Braided Suture Loop for Soft Tissue Bone Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing soft tissues to bone during arthroscopic procedures, such as using sutures and anchors, are time-consuming and limited by the strength of the knot, which can be weaker than the suture material, leading to potential failures if improperly tied.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a braided tubular suture configuration where ends are passed through apertures to form loops, which are then tightened to constrict around soft tissue, providing a secure and efficient attachment to bone without the need for knots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sutures and anchors are used to secure soft tissues to bone, then the procedure can be performed with conventional materials, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and the strength is limited by the knot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the knot-tying step from the traditional suture procedure. By using a preformed loop suture configuration where the suture is passed through itself to create a fixed loop, the need for time-consuming knot tying is removed while maintaining secure attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is pre-configured with a formed loop before implantation. This preliminary configuration of the suture loop eliminates the need for intraoperative knot tying, reducing procedure time while ensuring the attachment strength is determined by the suture material itself rather than knot strength.
2Strength
If traditional sutures requiring knot tying are used, then conventional surgical techniques can be employed, but the strength of the repair is limited by the knot strength which may be significantly lower than the tensile strength of the suture material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the knot from the suture system entirely. By using a preformed loop configuration where the suture passes through itself, the repair strength is determined solely by the tensile strength of the suture material rather than being limited by knot strength, eliminating the weak link in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop is pre-formed in the suture during manufacturing, allowing the suture to be implanted in its final functional configuration. This eliminates the need for intraoperative manipulation to create secure loops, reducing surgical complexity while maximizing strength.
3Loss of time
If a single preformed loop suture is used, then the procedure time may be reduced, but relaxation of the system may allow the suture to translate back through the passage, relieving the desired tension
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is passed through itself to create a nested configuration where the loop is formed within the suture body. This self-nesting structure creates a mechanical lock that prevents the suture from translating back through the passage during relaxation, maintaining tension without requiring additional securing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture configuration allows dynamic adjustment during implantation but becomes statically locked in the final position. The preformed loop structure enables the suture to be tensioned and locked in place, preventing relaxation-induced translation while maintaining the desired tension state.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings 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 retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel.