T-RESAP Surgical Applicator for Soft Tissue Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical applicators are inadequate for precisely and efficiently applying the T-REM3DIE implantable device, which is used to repair soft tissues like tendons and ligaments, leading to increased surgery time and variability.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical device resembling a staple gun, called T-RESAP, is designed to guide the correct positioning and insertion of the T-REM3DIE device, utilizing a lever and piston mechanism to apply bio-compatible and bio-absorbable plates and connecting elements, with a return spring for easy removal and reduced manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional surgical applicators are used to apply the T-REM3DIE device, then the device can be applied, but the application time increases and surgical variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the T-REM3DIE device components and pre-aligning them with the soft tissue before final insertion. The guide mechanism pre-establishes the correct spatial orientation, ensuring consistent application results and reducing surgical variability while accelerating the overall procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator acts as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the T-REM3DIE device, providing a standardized interface that translates surgical intent into precise device placement. This intermediary mechanism ensures reproducible application results and reduces dependency on surgeon expertise variability.
2Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of the T-REM3DIE device is performed, then the device can be applied, but the risk of manipulation errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator enables the T-REM3DIE device to essentially apply itself through the guide mechanism that automatically positions and aligns the device components. The system reduces the need for complex manual manipulation while maintaining high placement accuracy, as the guide structure self-orientates the device relative to the soft tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide mechanism performs preliminary alignment and positioning actions before the final device insertion, establishing correct spatial orientation automatically. This pre-positioning eliminates the need for complex manual manipulation during insertion while ensuring consistent placement accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex applicator mechanism is used to ensure precise placement, then placement accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is segmented into distinct functional modules: a handle portion, a guide mechanism, and a holder assembly. Each segment performs a specific function (grip, align, hold) and can be independently optimized. This segmentation achieves precise placement through coordinated simple actions rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide mechanism serves as an intermediary structure that simplifies the interaction between the surgeon and the device. It translates simple insertion motions into precise device placement through its geometric guide structure, avoiding the need for complex control mechanisms while maintaining high placement accuracy.
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
The T-RESAP applicator significantly reduces application time, minimizes surgical manipulation risks, and ensures precise placement of the T-REM3DIE device, thereby enhancing surgical efficiency and reducing intra-operative variability.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring (8) configured to transform the movement of the lever (2) with respect to the shaft (4) into a movement of the piston (6), and configured to house a perforating plate (10) of the T-REM3DIE device
Data Source
AI summary
A T-RESAP surgical applicator device which is usable during surgeries aimed at repairing soft tissues by applying an implantable T-REM3DIE element, is configured to perforate the soft tissues to be repaired and to correctly position and insert the implantable T-REM3DIE device in the tissue to be repaired.