Suture fixation assembly
The suture fixation assembly with a central hub and lock collar addresses the challenge of securely fixing thin absorbable sutures by using snap-fit mechanisms, ensuring easy and reliable suturing during surgery and eliminating the need for additional removal procedures.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing sutures, particularly thin-sized absorbable sutures, are difficult to securely fix during surgical procedures, necessitating a reliable and easy-to-use suture retainer made of bioabsorbable material.
A suture fixation assembly comprising a central hub and a lock collar, both made of bioabsorbable material, which securely fixes sutures using snap-fit mechanisms and engaging surfaces to hold smaller diameter sutures in place.
The assembly effectively secures thin sutures such as 8-0, 9-0, 10-0, and 11-0 sutures, facilitating easy and reliable fixation during minimally invasive surgery without the need for additional procedures to remove the sutures.
Smart Images
Figure 2026053577000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to surgical devices, and more particularly to an assembly for securing sutures.
Background Art
[0002] Sutures are sterilized fibers used to close wounds and provide strength during the wound healing process. In ancient times, metal wires and natural fibers were used for this purpose. Recently, synthetic fibers such as polyamide, polyester, and polypropylene, which have high compatibility with human tissues, have been introduced. These suture materials are biostable (stable against the living body) and maintain strength for several years. After the wound has healed properly, the sutures need to be removed in another surgery.
[0003] To avoid another procedure for removing sutures, bioabsorbable sutures have been developed. Such bioabsorbable sutures are degraded in the body environment and lose strength within several months. Using a thread made of ordinary intestine, which is a natural material based on collagen, as an absorbable suture has been described since ancient times.
[0004] Examples of more modern absorbable sutures include polylactic acid (PLA), which is an absorbable, non-toxic, non-irritating synthetic material useful for surgical applications. Since then, polymers of glycolic acid and copolymers of glycolic acid and lactic acid have been developed as effective materials for absorbable sutures.
[0005] Absorbable sutures are widely used, but when using thin sutures of sizes such as 6-0, 7-0, 8-*, 9-0, 10-0, 11-0, etc., it is difficult to securely fix the ends of the absorbable sutures. Therefore, there is a need for a suture retainer for thin-sized sutures that is easy to use, reliable, and made of a bioabsorbable material.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0006] [Figure 1A] Note: There seems to be a typo in the original text where "8-*" is written instead of "8-0". This has been left as is in the translation.This figure shows an embodiment of a suture fixation assembly. [Figure 1B] This is a view of the same suture fixation assembly from a different direction. [Figure 1C] This is a view of the same suture fixation assembly from a different direction. [Figure 1D] This is a view of the same suture fixation assembly from a different direction. [Figure 1E] This is a view of the same suture fixation assembly from a different direction.
[0007] [Figure 2A] This is a cross-sectional view of the suture fixation assembly shown in Figure 1B, along the line 2A–2A.
[0008] [Figure 2B] This is a cross-sectional view of the suture fixation assembly shown in Figure 1A, along the line 2B-2B.
[0009] [Figure 2C] This is a cross-sectional view of the suture fixation assembly shown in Figure 1B, along the 2C-2C line.
[0010] [Figure 2D] Figure 2C is a perspective view showing a cross-section of the suture fixation assembly.
[0011] [Figure 3A] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the central hub and lock collar incorporated into the suture fixation assembly. [Figure 3B] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the central hub and lock collar incorporated into the suture fixation assembly. [Figure 3C] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the central hub and lock collar incorporated into the suture fixation assembly.
[0012] [Figure 4A] This figure shows the central hub of the suture fixation assembly. [Figure 4B] This is a view of the central hub of the suture fixation assembly from a different direction. [Figure 4C] Figure showing the central hub of the suture fixation assembly viewed from different directions. [Figure 4D] Figure showing the central hub of the suture fixation assembly viewed from different directions.
[0013] [Figure 5A] Cross-sectional view along line 5A - 5A of the central hub in Figure 4A.
[0014] [Figure 5B] Perspective view showing the central hub of Figure 5A in cross-section.
[0015] [Figure 5C] Cross-sectional view along line 5C - 5C of the central hub in Figure 4A.
[0016] [Figure 5D] Perspective view showing the central hub of Figure 5C in cross-section.
[0017] [Figure 5E] Figure showing the base fixing lamp of the central hub in Figure 5A. [Figure 5F] Figure showing the base fixing lamp of the central hub in Figure 5A viewed from different directions.
[0018] [Figure 5G] Cross-sectional view along line 5G - 5G of the central hub in Figure 4A as shown in Figure 4C.
[0019] [Figure 6A] Figure showing the lock collar of the suture fixation assembly. [Figure 6B] Figure showing the lock collar of the suture fixation assembly viewed from different directions. [Figure 6C] Figure showing the lock collar of the suture fixation assembly viewed from different directions. [Figure 6D] Figure showing the lock collar of the suture fixation assembly viewed from different directions. [Figure 6E] This is a view of the lock collar of the suture fixation assembly from a different direction. [Figure 6F] This is a view of the lock collar of the suture fixation assembly from a different direction. [Figure 6G] This is a view of the lock collar of the suture fixation assembly from a different direction. [Figure 6H] This is a view of the lock collar of the suture fixation assembly from a different direction.
