Transparent Surgical Press for Tissue Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for using autograft tissue in joint repair and reconstruction require a large piece of tissue and lack visibility during dimension adjustment, which can lead to suboptimal results and increased risk of suture pull-out.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system comprising transparent or semi-transparent press components that allow for the adjustment of tissue dimensions by compressing the tissue within a cavity, enabling real-time visualization and the formation of raised areas to resist suture pull-out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large piece of autograft tissue is harvested from the donor site, then the tissue is sufficient for joint repair and reconstruction, but the surgical trauma and morbidity at the donor site increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by compressing the harvested tissue to alter its physical dimensions and density. The compression device reduces the tissue volume and increases its density, allowing a smaller harvested tissue sample to provide the same structural support and functional capacity as a larger uncompressed tissue would have provided. This directly resolves the contradiction by changing the tissue parameters post-harvest rather than requiring a larger initial harvest.
2Ease of operation
If the tissue dimensions are adjusted without visualization, then the adjustment process is simpler, but the precision of dimension control decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes transparency (an optical property similar to color change principles) by making the press component transparent. This allows the surgeon to visually observe the tissue compression process in real-time, monitoring the tissue dimensions as they change. The transparent press component enables precise dimension control while maintaining ease of operation, as the surgeon can see when the desired dimensions are achieved without adding complex measurement devices.
3Quantity of substance
If the tissue is compressed to reduce harvest size, then the donor site trauma is reduced, but the tissue structure may become compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the compression parameters (force, duration, and distribution) to achieve volume reduction while preserving structural integrity. The press component is designed to apply uniform compression that consolidates the tissue without causing damage. The process changes the tissue parameters in a controlled manner, reducing volume while maintaining or even improving structural properties through consolidation of tissue fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent press component provides visual feedback to the surgeon during compression, allowing real-time monitoring of tissue response. This feedback mechanism enables the surgeon to adjust compression parameters to prevent over-compression that could damage tissue structure, while still achieving sufficient volume reduction to minimize harvest size and donor site trauma.
4Device complexity
If traditional non-transparent press components are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to monitor tissue compression in real-time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the press component transparent, utilizing optical properties to enable visualization of the tissue compression process. This simple design modification allows real-time monitoring of tissue dimensions and compression uniformity without adding mechanical complexity or electronic sensors. The transparency provides continuous visual information about the compression process while keeping the device structure simple and easy to use.
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
Enables the use of autograft tissue for joint repair without requiring large tissue harvests, allows for precise dimension adjustment, and reduces suture pull-out risk through visible compression and formation of raised areas.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the first and second press components are made of a transparent or semi-transparent material such that when harvested tissue is in the cavity and when the projection is inserted into the cavity, the harvested tissue is visible through at least one of the first and second press components
Implementation Method 2
changing a dimension of the harvested tissue by inserting a projection of a second press component into the cavity of the first press component
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure details a surgical system and method for changing one or more dimensions of harvested tissue, such an autograft, which is harvested from one location in a patient's body and used for a surgical repair or reconstruction procedure in another location in the patient's body. An example surgical system includes a first press component defining a cavity configured to receive harvested tissue, and a second press component including a projection insertable into the cavity. Further, at least one of the first and second press components are made of a transparent or semi-transparent material such that when harvested tissue is in the cavity and when the projection is inserted into the cavity, the harvested tissue is visible through at least one of the first and second press components.