Tissue Fixation Delivery Apparatus with Pre-loaded Needle Cannula
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved medical devices and methods to efficiently deploy tissue fixation devices, particularly for securing anchors in soft tissues, as existing technologies are not sufficiently efficient for various medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving a delivery tool with a needle cannula and push rod mechanism that allows for the deployment of pre-loaded tissue anchors with an adjustable suture assembly, enabling efficient anchoring and fixation in soft tissues by advancing and retracting the push rod to eject and secure the anchors within the tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional tissue fixation device is used, then tissue anchoring can be achieved, but the deployment efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue anchor is pre-loaded into the needle cannula chamber before the procedure, with the push rod positioned to eject the anchor. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual anchor insertion during the procedure, significantly improving deployment efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through a simple push rod advancement motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The push rod serves as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the tissue anchor. By advancing the push rod within the needle cannula, the operator indirectly ejects the pre-loaded anchor into the tissue, creating a efficient and convenient deployment process that resolves the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If multiple tissue anchors are deployed manually, then fixation can be achieved, but the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tissue anchors are pre-loaded into the needle cannula in sequence during manufacturing, with each anchor positioned for sequential ejection. This preliminary loading allows multiple anchors to be deployed rapidly one after another during the procedure, maintaining fixation security while significantly reducing procedure time compared to manual insertion of each anchor.
Solution Approach 2:
The push rod mechanism enables continuous ejection of multiple pre-loaded anchors in rapid succession without interruption. After ejecting one anchor, the push rod can be advanced again to eject the next anchor immediately, creating a continuous deployment process that maintains fixation security while minimizing procedure time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reusable handle mechanism is used, then device versatility improves, but the complexity of the delivery system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into two main components: a reusable handle mechanism and disposable needle cartridges. The handle mechanism contains the push rod and control systems, while the needle cartridges contain the pre-loaded tissue anchors. This segmentation allows the handle to be reused across multiple procedures while keeping the complex anchor-loading components disposable, thereby improving versatility without permanently increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle cartridges with pre-loaded tissue anchors are designed to be discarded after use, while the handle mechanism is recovered and reused. This approach allows the complex handle mechanism to be shared across multiple procedures and patients, improving adaptability and versatility while managing complexity through a clear separation of reusable and disposable components.
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
This approach allows for efficient deployment and fixation of tissue anchors, enabling secure anchoring in soft tissues, facilitating various medical procedures such as orthopedic repairs and device securing, while allowing for the reuse of handle mechanisms and multiple deployments with pre-loaded needle cartridges.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient band disposed about the needle cannula and the second tissue anchor
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A device 110 for deploying a tissue fixation apparatus 115 of the type including first and second tissue anchors 267,268 coupled together by an adjustable suture assembly 130. The device comprises a handle mechanism 120 and a needle cartridge assembly 125 releasably coupled to the handle mechanism. The needle cartridge assembly includes a needle cannula 270 with a side opening 310 through which a tissue anchor can be loaded into an internal chamber of the needle cannula. A push rod 280 is disposed in the needle cannula and is operable between an extended position in which the push rod prevents the tissue anchor from entering the chamber through the side opening, and a retracted configuration in which the tissue anchor can be pushed into the chamber under the action of a resilient band 285 positioned over the side opening.