Tissue Fixation Device with Distributed Load Barbs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tendon repair methods using sutures face high failure rates due to concentrated tensile loads at anchor points, leading to repair failure and complications such as gapping and adhesion formation, which are exacerbated by the dependence on surgeon skill and variability in repair quality.
Innovation Solution
A device with a carrier member and attachment members that distribute tensile loads across multiple points, limiting movement and preventing adhesion by engaging connective tissue with a unique angle and configuration, thereby stabilizing the repair site and enhancing healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If suture is used to mend the two ends of a tendon together, then the tendon can be repaired and connected, but the strength and quality of the repair quickly degrade with subsequent loading and mobilization due to concentrated tensile loads at anchor points
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the concentrated load at the suture anchor points into multiple distributed attachment members (barbs, hooks, or nodes) along the carrier member. This segmentation distributes the tensile load across multiple engagement points with the tendon tissue, preventing stress concentration and reducing the risk of repair failure during loading and mobilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional suture line to a two-dimensional carrier member structure that encompasses the tendon repair site. The carrier member with its attachment members creates a distributed fixation system across the tendon cross-section, adding spatial dimensionality to load distribution and improving repair reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If postoperative therapy is utilized to reduce adhesion, then adhesion formation can be reduced, but the resulting tension can induce gap formation or tendon rupture at the repair site
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides beforehand cushioning by creating a protected repair environment with the carrier member and attachment members. This protective structure cushions the tendon repair site from excessive tension during postoperative therapy, allowing adhesion-reducing motion rehabilitation without inducing gap formation or tendon rupture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the repair construct by distributing load across multiple attachment members with specific geometric configurations (barbs, hooks, nodes). This parameter change allows the repair to withstand the tension forces generated during adhesion-reducing therapy while maintaining repair integrity.
3Strength
If complex suture patterns are used to provide adequate strength, then initial repair strength can be achieved, but the repair quality degrades with subsequent loading due to dependence on surgeon skill and variability in repair quality
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides self-service by incorporating pre-configured attachment members (barbs, hooks, or nodes) that automatically engage with the tendon tissue in a standardized manner. This eliminates the need for complex, skill-dependent suture patterns and ensures consistent repair quality regardless of surgeon expertise, as the device itself performs the precise tissue engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the complex mechanical suture system with a simplified device-based attachment system. The carrier member with its geometric attachment members replaces intricate suture techniques, providing consistent initial repair strength and maintaining quality throughout loading and mobilization without dependence on surgeon skill variability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are provided for tissue fixation. In some aspects, an apparatus includes: a carrier member having a first part, a second part, and a junction therebetween; first attachment members protruding at a first angle from the first part toward the junction, where the first attachment members are configured to engage a first portion of connective tissue for attaching the first part to the first portion; and second attachment members protruding from the second part, where the second attachment members are configured to engage a second portion of connective tissue for attaching the second part to the second portion. When the first part is attached to the first portion and the second part is attached to the second portion, the first portion and the second portion are limited in being pulled apart from one another during physiological use of the connective tissue.