[0020] [Figure 7A] This is a cross-sectional view along the line 7A-7A of the lock color in Figure 6B.
[0021] [Figure 7B] Figure 7A is a perspective view showing a cross-section of the lock collar. [Figure 7C] Figure 7A is a perspective view showing a cross-section of the lock collar. [Figure 7D] Figure 7A is a perspective view of the lock collar. Detailed description of the invention
[0022] As shown in Figures 1A to 1E, a surgical fixation assembly 10 of one embodiment includes a central hub 12 and a lock collar 14 fixed to the central hub 12. As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 2A, the central hub 12 includes an opening 16 that penetrates the base portion 18 of the central hub 12, and a base fixing ramp 20 extends from the surface of the base portion 18. The base fixing ramp 20 has a first end 24, which is located on or near the surface of the base portion 18 and adjacent to the end of the opening 16. The base fixing surface 22 extends along a portion of the base fixing ramp 20. The lock collar 14 includes a collar fixing ramp 26 having a collar fixing surface 28. As shown in Figure 3A, a segment of the suture 30 passes through the opening 16 of the base portion 18 and is positioned along the base fixing surface 22 of the base portion 18. As shown in Figure 3C, when the lock collar 14 is fixed to the central hub 12, for example by one or more snap-fit functions, a first portion of the segment of the suture 30 engages with one or more portions of the base fixing surface 22, and a second portion of the segment of the suture 30 engages with one or more portions of the collar fixing surface 28, thereby fixing the segment of the suture 30 between the base fixing surface 22 and the collar fixing surface 28. In one embodiment, the central hub 12 and the lock collar 14 are each manufactured from a bioabsorbable material, so that the central hub 12 and the lock collar 14 decompose in the body cavity after a minimum amount of time. During minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon can fix the segment of the suture 30 within the surgical fixation assembly 10 by passing the segment of the suture 30 through the opening 16 and inserting it along the base fixing surface 22, and then connecting the lock collar 14 to the central hub 12. The engagement between the central hub 12 and the lock collar 14 allows smaller diameter sutures (such as 8-0, 9-0, 10-0, and 11-0 sutures) to be securely and easily fixed by the surgical fixation assembly 10.
[0023] Looking at the surgical fixation assembly 10 in more detail, as shown in Figure 4A, the central hub 12 extends along the hub axis 32 from a first end 34 to a second end 36. The hub axis 32 extends along or parallel to the Z-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in Figures 4A and 4D. The central hub 12 includes a base portion 18, which has a first surface 38 located at the first end 40 of the base portion 18 and a second surface 42 located at the second end 44 of the base portion 18. The base portion 18 may be disc-shaped or substantially cylindrical. Viewed along the hub axis 32, it may have a circular (or nearly circular) cross-sectional shape. The first surface 38 and the second surface 42 may each be planar or substantially planar, or may have any other arbitrary shape or combination of shapes.
[0024] As shown in Figure 4B, the opening 16 penetrates the base portion 18. In particular, as shown in the cross-sectional view in Figure 5A, the first end 46 of the opening 16 is positioned on the first surface 38 of the base portion 18, and the second end 48 of the opening 16 is positioned on the second surface 42 of the base portion 18. The opening 16 has any suitable shape or combination of shapes that accommodate one or more portions (or segments) of a suture. For example, the opening 16 may have a "figure eight" shape when viewed along the hub axis 32. Furthermore, the opening 16 does not have to have a uniform cross-sectional shape from the first end 46 to the second end 48 along an axis parallel to the hub axis 32 (or along an axis parallel to the hub axis 32). In some embodiments, the opening 16 expands from the second end 48 to the first end 46.
[0025] As shown in Figure 4A, the central hub 12 may include a first arm 50 extending along a first arm axis 52 from a first end 54 to a second end 56. The first arm axis 52 extends parallel to or along the hub axis 32. The first end 54 of the first arm 50 is coupled to a portion of the base portion 18, for example, a portion of the second surface 42 of the base portion 18. The second end 56 of the first arm 50 is located at or near the second end 36 of the central hub 12. The first arm 50 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as rectangular or substantially rectangular, along the first arm axis 52. In this way, the first arm 50 is supported by a cantilever beam from the second surface 42 of the base portion 18, and when a force is applied to or near the second end 56 of the first arm 50 and that force is directed perpendicular to the first arm axis 52 (i.e., along the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in Figures 4A and 4D), the second end 56 of the first arm 50 can bend in the direction along the Y-axis relative to the fixed first end 54 of the first arm 50.
[0026] Continuing to refer to Figure 4A, the first arm mating feature 58 is located at or near the second end 56 of the first arm 50. However, the first arm mating feature 58 may be located away from the second end 56 of the first arm 50, or at any suitable location between the first end 54 and the second end 56. The first arm mating feature 58 is any feature or combination of features configured to engage with the first collar mating feature 60 of the lock collar 14 (see, for example, Figure 2C). Details are as follows: For example, the first arm mating feature 58 is a slot extending along the outward-facing face 62 of the first arm 50, and this slot extends in a direction perpendicular to both the first arm axis 52 and the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in Figures 4A and 4D (i.e., along the X-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in Figures 4A and 4D). The slot is the first of the lock collar 14 The collar-fitting feature 60 has one or more undercuts configured to engage with the corresponding ridge portion. These undercuts allow the first arm portion 50 to be displaced in a first direction relative to the lock collar 14, but prevent the first arm portion 50 from moving in a second direction relative to the lock collar 14.
[0027] Referring to Figure 4A, the central hub 12 includes a second arm 62 that is a mirror image of the first arm 50 but otherwise identical. Its plane of symmetry is a plane parallel to the X-Z plane (of the reference coordinate system shown in Figures 4A and 4B) passing through the hub axis 32. The second arm 62 extends along the second arm axis 64 from a first end 66 to a second end 68. The second arm axis 64 extends parallel to (or along) the hub axis 32 and is parallel to the first arm axis 52. The first end 66 of the second arm 62 is coupled to a part of the base portion 18, such as a part of the second surface 42 of the base portion 18. The second end 68 of the second arm 62 is located at or near the second end 36 of the central hub 12. The second arm 62 has any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as rectangular or substantially rectangular, along the second arm axis 64. In this way, the second arm 62 is supported by a cantilever beam from the second surface 42 of the base portion 18, and when a force is applied to or near the second end 68 of the second arm 62, and that force is directed perpendicular to the second arm axis 64 (i.e., along the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in Figures 4A and 4D), the second end 68 of the second arm 62 can bend in a direction along the Y-axis relative to the fixed first end 66 of the second arm 62.
[0028] The second arm mating feature 70 can be located at or near the second end 68 of the second arm 62. However, the second arm mating feature 70 can also be located away from the second end 68 of the second arm 62, or at any suitable location between the first end 66 and the second end 68. The second arm mating feature 70 may be any feature or combination of features configured to engage with the second collar mating feature 72 of the lock collar 14 (see, for example, Figure 2C). The details are as follows: For example, the second arm mating feature 70 is a slot extending along the outward-facing face 62 of the second arm 62. This slot extends perpendicular to both the second arm axis 64 and the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in Figures 4A and 4D (i.e., Figures 4A and 4D) (Extends along the X-axis of the reference coordinate system shown). The slot is the first of the lock color 14. It has one or more undercuts configured to engage with the ridge portion of the two-collar mating feature 72. These undercuts allow the first arm portion 50 to be displaced in a first direction relative to the lock collar 14, but prevent the first arm portion 50 from moving in a second direction relative to the lock collar 14.
[0029] As shown in Figure 4A, the central hub 12 is parallel (or nearly parallel) to the hub axis 32. The system includes a base fixing ramp 20 that extends along the ramp base axis 73 from a first end 24 to a second end 74. The first end 24 of the fixing ramp 20 is located near or on the second end 44 of the base portion 18. The first end 24 of the fixing ramp 20 may extend from the second surface 42 of the base portion 18 toward the second end 36 of the central hub 12. In one embodiment, a portion of the first end 24 of the fixing ramp 20 is located near or on the second end 48 of the opening 16. The second end 74 of the fixing ramp 20 is located away from the second end 56 of the first arm 50 and is situated between the first end 54 and the second end 56 of the first arm 50 (i.e., approximately midway between the first end 54 and the second end 56). Similarly, the second end 74 of the fixed lamp 20 is positioned away from the second end 68 of the second arm 62, and is located between the first end 66 and the second end 68 of the second arm 62 (i.e., approximately midway between the first end 66 and the second end 68).
[0030] The fixed ramp 20 extends laterally between the first arm 50 and the second arm 62 (i.e., in a direction substantially along the X-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in Figures 4A and 4D). Specifically, the first lateral end 75 of the base fixed ramp 20 is located on or near the inner surface 76 of the first arm 50, and the second lateral end 78 of the fixed ramp 20 is located on or near the inner surface 80 of the second arm 62.
[0031] As shown in Figure 4A, the base fixing ramp 20 includes a base fixing surface 22. This base fixing surface 22 extends along a portion of the base fixing ramp 20 and along the base ramp axis 73 (see Figure 5A) or substantially along the base ramp axis 73, from a first end 82 to a second end 84. The base fixing surface 22 may extend along any or more portions of the base fixing ramp 20, so that all or part of the base fixing surface 22 can engage with a segment of the suture 30 when the central hub 12 is fixed to the lock collar 14, as described later. In one embodiment, the first end 82 of the base fixing surface 22 is located at or near the first end 24 of the base fixing ramp 20, and the second end 84 of the base fixing surface 22 is located at or near the second end 74 of the base fixing ramp 20. However, the first end 82 of the base fixing surface 22 may be separate from the first end 24 of the base fixing ramp 20, and / or the base fixing surface The second end 84 of the fixing surface 22 may be separated from the second end 74 of the base fixing ramp 20. In one embodiment, the first end 82 of the base fixing surface 22 may be located on or near the second surface 42 of the base portion 18, and the first end 82 of the base fixing surface 22 may be adjacent to the second end 48 of the opening 16 (see Figure 5A). Referring to Figure 5F, the base fixing surface 22 may extend laterally to the first lateral end 75 of the fixing ramp 20 and laterally to the second lateral end 78 of the fixing ramp 20. However, the base fixing surface 22 may not extend completely to the first lateral end 75 of the fixing ramp 20 and / or to the second lateral end 78 of the fixing ramp 20.
