Braided Suture Loop Fixation for Soft Tissue-to-Bone Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing soft tissues to bone using sutures and anchors are time-consuming and limited by the strength of the knot, which can be weaker than the suture material, especially when improperly tied.
Innovation Solution
A braided tubular suture construction with strategically placed apertures allows for the formation of loops that can be tightened to secure soft tissue within a femoral tunnel, using a locking member to maintain tension and prevent relaxation.
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 of the repair is limited by the knot strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the knot-tying step entirely from the surgical procedure by using a preformed loop suture configuration. The loop is created before implantation, eliminating the need for intraoperative knot tying and associated time consumption while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture loop is preformed during manufacturing rather than being created during surgery. This preliminary action ensures the loop geometry is precise and consistent, eliminating variability from surgical technique while reducing procedure time and improving reliability.
2Loss of time
If a preformed loop suture is used to eliminate knot tying, then procedure time is reduced, but the loop may relax and allow suture translation back through the passage
Solution Approach 1:
The suture loop is nested within itself, with the working end passed through the loop to create a figure-eight configuration. This nested structure creates mechanical interlocking that prevents loop relaxation and maintains tension stability without requiring additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the suture material and the anchoring mechanism into a single integrated construction. The loop and suture body form one continuous structure that prevents relative movement and maintains stable tension without separate knot-tying components.
3Strength
If the suture loop is tightened to secure soft tissue, then the anchoring strength is improved, but the knot strength becomes the limiting factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the knot from the system entirely by using a preformed loop configuration that maintains tension through its geometry and construction rather than through knot friction and compression. This removes the weakest link (the knot) from the anchoring system.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop geometry is pre-established during manufacturing with precise dimensions and configurations that optimize tension distribution. This preliminary structuring ensures maximum anchoring strength is achieved through the loop design itself rather than through knot tying.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for surgically repairing a tear in soft tissue is disclosed. A plurality of collapsible tubes are positioned about the suture. The collapsible tubes are pushed through soft tissue and orthopedic mesh on opposite sides of a tear in soft tissue. When tension is applied to the suture, the tubes are compressed to fix the suture to the soft tissue and draw the soft tissue portions together.