Membranous Tissue Grafts With Pre-Made Suture Attachment Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membranous tissue grafts face challenges in suturing due to mechanical robustness or weakness, leading to potential damage during suturing and mechanical failure, which is unsuitable for microsurgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
Membranous tissue grafts with pre-made attachment points, such as suture holes and etchings, to facilitate suturing without damaging the graft or underlying tissue, ensuring ease of use with various suture types and maintaining mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a needle with larger diameter and cutting edge is used to secure mechanically robust tissue-based membrane, then the needle can prevent bending in the membranous tissue graft, but the thicker needle causes more tissue trauma during microsurgical use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-forms holes and attachment points in the tissue graft before surgical implantation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for the surgeon to pierce the graft with a needle during surgery, thereby preventing needle-induced tissue trauma while still allowing secure attachment of the graft to the defect site
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-formed holes and attachment points serve as intermediaries between the suture material and the tissue graft. Instead of using a needle to directly pierce the graft, the suture is threaded through the pre-formed holes, which are designed to accommodate various suture types without requiring needle penetration of the graft tissue
2Ease of operation
If suture is placed in certain membranous tissue grafts with weak mechanical properties, then the graft can be secured, but tears or rips occur and propagate through the material causing mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue graft is pre-formed with holes and attachment points during manufacturing, before surgical implantation. This preliminary structuring provides predetermined secure attachment locations that distribute mechanical loads, preventing tear propagation while maintaining graft integrity during suturing procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates localized reinforcement zones at the attachment points where the tissue graft structure is modified to provide enhanced strength and tear resistance. These local quality enhancements at critical attachment locations prevent tear propagation while maintaining the overall flexibility and biological properties of the graft material
3Strength
If traditional suturing methods are used on membranous tissue grafts, then the graft can be secured to tissue, but the suturing process is difficult and may damage the graft or underlying tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue graft is manufactured with pre-formed holes and attachment points that are optimally positioned and sized for various suture types. This preliminary preparation eliminates the difficulty of creating attachment points during surgery and allows for easy, damage-free suturing by simply threading suture material through the pre-formed openings
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-formed attachment points are designed to accommodate multiple suture types and configurations, providing universal compatibility across different surgical techniques and graft applications. This multi-functionality simplifies the suturing process by allowing surgeons to use their preferred suture methods without worrying about graft damage
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to membranous tissue grafts comprising one or more pre-made attachment points. The one or more pre-made attachment points may include pre-made markings and/or pre-made suture holes. The membranous tissue grafts can be in the form of a tube. The membranous tissue grafts can also be rectangular in shape and can be used in a nerve repair by wrapping the severed or damaged nerve. In some embodiments, the membranous tissue grafts are suitable for repairing severed nerves that have a short gap or no gap with a gap of less than 5 mm between the severed stumps. Accordingly, methods are provided for repairing a damaged or severed nerve by implanting the membranous tissue grafts on to the damaged or severed nerve.