Worm Drive Delivery Device for Soft Tissue Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tendon repair methods face challenges such as high failure rates due to overloading at the repair site, adhesion formation, and the need for complex and time-consuming suturing procedures, which can lead to reduced repair strength and increased risk of tendon rupture.
Innovation Solution
A delivery device system that includes a housing, worm drive, thumb wheel, and finger element to precisely fixate a repair device to soft tissue, allowing controlled deployment of anchors to prevent gap formation and enhance tendon healing while minimizing adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex suture patterns are used to repair tendon, then initial repair strength is provided, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires specialized surgeons
Solution Approach 1:
The repair system is divided into modular components: separate anchors, a flexible member (sutureless repair element), and a delivery device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled quickly during the procedure, eliminating the need for complex suturing patterns while maintaining repair strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member is designed to be self-tightening and self-securing through the anchor insertion mechanism. The delivery device automatically tensions and locks the flexible member between anchors without requiring manual knot tying or complex surgeon manipulation, reducing procedure time and skill requirements.
2Reliability
If early post-operative mobilization is implemented to restore tendon function, then tendon healing is enhanced, but adhesion formation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The repair construct is designed with inherent load-distribution features that cushion and distribute stresses during early mobilization. The flexible member and anchor configuration create a gradual load transfer zone that protects the healing tendon from peak stresses that would cause adhesion, allowing earlier rehabilitation protocols.
3Strength
If the repair site is protected from overloading to prevent failure, then repair strength is maintained, but rehabilitative motion protocols cannot be fully implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The repair system transitions from a static, rigid fixation to a dynamic construct that adapts to loading conditions. The flexible member allows controlled micro-motion and elastic deformation under load, distributing stresses dynamically throughout the repair site. This dynamic response maintains repair strength while permitting the full range of rehabilitative motion protocols.
4Device complexity
If simple repair methods are used to reduce procedure complexity, then operation time is reduced, but repair strength and quality may degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex manual suturing mechanics with a mechanically-driven delivery device that inserts anchors and tensions the flexible member through controlled mechanical action. This substitution maintains high repair strength through precise mechanical placement while dramatically reducing the skill and time requirements of the procedure.
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 system effectively reduces the risk of tendon rupture and adhesion by providing a strong, stable repair that allows for controlled elongation and tissue ingrowth, improving the healing process and reducing the need for complex suturing.
Implementation Method 1
The worm drive is positioned within the housing. The thumb wheel is disposed around the worm drive such that the thumb wheel is configured to be rotated to linearly move the worm drive with threads defined in at least one of the worm drive and the thumb wheel.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems and/or methods for repairing soft tissue adjacent a repair site. In one embodiment, a repair device is delivered with a delivery device system configured to move a cartridge with the repair device disposed therein toward an anvil with soft tissue positioned thereon. The delivery device linearly moves the cartridge toward the anvil with a worm drive positioned within a housing by rotating a thumb wheel disposed around the worm drive. Such linear movement is provided with a finger element extending from the worm drive that is configured to cooperate with an internal surface of the thumb wheel. With this arrangement, upon rotating the thumb wheel, the worm drive rotates with the finger element engaged with the internal surface of the thumb wheel to linearly move the cartridge toward the anvil.