Braided Suture with Apertures for Knotless Soft Tissue Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suture knot-tying procedures in arthroscopic surgeries are time-consuming and can result in knots with lower tensile strength than the suture material, leading to potential instability in tissue repairs.
Innovation Solution
A braided tubular suture configuration with strategically placed apertures allows for the formation of secure loops that resist relaxation, using a method where one end is passed through a passage and out another aperture, and the second end is similarly manipulated to create a mechanical interface that maintains tension without knotting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional knot-tying procedures are used to secure sutures to bone and soft tissue, then the surgical procedure can be completed with simple suture material, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and the tensile strength of the repair is limited by the knot strength
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is pre-configured with a loop and passage structure before surgery. The loop is formed by passing the suture through its own passage during manufacturing, creating a pre-formed configuration that eliminates the need for time-consuming knot-tying procedures during surgery. The surgeon simply needs to pass the suture ends through the loop and apply tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The knot-tying operation is extracted and replaced by a pre-formed loop structure. Instead of tying knots during surgery, the suture contains an integrated loop and passage that provides the anchoring function without requiring traditional knot manipulation, thereby removing the time-consuming step from the surgical procedure.
2Strength
If traditional knot-tying procedures are used to secure sutures, then the suture material can be simple, but the tensile strength of the repair is limited by the knot strength which may be significantly lower than the suture material strength
Solution Approach 1:
The knot is extracted from the system and replaced by a pre-formed loop structure. The loop is created by passing the suture through its own passage, forming a configuration where the suture material itself provides the anchoring mechanism. This eliminates the weak link of the knot, allowing the full tensile strength of the suture material to be utilized without being limited by knot strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop structure is pre-configured during manufacturing with precise geometry and positioning. The passage dimensions and loop configuration are controlled to ensure optimal mechanical performance, creating a reliable anchor that consistently utilizes the full strength of the suture material without variability introduced by surgical knot-tying technique.
3Productivity
If a single preformed loop suture is used, then the surgical procedure time is reduced, but relaxation of the system allows suture translation back through the passage, relieving the desired tension
Solution Approach 1:
The suture construction allows dynamic adjustment during surgery. The surgeon can pass the suture ends through the loop and apply tension to achieve the desired configuration. The braided structure and passage geometry work together to maintain the configured tension state, providing both surgical efficiency and post-configuration stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture incorporates a braided construction with a central passage. The braided outer structure provides friction and mechanical interlocking with the passage walls, creating a composite system where the suture material and passage work together to prevent translation. This composite structure maintains tension while allowing initial configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture construction and method for forming a suture construction is disclosed. The construction utilizes a suture having an enlarged central body portion defining a longitudinal passage. First and second ends of the suture are passed through first and second apertures associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes constriction of the longitudinal passage, thus preventing relative motions of the captured portions of the suture.