Tissue Defect Treatment Device Using Counter-Force Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating defects in tissues, such as intervertebral discs, often apply forces directly to the defect, which can exacerbate the condition or fail to effectively address the issue, particularly in sensitive areas like herniations that may compress neural structures.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an outer portion positioned at the defect's outer surface and an inner portion anchored within the tissue without contacting the defect's inner surface, connected by a coupling member that applies a force to the outer portion while avoiding direct force application to the inner surface of the defect, allowing for treatment without aggravating the defect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If force is applied directly to the defect to treat the tissue, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the risk of exacerbating the condition or causing secondary damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by applying counter-force to the healthy tissue surrounding the defect rather than directly to the defect itself. This mediator strategy allows treatment of the tissue defect while avoiding direct harmful forces on the compromised area, thereby resolving the contradiction between treatment effectiveness and risk of exacerbation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies counter-force (anti-weight principle) by exerting force on the healthy tissue in opposition to the direction that would harm the defect. This counterbalancing approach allows the treatment to proceed effectively while the counter-force prevents exacerbation of the defect, simultaneously achieving both treatment goals.
2Stability of the object's composition
If force is applied to contain and stabilize the defect, then defect stabilization is improved, but direct force application may cause further damage to the defect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the surrounding healthy tissue as an intermediary to achieve defect stabilization. By applying force to this intermediary structure rather than directly to the defect, the system achieves stabilization while avoiding the harmful effect of direct force application on the already damaged tissue.
3Reliability
If force is applied at the defect location to treat the tissue, then local treatment effect is improved, but neural structures may be compressed or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies force to healthy tissue surrounding the defect as an intermediary approach, achieving local treatment effects without directly compressing neural structures that may be adjacent to the defect. This mediator strategy maintains treatment effectiveness while avoiding harm to sensitive neural elements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes embodiments for treating a defect in a tissue, the tissue having internal and external surfaces. A device includes a first portion for positioning at one of the internal and external surfaces for applying a treatment force to the defect. In addition, the device has a second portion for applying a counter-force, where the second portion is operable to be positioned so that the counter-force is applied on the other of the internal and external surfaces, away from the defect so as to substantially avoid application of force at the defect. Furthermore, the device includes a coupling member for connecting the inner and outer portions. Methods of using the device are described, for example in an intervertebral disc having a herniation.