Two-Sides Gripping Knit for Tissue Approximation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing porous knits used for approximating tissue layers in surgery often lack sufficient elasticity, leading to tissue tension and discomfort, especially in areas subject to multidirectional pressures, and are time-consuming to produce.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic porous knit with outwardly protruding barbs on both faces, manufactured using a warp knitting machine with four guide-bars, featuring a hot-melt monofilament yarn that forms loops and barbs, providing high tensile breaking elongation and elasticity in all directions, allowing for smooth tissue movement and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical suture threads are used to approximate two tissue layers, then the tissue layers can be attached together, but the process is time-consuming and creates tensions and tearing within the tissue layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time-consuming suturing process by replacing it with a pre-fabricated porous knit structure that inherently approximates tissue layers through its barbed design. The knit is implanted as a complete unit rather than requiring step-by-step suturing, thereby eliminating the time loss while maintaining reliable tissue attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous knit acts as an intermediary device between two tissue layers, providing a structured medium with barbs that mechanically engage both layers simultaneously. This intermediary structure replaces the need for continuous suture threads and creates a stable approximation without the time-consuming process of individual stitch placement.
2Reliability
If surgical suture threads are used to approximate two tissue layers, then the tissue layers can be attached together, but tensions and tearing occur within the tissue layers
Solution Approach 1:
The porous knit features localized barbs at specific intervals along its structure, creating concentrated engagement points with the tissue layers. These locally distributed barbs distribute the attachment forces across multiple points rather than concentrating stress along a continuous suture line, thereby preventing tissue tearing while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous knit functions as a flexible thin film structure that can conform to tissue contours and distribute mechanical stresses evenly. Its flexibility allows it to accommodate tissue movement without creating rigid constraints that would lead to tearing, while its barbed surface maintains reliable attachment.
3Reliability
If existing porous knits are used for tissue approximation, then tissue layers can be attached, but the knits lack sufficient elasticity leading to tissue tension and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates elastic fibers into the porous knit structure, transforming it from a static to a dynamic system. The elastic components allow the knit to stretch and recoil, adapting to tissue movement and physiological changes while maintaining attachment. This dynamic property eliminates tissue tension and discomfort by accommodating natural tissue expansion and contraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous knit is constructed as a composite material system combining traditional knit fibers with elastic fiber components. This composite structure integrates the mechanical engagement capability of the barbed knit with the flexibility and elasticity of the elastic fibers, achieving both reliable tissue attachment and adaptability to tissue movement.
4Reliability
If existing porous knits are used for tissue approximation, then tissue layers can be attached, but the production process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the attachment function and the elastic adaptation function into a single integrated porous knit structure. By combining knit fibers with elastic fibers during manufacturing, the product achieves multiple functions simultaneously, simplifying the overall production process compared to assembling separate components and improving manufacturing efficiency.
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 knit efficiently approximates tissue layers with high elasticity, reducing tissue tension and discomfort, while being quick and cost-effective to produce, enabling smooth adaptation to various pressures and movements.
Implementation Method 1
a hot-melt monofilament yarn that forms loops and barbs
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a knit having barbs protruding outwards from both faces obtained by knitting yarns of biocompatible material in guide-bars B2, B3 and B4 of a knitting machine, wherein the knitting patterns followed by guide-bars B2 and B3 involve at least two needles and produce an arrangement of yarns defining two faces of the knit, the knitting pattern followed by guide-bar B4 making stitches generating loops protruding outwards from each of the faces of the knit, guide-bar B4 being threaded with a hot-melt monofilament yarn, heat-setting the knit, forming barbs by cutting the loops via melting.