[0032] Viewed in a cross-section along the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in Figures 5A and 5C (the cross-section is parallel to the XZ plane, passing through the hub axis 32 in Figure 5A and offset from the hub axis 32 in Figure 5C), the base mounting surface 22 extends along an axis 164 that forms an acute angle with the hub axis 32 from the first end 82 to the second end 84. This acute angle is, for example, 5° to 30°. The axis 164 is linear and extends through or along the base mounting surface 22 in a general direction from the first end 82 to the second end 84, approximately coinciding with the orientation of the base mounting surface 22 with respect to the hub axis. For example, referring to Figure 5A, the axis 164 intersects the first end 82 or a first portion near it, and intersects the second end 84 or a second portion near it.
[0033] The base fixing surface 22 may have any suitable texture, combination of textures, or other surface treatment. These textures, etc., facilitate the engagement of the suture segments 30 when the central hub 12 is joined to the lock collar 14. For example, the base fixing surface 22 may have multiple ridges, bumps, protrusions, steps, nubs, or any of these features or smooth surfaces. This includes combinations of the same thing.
[0034] In one embodiment, the base mounting surface 22 has a general configuration of a "pig's mouth". More specifically, as shown in Figure 5F, the base mounting surface 22 includes a first trough 166a extending from a first end 82 to a second end 84 of the base mounting surface 22 on the first side of the hub shaft 32 (or shaft 164). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5F, the base mounting surface 22 includes a second trough 166b extending from a first end 82 to a second end 84 of the base mounting surface 22 on the second side of the hub shaft 32. The first trough 166a is separated from the second trough 166b by a ridge 168 extending substantially along the hub shaft 32 (or shaft 164) from the first end 82 to the second end 84 of the base mounting surface 22. Referring to Figures 4A, 5F, and 5G, the first trough 166a extends laterally (i.e., along the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system in Figure 5F) from the first lateral end 75 or its vicinity of the first end of the fixed ramp 20 to the first part of the ridge 168 or its vicinity of the second end, and its cross-sectional shape is substantially similar to an arc or part of a circle. Similarly, the second trough 166b extends laterally (i.e., along the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system in Figure 5F) from the second part of the ridge 168 or its vicinity of the first end to the second lateral end 78 or its vicinity of the second end of the fixed ramp 20, and its cross-sectional shape is identical or substantially identical to the cross-sectional shape of the first trough 166a.
[0035] When the first trough 166a is viewed along the Y-axis in a cross-section obtained by cutting along a plane parallel to the X-Z plane of the reference coordinate system (i.e., Figure 5C, which is a cross-section along line 5C-5C in Figure 4A), the first trough 166a has a series of steps or shelves 170a, 17b, 170c extending from the first end 82 to the second end 84 of the base fixing surface 22. Each shelf 170a, 170b, 170c includes an edge ridge 172a, 172b, 172c (a raised portion with an edge). These edge ridges are configured to bite into or engage with the segments of the suture 30 when the lock collar 14 is fixed to the central hub 12, preventing the segments of the suture 30 from shifting relative to the lock collar 14 and / or the central hub 12. In some embodiments, the first trough 166a may include additional shelves or fewer shelves. The second trough 166b may be identical (or substantially identical) to the first trough 166a, but the second trough 166b may have any number or structure of shelves. Furthermore, the base fixing surface 22 may include only a single trough or may include three or more troughs. There may be multiple troughs, each trough having any suitable structure or combination of structures.
[0036] In one embodiment, the base fixing surface 22 may have a general configuration of multiple stairs (not shown) similar to the shelves 170a, 17b, and 170c. However, in this configuration The base fixing surface 22 may not have a first trough 166a and a second trough 166b, but instead may include a single multi-step staircase (not shown) extending along the base fixing surface 22 from a first end 82 to a second end 84 along the axis 164. In some embodiments, the base fixing surface 22 may include 3 to 8 steps. In some embodiments, the collar fixing surface 28 may have a number of corresponding steps similar to (or identical to) the steps of the base fixing surface 22, and the multi-step staircase of the base fixing surface 22 may be oriented to connect or substantially connect or interlock with the multi-step staircase of the collar fixing surface 28 when the central hub 12 is fixed to the lock collar 14. However, depending on the configuration, the multi-step staircase of the base fixing surface 22 may be oriented not to connect or interlock with the multi-step staircase of the collar fixing surface 28 when the central hub 12 is fixed to the lock collar 14.
