Knotless Arthroscopic Tissue Fixation via Deformable Sleeve Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for attaching soft tissue to bone in surgical procedures are cumbersome and time-consuming, particularly due to the need for repeated knot-tying during arthroscopic procedures, which can be inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A method using flexible sleeves and strands that pass through bone anchors, allowing for knotless securing by tensioning the strand to deform the sleeve and lock it into place, enabling multiple attachments without individual knots, thereby simplifying the surgical process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knot-tying methods are used to attach soft tissue to bone, then secure fixation is achieved, but the surgical procedure becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the knot-tying step from the fixation process by using a deformable sleeve that locks into the anchor through deformation rather than requiring knots. The sleeve is inserted in a first configuration, positioned against the anchor, then deformed to a second configuration that secures it without any knot-tying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and configuration of the sleeve from a deformable state during insertion to a locked state after deformation. The sleeve transitions between different configurations (first configuration for insertion, second configuration for locking) which eliminates the need for repeated knot-tying while maintaining secure fixation.
2Strength
If multiple bone anchors are used for tissue attachment, then fixation strength is improved, but the complexity of securing multiple strands increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the securing process for multiple anchors into a unified procedure. Multiple deformable sleeves are inserted through a single continuous strand and secured to multiple anchors sequentially. The strand connects all anchors, and the sleeves are deformed and locked in sequence, simplifying what would otherwise require separate knot-tying operations for each anchor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-assembling the strand with multiple sleeves in their first configurations before the surgical procedure. The sleeves are prepared in advance on the strand, allowing for efficient sequential insertion and deformation during surgery without requiring complex knot-tying operations for each anchor.
3Reliability
If traditional strand tying methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the ease of operation during surgery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the knot-tying operation from the surgical procedure entirely. The deformable sleeve mechanism provides secure attachment through deformation and locking into the anchor, eliminating the need for surgeons to perform complex knot-tying operations during the procedure, thereby improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable sleeve performs self-service by automatically locking into the anchor through its own deformation. Once the sleeve is inserted in its first configuration and positioned against the anchor, deforming it to the second configuration causes it to self-lock without requiring external knot-tying operations, making the procedure easier and more reliable.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enhances the efficiency of soft tissue attachment by reducing the time required for knot-tying and increasing the pull-out strength of the attachment, allowing for secure and efficient tissue-to-tissue or tissue-to-bone fixation in multiple locations during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
tensioning the strand to deform the sleeve and lock it into place
Data Source
AI summary
A method for securing a strand to a fixation member for arthroscopic fixation, wherein the fixation member includes a channel on an exterior surface and an aperture therethrough. The method includes passing a strand having first and second ends through a flexible sleeve, passing the sleeve through the aperture of the fixation member in a first direction, tensioning the strand, and pulling the sleeve in a second direction different than the first direction to secure the sleeve to the fixation member without tying the strand on the fixation member.