Clinical and surgical system and method for moving and stretching plastic tissue
A system and method of moving and stretching plastic tissue using dynamic force. A preferably non-reactive force applying component is adjustably attachable to one or more tissue attachment structures for securing the force applying component to the plastic tissue, providing a self adjusting system that is capable of exerting relatively constant tension over a certain distance.
1. A method for stretching plastic tissue comprising:
(a) evaluating a needed direction of stretching of the tissue;
(b) determining a number of anchors to employ;
(c) installing at least one anchor to the tissue with surgical adhesive;
(d) securing at least one elastomeric force applying component to the at least one anchor without knotting the force applying component;
(e) adjusting tension by removing and re-securing the same at least one elastomeric force applying component to the at least one anchor.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising dressing the area of application prior to securing the elastomeric force applying component.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric force applying component is at least one monostrand elastomer having two ends.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the securing the elastomeric force applying component further comprises securing one end of the elastomer to a cleat in a first anchor, lacing the elastomer around a hook of a second anchor, and securing the other end of the elastomer to a cleat in a third anchor.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric force applying component further comprises a tension indication feature.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the adjusting tension further comprises referring to a tension application table to determine extension needed to apply a desired force.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the adjusting tension further comprises referring to a tension indication feature of the elastomeric force applying component.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the tension is infinitely adjustable within an elastic limit of the elastomeric force applying component.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric force applying component comprises at least two elastomers each having two ends.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein securing the elastomeric force applying component further comprises: securing one end of a first elastomer to a first anchor and securing the other end of the first elastomer to a second anchor; and securing one end of a second elastomer to a third anchor and securing the other end of the second elastomer to a fourth anchor.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein securing the elastomeric force applying component further comprises securing one end of each elastomer to a first anchor and securing the other end of each elastomer to a second anchor.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric force applying component is an elastic suture.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein said securing the elastomeric force applying component further comprises securing a first end of the elastomeric force applying component to a first anchor and securing a second end of the elastomeric force applying component to a second anchor.
14. The method of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of anchors attached to a strip of surgical adhesive.
15. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one anchor further comprises a cleat for securing the elastomeric force applying component.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one anchor further comprises a hook for engaging the elastomeric force applying component.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one anchor further comprises an eye.
18. The method of claim 1 , wherein evaluating the needed stretching of the tissue comprises evaluating the needed stretching of healthy tissue.