[0037] Returning to Figure 1A, the surgical fixation assembly 10 also includes a lock collar 14 that is fixed to the central hub 12. As shown in Figure 6A, the lock collar 14 extends along the lock collar axis 86 from a first end 88 to a second end 90. The lock collar axis 86 is parallel to or collinear with the Z axis of the reference coordinate system shown in Figure 6B. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2A, when assembled to the central hub 12, the first end 88 of the lock collar 14 is positioned on or near the second surface 42 (or second end 44) of the base portion 18. Furthermore, the second end 88 of the lock collar 14 is positioned on or near the second end 36 of the central hub 12.
[0038] Referring to Figure 6A, the lock collar 14 includes a first slot 92 adapted to accommodate at least a portion of the first arm 50 of the central hub 12. As shown in Figure 2C, the first slot 92 penetrates the top surface 89 of the lock collar 14 and extends along the first slot axis 93 from a first end 94 to a second end 96. The first slot axis 93 is parallel to the lock collar axis 86 and is parallel (or collinear) to the first arm axis 52 when the first arm 50 is positioned within the first slot 92. When the first arm 50 is within the first slot 92, the first end 54 of the first arm 50 is positioned at or near the first end 88 of the lock collar 14, and the second end 56 of the first arm 50 is positioned at or near the second end 90 of the lock collar 14. In one embodiment, the second end 56 of the first arm 50 is positioned between the first end 88 and the second end 90 of the lock collar 14, with the second end 56 of the first arm 50 being separated from the second end 90 of the lock collar 14.
[0039] The first slot 92 is defined by two or more surfaces. These surfaces are planar or substantially planar and extend along or approximately along (or parallel to) the lock collar axis 86. These two or more surfaces can work together to define a cross-sectional shape (perpendicular to the lock collar axis 86) that corresponds to or substantially corresponds to the cross-sectional shape (perpendicular to the lock collar axis 86) of the first arm 50 of the central hub 12 (a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the first arm axis 52). For example, the cross-sectional shape of the first slot 92 (perpendicular to the lock collar axis 86) is substantially rectangular, the cross-sectional shape of the first arm 50 of the central hub 12 (perpendicular to the first arm axis 52) is substantially rectangular, the dimensions of the first slot 92 are slightly larger than the dimensions of the first arm 50 of the central hub 12, so that the first arm 50 of the central hub 12 can be inserted into the first slot 92 and fits snugly within the first slot 92.
[0040] As shown in Figure 6B, one or more surfaces defining the first slot 92 define at least partially the first color arm 98 of the lock collar 14. The first color arm 98 extends along the first color arm axis 100 from the first end 102 to the second end 104. The first color arm axis 100 extends parallel to or along the lock collar axis 86. The first color arm 98 is formed within or along the body portion 105 of the lock collar 14. The first color arm 98 is defined by one or more slot segments that penetrate or extend along the body portion 105, such as the first longitudinal slot 106, the second longitudinal slot 108, and the transverse slot 110. The first end 102 of the first color arm 98 is coupled to a portion of the body portion 105 away from the first end 88 of the lock collar 14. The second end 104 of the first collar arm 98 may be positioned near or on the second end 96 of the lock collar 14.
[0041] The first collar arm 98 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape along the first collar arm axis 100, for example, a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. In this way, the first collar arm 98 is cantilevered from a portion of the main body 105 of the lock collar 14, and when a force is applied to or near the second end 104 of the first collar arm 98, and this force is directed perpendicular to the first collar arm 98 (i.e., along the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in Figures 6A and 6B), the second end 104 of the first collar arm 98 flexes along the Y-axis relative to the fixed first end 102 of the first collar arm 98.
[0042] Referring to Figure 2C, the first collar mating feature 60 of the lock collar 14 is positioned at any suitable location on the first collar arm 98 so that it can engage with the first arm mating feature 58 when the first arm 50 is fully inserted into the first slot 92 of the lock collar 14. In one embodiment, the first collar mating feature 60 is positioned at or near the second end 104 of the first collar arm 98. However, the first collar mating feature 60 may be positioned away from the second end 104 of the first collar arm 98, or at any suitable location between the first end 102 and the second end 104.
[0043] The first collar mating feature 60 may be any feature or combination of features configured to engage with the first arm mating feature 58 of the first arm 50 of the central hub 12, for example, as shown in Figure 2C. For example, the first collar mating feature 60 is a projection or ridge feature extending along the inner surface 112 of the first collar arm 98, and the slot extends in a direction perpendicular to both the first collar arm axis 100 and the Z-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in Figure 6B (i.e., along the X-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in Figure 6B). The projection or ridge feature of the first collar mating feature 60 is configured to be at least partially accommodated in the slot of the first arm mating feature 58, and the projection or ridge is configured to be accommodated in the slot when the first arm 50 of the central hub 12 is fully inserted into the first slot 92 of the lock collar 14 (in a first direction relative to the lock collar 14), and this engagement prevents the first arm 50 from disengaging from the lock collar 14 (i.e., in a second direction relative to the lock collar 14).
