Adjustable Suture Loops for Tissue Graft Anchoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for securing tissue grafts in femoral fixation for cruciate ligament repair are limited by the distance between the graft fixation member and the tendon construct, which restricts the amount of tendon that can be placed in the femoral channel and requires compromises in the size of the fixation member or leads to flipping constraints.
Innovation Solution
A fixation device with interconnected suture loops that allows for adjustable suture length between the graft fixation member and the tissue graft, enabling minimization of the distance between the two and maximizing tendon placement within the femoral channel by passing the suture through multiple openings in the fixation member to form loops and knots, facilitating precise positioning and tensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a fixation button is used to secure the tissue graft at the femoral cortex, then the graft can be fixed securely, but the distance between the graft fixation member and the tendon construct cannot be minimized, resulting in less tendon in the femoral channel
Solution Approach 1:
The suture length between the fixation member and tissue graft is made adjustable rather than fixed. The suture can be tensioned and trimmed to achieve optimal length, allowing the system to adapt to different anatomical configurations while maintaining secure fixation. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling both minimal distance and reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of suture length from a fixed value to an adjustable variable. By allowing the suture length to be modified during implantation, the system can optimize the distance between the fixation member and tissue graft while maintaining adequate fixation strength, thus resolving the contradiction between minimizing distance and ensuring reliability.
2Length of moving object
If the suture length is minimized to maximize tendon placement in the femoral channel, then more tendon is placed in the channel, but the fixation member flipping constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The suture length is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed at manufacturing. This allows the surgeon to optimize suture length for maximum tendon placement while maintaining enough length to perform the flipping maneuver, thus resolving the contradiction between minimizing suture length and maintaining ease of operation.
3Volume of moving object
If the size of the graft fixation member is reduced to accommodate the tendon, then more space is available for tendon placement, but the fixation member cannot be properly flipped
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustment capability through the suture system, allowing the fixation member size to be optimized for tendon accommodation while the adjustable suture compensates for any limitations in flipping maneuverability. The suture can be tensioned to maintain fixation strength even with a smaller fixation member.
4Ease of operation
If a larger fixation member is used to ensure proper flipping, then the flipping constraint is satisfied, but less tendon can be placed in the femoral channel
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable suture system allows the fixation member size to be optimized for ease of flipping while the suture length can be minimized to maximize tendon placement. The dynamic adjustment of suture length compensates for the larger fixation member size, resolving the contradiction between fixing member size and tendon placement length.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixation device includes a member defining at least two openings, and a suture tied to the member by passing the suture through the at least two openings in the member to form two suture loops through which ends of the suture pass. The two suture loops are interconnected. A method of securing a tissue graft includes providing the fixation member, attaching the suture to a tissue graft, and adjusting the length of the suture between the fixation member and the tissue graft by pulling the suture.