Adjustable Suture Loops for Multi-Row Tissue Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Repetitive trauma to joints can lead to tissue defects such as soft tissue tears and cartilage defects, causing joint instability and discomfort, which existing surgical methods struggle to effectively address.
Innovation Solution
The use of adjustable tissue repair systems that include two or more suture anchors and one or more adjustable suture loops to reduce, fixate, and compress tissue to bone, employing a multi-row fixation technique for enhanced footprint compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional single-row fixation is used, then the surgical procedure is simpler, but the tissue-to-bone contact area is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into multiple rows (typically two rows) of suture anchors arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows the tissue to be compressed against the bone over a larger surface area, improving the tissue-to-bone contact area while distributing the fixation load across multiple anchor points.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture anchors are positioned in a multi-row configuration that extends in multiple dimensions across the bone surface. This dimensional arrangement creates a broader footprint compression area compared to a single-row configuration, thereby increasing the effective tissue-to-bone contact area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed suture loops are used, then the construction is simpler, but the adaptability to different tissue sizes and defect locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The suture loops are designed to be adjustable and reconfigurable rather than fixed. This allows the surgeon to modify the loop configuration, size, and positioning during the surgical procedure to adapt to varying tissue dimensions, defect locations, and patient-specific anatomical variations, thereby enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable suture loop system can be configured to accommodate different tissue types, defect sizes, and anatomical locations. The same basic suture loop components can be adapted for various repair scenarios, making the system universally applicable across different clinical situations.
3Strength
If multi-row fixation technique is employed, then the footprint compression is enhanced, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-row fixation technique divides the compression function across multiple suture anchor rows. Each row contributes to the overall footprint compression, distributing the mechanical load and enhancing the total compression force applied to the tissue-bone interface, thereby improving fixation strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple suture anchors and suture loops are combined in a coordinated multi-row configuration. The synergistic effect of these combined elements creates enhanced footprint compression that is greater than what could be achieved with a single row, while the components work together as an integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
Adjustable tissue repair systems and methods are provided for reducing and fixating tissue to bone. The proposed systems and methods utilize two or more suture anchors and one or more adjustable suture loops for reducing and fixating the tissue to the bone. The suture anchors may be positioned as part of a multi-row fixation technique for providing a desired area of footprint compression over top of the tissue.