[0044] Referring to Figure 6A, the lock collar 14 may include a second slot 114 adapted to accommodate at least a portion of the second arm 62 of the central hub 12. The second slot 114 is a mirror image (or identical to) the first slot 92, and its plane of symmetry is a plane parallel to the X-Z plane passing through the lock collar axis 86 (the X-Z plane of the reference coordinate system shown in Figures 6A and 6B). As shown in Figure 2C, the second slot 114 penetrates the upper surface 89 of the lock collar 14 and extends along the second slot axis 115 from the first end 116 to the second end 118. This second slot axis 115 is parallel to the lock collar axis 86 and parallel (or collinear) to the second arm axis 64 when the second arm 62 is positioned within the second slot 114. When the second arm 62 is positioned within the second slot 114, the first end 66 of the second arm 62 is positioned near or on the first end 88 of the lock collar 14, and the second end 68 of the second arm 62 is positioned near or on the second end 90 of the lock collar 14. In one embodiment, the second end 68 of the second arm 62 may be positioned between the first end 88 and the second end 90 of the lock collar 14, and away from the second end 90 of the lock collar 14.
[0045] The second slot 114 is defined by two or more surfaces. These surfaces are planar or substantially planar and extend along or substantially along (or parallel to) the lock collar axis 86. The two or more surfaces cooperate to define a cross-sectional shape (perpendicular to the lock collar axis 86) that corresponds to or substantially corresponds to the cross-sectional shape (perpendicular to the lock collar axis 86) of the second arm 62 of the central hub 12 (cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the second arm axis 64). For example, the cross-sectional shape of the second slot 114 (cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the lock collar axis 86) is substantially rectangular, and the cross-sectional shape of the second arm 62 of the central hub 12 (cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the second arm axis 64) is substantially rectangular. The dimensions of the second slot 114 are slightly larger than the dimensions of the second arm 62 of the central hub 12, so that the second arm 62 of the central hub 12 can be inserted into the second slot 114 and fits snugly within the second slot 114.
[0046] As shown in Figure 6B, one or more surfaces defining the second slot 114 also define at least partially the second color arm 120 of the lock collar 14. The second color arm 120 extends along the second color axis 122 from the first end 124 to the second end 126. This second color axis 122 extends parallel to or along the lock collar axis 86. The second color arm 120 is formed within or along the body portion 105 of the lock collar 14. The second color arm 120 is defined by one or more slot segments that penetrate or extend along the body portion 105, such as the first longitudinal slot 128, the second longitudinal slot 130, and the transverse slot 132. The first end 124 of the second color arm 120 is coupled to a portion of the body portion 105, for example, a portion of the body portion 105 away from the first end 88 of the lock collar 14. The second end 126 of the second collar arm 120 is positioned at or near the second end 118 of the lock collar 14.
[0047] The second collar arm 120 has any suitable cross-sectional shape along the second collar axis 122, for example, a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape. In this way, the second collar arm 120 is cantilevered from a portion of the main body 105 of the lock collar 14. When a force is applied to or near the second end 126 of the second collar arm 120, and the force is directed perpendicular to the second collar arm 120 (i.e., along the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in Figures 6A and 6B), the second end 126 of the second collar arm 120 flexes along the Y-axis relative to the fixed first end 124 of the second collar arm 120.
[0048] Referring to Figure 2C, the second collar mating feature 72 of the lock collar 14 is positioned at any appropriate location on the second collar arm 120 and can engage with the second arm mating feature 70 when the second arm 62 is fully inserted into the second slot 114 of the lock collar 14. In one embodiment, the second collar fitting feature 72 can be located at or near the second end 126 of the second collar arm 120. However, the second collar fitting feature 72 can also be located away from the second end 126 of the second collar arm 120, or at any suitable position between the first end 124 and the second end 126.
[0049] The second collar mating feature 72 may be any feature or combination of features configured to engage with the second arm mating feature 70 of the second arm 62 of the central hub 12, as shown in Figure 2C. For example, the second collar mating feature 72 is a projection or ridge feature extending along the inward-facing face 134 of the second collar arm 120, with the slot extending in a direction perpendicular to both the second collar axis 122 and the Z-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in Figure 6B (i.e., along the X-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in Figure 6B). The projection or ridge feature of the second collar mating feature 72 is configured to be at least partially received in the slot of the second arm mating feature 70. When the second arm 62 of the central hub 12 is fully inserted into the second slot 114 of the lock collar 14 (in the first direction relative to the lock collar 14), the projection or ridge feature is received in the slot, and its engagement prevents the first arm portion 50 from disengaging from the lock collar 14 (i.e., in the second direction relative to the lock collar 14).
