Tendon harvesting assemblies and methods
Inventors
Karasic, Geoffrey Ian • Hosseini, Ali • MacCready, Christopher David • Liu, Chun • Hunt, James • Koski, Matthew Edwin • McGovern, Paul • Peabody, Jacob
Assignees
Smith and Nephew Orthopaedics AG • Smith & Nepew Asia Pacific Pte Ltd • Smith and Nephew Asia Pacific Pte Ltd • Smith and Nephew Inc
Publication Number
US-12256912-B2
Publication Date
2025-03-25
Expiration Date
2040-10-16
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Abstract
A harvesting assembly for harvesting a tissue graft from surrounding tissue is disclosed including a guide. The guide includes a means for fixedly engaging with an anterior surface of the tendon. The guide also includes a means of guiding a cutting blade along a preferred trajectory into and along a length of the tendon. The guide also includes a means of guiding a truncating blade along a preferred trajectory across a width of tendon. The cutting blade may include two parallel blades for forming lateral sides of the tendon graft simultaneously. Each of the two parallel blades may define a leading edge that extends along at least a 90 degree arc that is equidistant from a stop on the cutting blade. The stop in combination with the guide may limit a cut depth into the tendon for a range of cutting blade handle elevation angles.
Core Innovation
The invention discloses a tendon harvesting assembly and methods for reliably and reproducibly removing a strip or portion of tendon tissue from the remainder of the tendon, such as when harvesting a quadriceps tendon graft for ligament reconstruction. The assemblies include a guide that fixedly engages the anterior surface of the tendon and provides means for guiding both a cutting blade and a truncating blade along preferred trajectories, permitting precise formation of the graft in terms of width, thickness, and length.
The core problem addressed is the difficulty of consistently and efficiently harvesting a uniform tendon graft, particularly from the quadriceps tendon, which is large, strong, stiff, and challenging to cut with existing devices. Prior tools can deviate off course due to tendon toughness, produce uneven strips, require multiple cuts, or demand large incisions for visualization, resulting in greater surgical difficulty, time, and risk of tissue damage.
The innovation centers on a surgical cutting assembly with a guide system and cutting blades—often two parallel blades—designed to form the lateral sides of the tendon graft simultaneously. The guide not only stabilizes the tendon and ensures accurate trajectory, but also integrates features such as depth stops and guiding tracks to limit cut depth and enhance reproducibility. Additional embodiments include adjustable guide lengths, markings for graft measurement, and specially-configured amputation tools that shield the blade and safely truncate the graft with controlled depth and alignment.
Claims Coverage
The patent claims cover multiple inventive features relating to a tendon harvesting system with a specific guide, harvester, and amputation tool design.
Guide with spaced elongate body and ends for tendon engagement
A guide featuring a first end, second end, and an elongate body configured to be anteriorly spaced from the native tendon. The first end is designed to engage the tendon adjacent to the patella, and the second end to engage the tendon at the proximal end of the target graft length.
Harvester with two guided blades for simultaneous lateral graft cuts
A harvester incorporating a first blade and a second blade, both situated at the leading end, with a handle extending therefrom. The blades extend through the guide's first end and are configured to cut into and along the anterior tendon surface, forming two lateral sides of the graft simultaneously under guidance from the guide.
Amputating tool for controlled proximal graft transection
An amputating tool configured to transect the tendon at the guide's second end, creating a proximal end surface of the graft in a controlled and guided manner.
The inventive features establish a system comprising a guide for spaced tendon engagement, a dual-blade harvester for simultaneous lateral graft formation, and an amputation tool for precise transection at a defined graft length.
Stated Advantages
The cutting assembly enables increased graft reproducibility and dimensional precision.
The system decreases procedure time compared to current cutting devices and free-hand methods.
It allows harvesting of reliable tendon graft strips without requiring a longer incision along the patient’s thigh.
It provides improved visualization of the tendon anterior surface during the procedure.
The system allows for constant cutting depth over a range of elevation angles, controlling graft thickness and limiting tissue injury.
Integrated stops and guide elements reduce unintended movement, resulting in more consistent and safer tissue harvesting.
The system offers versatility in harvesting grafts of adjustable lengths with the aid of adjustable guides and markings.
Documented Applications
Harvesting tissue grafts from the quadriceps tendon for ligament surgery, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
Use in procedures including arthroscopic surgeries involving preparation of quadriceps tendon grafts.
Harvesting tendon grafts with or without a bone block using the described guide and harvester system.
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