Tissue Release Instrument with Guide Channel for Fascia Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Soft tissue imbalance, particularly contracture of the gastrocnemius muscle, leads to joint pain and dysfunction by limiting ankle range of motion, which conservative treatments often fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A tissue release instrument comprising a distractor with a guide channel and a blade assembly is used to isolate and cut the contracted tissue, allowing for surgical lengthening by sliding the blade through the channel to relieve tension and restore mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conservative treatment is used for soft tissue contracture, then non-invasive approach is maintained, but joint mobility and range of motion are not restored
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument divides the soft tissue release procedure into distinct functional segments: the distractor component creates space by separating tissue structures, while the blade assembly performs the cutting action. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling effective surgical intervention when conservative treatment fails.
2Reliability
If surgical cutting of fascia is performed to lengthen muscle, then joint mobility is restored, but tissue damage and surgical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor and blade assembly are merged into a single integrated instrument that can be inserted through one incision. The distractor creates the necessary space, and the blade assembly, which attaches to the distractor, performs the cutting action in the same surgical field, reducing the need for multiple incisions and complex surgical steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide channel on the distractor serves as an intermediary structure that directs and controls the blade assembly's movement. This intermediary mechanism ensures the blade cuts the fascia at the precise location and angle needed, while the distractor itself mediates the space creation that enables safe access to the target tissue.
3Manufacturing precision
If blade assembly is inserted through tissue to reach contracted fascia, then precise cutting is achieved, but risk of damaging surrounding structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor is inserted and positioned first to create the necessary space and expose the target fascia before the blade assembly is introduced. This preliminary action of space creation allows the subsequent cutting action to be performed safely with reduced risk to surrounding structures, as the distractor acts as a protective barrier and spatial guide.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide channel on the distractor serves as an intermediary structure that directs and controls the blade assembly's movement. This intermediary mechanism ensures the blade cuts the fascia at the precise location and angle needed, while the distractor itself mediates the space creation that enables safe access to the target tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for releasing soft tissue includes a distractor and blade assembly. The distractor may include a guide channel positioned along an edge of the distractor and the blade assembly fits into the guide channel and is configured to slide within the channel of the distractor.