[0050] As shown in Figure 4A, the lock collar 14 includes a color fixing ramp 26. This color fixing ramp 26 extends along the ramp collar axis 148 from a first end 144 to a second end 146 and includes two or more segments, one or more of which are nonlinear and have, for example, an arc shape. The first end 144 of the color fixing ramp 26 is located on the upper surface 89 of the lock collar 14 and / or near the first end 88 of the lock collar 14. The first end 144 of the color fixing ramp 26 is located in part of or near an upper opening 150 formed in the upper surface 89 of the lock collar 14. The upper opening 150 communicates with a first slot 92 and part of a second slot 114. The second end 146 of the color fixing ramp 26 may be located on or near the second end 90 of the lock collar 14, or it may be located longitudinally (i.e., along the Z-axis of the reference coordinate system in Figure 7A) away from the second end 90 of the lock collar 14. The second end 146 of the color fixing lamp 26 may be positioned in or near a side opening 152 formed on the outer peripheral surface 154 of the main body portion 105 of the second end 90 of the lock collar 14.
[0051] The collar fixing ramp 26 includes a collar fixing surface 28 extending along all or part of the collar fixing ramp 26. The collar fixing surface 28 may extend from a first end 156 to a second end 158. The collar fixing surface 28 extends along any or more parts of the collar fixing ramp 26 so that all or part of the collar fixing surface 28 engages with a segment of the suture 30 when the central hub 12 is fixed to the lock collar 14. In one embodiment, the first end 156 of the collar fixing surface 28 is located at or near the first end 144 of the collar fixing ramp 26, and the second end 158 of the collar fixing surface 28 is located midway between the first end 144 and the second end 146 of the collar fixing ramp 26. However, the first end 156 of the collar fixing surface 28 may be separate from the first end 156 of the collar fixing ramp 26, and / or the second end 158 of the collar fixing surface 28 may be located at or near the second end 146 of the collar fixing ramp 26.
[0052] Figure 7A shows a cross-section along the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system. This Figure 7A has a cross-section parallel to the XZ plane and extending through the lock collar axis 86. The collar fixing surface 28 extends from the first end 156 to the second end 158 along a curved profile having the shape of a part of an arc. The cross-sectional shape may be uniform from the first lateral end 160 to the second lateral end 162 of the collar fixing ramp 26 (i.e., along the Y-axis). However, the cross-sectional shape of the collar fixing surface 28 may vary along the Y-axis from the first lateral end 160 to the second lateral end 162 of the collar fixing ramp 26, thereby forming one or more complex surfaces along all or part of the collar fixing surface 28.
[0053] The collar fixing surface 28 may have any suitable texture, combination of textures, or other surface treatment that facilitates the engagement of the suture segments 30 when the central hub 12 is coupled to the lock collar 14. For example, the collar fixing surface 28 may include multiple ridges, bumps, protrusions, steps, nubs, or any or all of these features. In some embodiments, the collar fixing surface 28 may have the same surface features or surface treatment as the base fixing surface 22 of the central hub 12. However, in some embodiments, all or part of the collar fixing surface 28 may be smooth or substantially smooth and have no surface treatment or surface features.
[0054] As shown in Figures 6A and 6H, the color fixing surface 28 may extend laterally to the first lateral end 160 of the color fixing lamp 26 and laterally to the second lateral end 162 of the color fixing lamp 28. However, the color fixing surface 28 (or one or more portions of the color fixing surface 28) may not extend completely to the first lateral end 160 of the color fixing lamp 26 and / or not extend completely to the second lateral end 162 of the color fixing lamp 26.
[0055] Referring to the cross-sectional view in Figure 7A, the lock collar 14 includes a color channel 136. This color channel 136 extends through the lock collar 14 along a color axis 138 from a first end 140 to a second end 142. The color axis 138 may have two or more segments, one or more of which may be nonlinear, for example, having an arc shape. The first end 140 of the color channel 136 is partially defined by an upper opening 150 located on the upper surface 89. The second end 142 of the lock color channel 136 is at least partially defined by a side opening 152 formed on or located on the outer surface 154 of the body portion 105. The color channel 136 is further defined by one or more surfaces of the lock collar 14, or within the lock collar 14, for example, one or more surfaces of a color fixing ramp 26. One or more surfaces of this color fixing ramp 26 include all or part (or two or more parts) of a color fixing surface 28.
[0056] During surgery, the surgeon may want to fix a segment of the suture 30 used in the surgery. A segment of suture 30 is one or more parts of the suture. For example, it is one or more free ends of the suture used to fix patient tissue or to fix an object to patient tissue. Regardless of the type of suture or the terminal function of the suture segment, the surgeon passes the segment of suture 30 (along with other segments of suture 30) through the opening 16 of the central hub 12, positioning a portion of the segment of suture 30 on the base fixation surface 22 and approximately aligning it with the hub axis 32 (see Figure 3A). The surgeon then feeds the segment of suture 30 through (along with) the collar channel 136 of the lock collar 14 (see Figure 7C). This causes the segment of suture 30 to extend through the upper opening 150 of the lock collar 14, along the collar fixation surface 28, and further through the lateral opening 152. As shown in Figure 3B, the first arm 50 of the central hub 12 is inserted into the first slot 92 of the lock collar 14 (see Figure 2C). The second arm 62 of the central hub 12 is inserted into the second slot 114 of the lock collar 14 (see Figure 2C). Next, as shown in Figures 2C and 3C, the first arm 50 and the second arm 62 of the central hub 12 advance into the first slot 92 and the second slot 114 of the lock collar 14, respectively, until the first arm mating feature 58 engages with the first collar mating feature 60 and the second arm mating feature 70 engages with the second collar mating feature 72. At this position, the segment of the suture 30 is positioned under pressure between the base fixing surface 22 and the collar fixing surface 28. This pressure is maintained by the engagement of the first arm mating feature 58 with the first collar mating feature 60 and the second arm mating feature 70 with the second collar mating feature 72. The segments of the suture 30 are further held in place by the texture, combination of textures, or other surface treatments of the base fixing surface 22 and the color fixing surface 28.For example, the edge ridges 172a, 172b, and 172c of the corresponding shelves 170a, 17b, and 170c of the first and second troughs 166a and 166b can bite into or apply pressure to parts of the suture 30 segments when the central hub 12 is connected to the lock collar 14.
