Anchor Member for Loop Suture Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture loops may not be large or stable enough to prevent suture pull-through in tissue, or too large and rigid for remote access, necessitating improved anchor solutions for secure suture placement.
Innovation Solution
An anchor assembly comprising an elongate body with an engagement portion configured for reception within a suture loop, allowing secure anchoring through the loop, with options for adjustable length and material composition, including degradable and non-degradable materials, and the inclusion of bioactive agents for enhanced healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional suture loop is used to secure the suture to tissue, then the suture can be anchored without additional components, but the loop may not be large or stable enough to prevent the suture from pulling through the tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an anchor member as an intermediary component between the suture loop and the tissue. The anchor member has a body portion that receives the suture loop and an engagement portion that secures to the tissue, effectively mediating the connection and solving the problem of insufficient loop stability while maintaining placement flexibility
2Reliability
If the suture loop is made larger to prevent pull-through, then the suture anchoring stability improves, but the loop becomes too large and rigid to permit placement in remote or difficult to access locations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the anchoring function into two separate components: the suture loop maintains its original flexible, small size for easy delivery to remote locations, while the separate anchor member provides the additional stability and size needed to prevent pull-through. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing functions across multiple components
3Reliability
If an anchor member is added to the suture system to improve anchoring stability, then the suture pull-through resistance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anchor member with the suture loop system to form an integrated anchor assembly. The anchor member's body portion receives the loop while the engagement portion secures to tissue, combining multiple functions (suture retention and tissue anchoring) into a single integrated component that reduces overall system complexity despite adding functionality
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Anchor members for use with a suture having a loop are provided. The anchor member may include an elongate body having first and second ends. The elongate body is configured for reception within the loop formed in the suture. The anchor member further including an engagement portion spaced from the first and second ends configured to secure the elongate body relative to the loop. Also provided are anchor assemblies including a looped suture and an anchor member.