patent drawing
  • US20250135067A1 patent drawing
  • US20250135067A1 patent drawing

AI summary

This disclosure details a plate assembly for use with a tissue compression system and corresponding methods. In an example system, the system includes include a press and a plate assembly. The plate assembly includes a first plate defining a cavity configured to receive harvested tissue and a second plate including a projection insertable into the cavity. The press is configured to apply pressure to the plate assembly to compress the harvested tissue. The plate assembly is configured to hold the harvested tissue under compression when the plate assembly is removed from the press.