[0057] The surgeon can position the suture fixation assembly 10 so that it maintains the appropriate tension of the suture when the central hub 12 is coupled to the lock collar 14. The surgeon can repeat this process for other desired portions of the suture 30 in the manner described above. Since the suture fixation assembly 10 can be made from an absorbable material, it does not need to be removed from the patient after surgery. The surgeon can assemble the suture fixation assembly 10 and / or position the segments of the suture 30 by hand or with the assistance of one or more devices.
[0058] The central hub 12 can be a single, integral part, injection-molded as a single component. Similarly, the lock collar 14 can be a single, integral part, manufactured using an injection molding process, a 3D printing process, or the like. However, one or both of the central hub 12 and the lock collar 14 may be an assembly of one or more parts, joined, bonded, or otherwise assembled to form a final part.
[0059] The central hub 12 and the lock collar 14 can each be manufactured using any suitable material. In one embodiment, the central hub 12 and the lock collar 14 can each be manufactured using any suitable bioabsorbable or biodegradable material. For example, this includes any suitable collagen-based or synthetic material. Specific materials include amino acid-based biodegradable polyesteramide fibers, polylactic acid (PLA), polydioxanone, polytrimethylene carbonate, collagen poly-p-dioxanone (PDS), polyethylene tereol Phthalates (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polybutester polyamide polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), stainless steel polyesteramide (PEA), amino acids Examples include polyester amides (AA-PEA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymers (PLGA).
[0060] The various advantages of suture fixation assemblies have been described. The embodiments discussed herein are described as examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above detailed disclosures are intended to be presented as examples and not limiting. Various changes, improvements and modifications have been made, and are intended to those skilled in the art, although they are not expressly stated herein. These changes, improvements and modifications are intended to be proposed herein and are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. The drawings contained herein are not necessarily drawn to exact scale. Furthermore, the order in which processing elements or sequences are described, or the use of numbers, letters, or other designations, is not intended to limit the claims to any order unless specified in the claims. Accordingly, the present invention is limited only by the following claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A suture fixation assembly comprising a central hub extending from a first end to a second end along a hub axis, and a lock collar configured to be coupled to the central hub and extending from a first end to a second end along a lock collar axis, The aforementioned central hub comprises a base portion and a base fixing lamp, The base portion has a first surface located at the first end of the base portion and a second surface located at the second end of the base portion, with an opening penetrating the base portion, the first end of the opening located at the first surface, and the second end of the opening located at the second surface. The base fixing ramp extends from the second surface of the base portion toward the second end of the central hub, the base fixing ramp has a base fixing surface, the base fixing surface extends along a part of the base fixing ramp and along the base ramp axis from the first end to the second end, the first end of the base fixing ramp is (a) located on or near the second surface of the base portion, and (b) located adjacent to the second end of the opening, the base ramp axis forms a first acute angle with the hub axis, The aforementioned lock collar is A color-fixed lamp extending from a first end to a second end, having a color-fixed surface, the color-fixed surface extending along the color-lamp axis from the first end to the second end, and the color-lamp axis forming a second acute angle with the hub axis, comprising a color-fixed lamp, A suture fixing assembly in which suture segments are arranged along the base fixing surface of the base through an opening in the base, and when the lock collar is fixed to the central hub, a first portion of the suture segment engages with one or more portions of the base fixing surface, a second portion of the suture segment engages with one or more portions of the collar fixing surface, and the suture segment is fixed between the base fixing surface and the collar fixing surface.
2. The suture fixing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the base portion has a substantially circular cross-section along the hub axis and has a cylindrical shape.
3. The suture fixation assembly according to claim 1, wherein the central hub and the lock collar are made from a bioabsorbable material.
4. The suture fixing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the color fixing lamp is positioned at or near the first end of the lock collar.
5. The suture fixing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the color fixing surface is located at or near the first end of the color fixing lamp.
6. The suture fixing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the base fixing surface is non-planar.
7. The suture fixing assembly according to claim 1, wherein one or more portions of the base fixing surface are one or more of the first plurality of ridges.