Biceps Tenodesis Anchor Sheath Expander System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biceps tenodesis procedures are cumbersome, requiring multiple tools and risking tendon damage due to screw insertion, and struggle with maintaining tension and preventing anchor back-out.
Innovation Solution
A surgical anchor assembly with a sheath and expander system that includes a guidewire, anti-plunge tabs, and retaining tabs to securely anchor the tendon to bone, minimizing tool usage and reducing tendon trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw is used to anchor the tendon to bone, then the tendon can be securely anchored, but the risk of tendon damage increases due to rotation of the screw into the bone hole
Solution Approach 1:
A sheath is introduced as an intermediary component between the tendon and the bone hole. The sheath is inserted into the bone hole first, protecting the tendon from direct contact with the expander and screw. The tendon is then passed through the sheath, and the expander is inserted into the sheath to secure it to the bone, indirectly anchoring the tendon without exposing it to damaging forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring system is divided into separate functional components: the sheath (which holds the tendon), the expander (which secures the sheath to bone), and the screw (which drives the expander). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without exposing the tendon to harmful forces during insertion and expansion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are used in the current procedure, then the tendon can be anchored with various functions, but the procedure time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated anchor assembly. The sheath incorporates both the tendon holder and the expander mechanism, eliminating the need for separate tools to manage tendon placement and expansion. The guidewire with mating feature combines positioning, anchoring, and expansion functions in one device, reducing the number of surgical steps and tools required.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor assembly is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions: the sheath holds the tendon, the expander secures the sheath to bone, and the guidewire with threaded distal tip provides positioning and anchoring. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized tools, streamlining the surgical procedure.
3Ease of operation
If tension is applied to the tendon during screw insertion, then the tendon can be positioned, but the anchor may back-out of the bone hole
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath is inserted into the bone hole before the tendon is tensioned and anchored. This preliminary positioning establishes a secure foundation that prevents the anchor from backing out during subsequent tendon tensioning and screw insertion steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath acts as an intermediary that maintains tendon positioning without requiring direct tension on the tendon during screw insertion. The sheath holds the tendon in place through its structural fit in the bone hole, allowing screw insertion to proceed without risking anchor back-out.
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
The system simplifies the biceps tenodesis procedure by reducing the number of steps and tools needed, minimizing tendon damage, and ensuring secure tendon anchoring within the bone hole.
Implementation Method 1
The sidewalls can have threads formed on an internal surface thereof... The expander can have threads formed on an external surface thereof that can threadably mate with the threads formed on the internal surface of the at least two sidewalls
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are provided for anchoring a ligament or tendon to bone. In one embodiment, a surgical implant is provided having a sheath and an expander that is received within the sheath. Various delivery tools, including a sheath inserter and a driver, are also provided. In use, the sheath inserter can be used to position a tendon within a prepared bone hole, and it can be used to deliver the sheath with a guidewire coupled thereto into the bone hole. The driver can be provided for delivering the expander into the sheath. A loader can optionally be used to load the driver and expander onto the guidewire coupled to the implanted sheath.