Multispan Cinchable Suture Loops for Faster Multi-Anchor Tissue Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices for securing soft tissue to bone, such as ligaments and tendons, are limited by their inability to provide desired strength and adjustability, often requiring multiple bone anchor insertions and additional fixation devices, leading to prolonged operating times and potential complications.
Innovation Solution
A suture construct with self-locking mechanisms, such as finger traps or knots, allows for a tensionable link between multiple anchors inserted using the same inserter, enabling secure fixation without the need for instrument exchanges, and includes a surgical instrument with dual insertion devices for efficient anchor placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bone anchors are inserted using multiple insertions of an insertion tool, then multiple anchor locations can be achieved, but surgical time is prolonged and operating room time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple anchor insertion capabilities into a single insertion tool. The tool can sequentially insert multiple bone anchors along a suture construct without requiring tool exchange, merging what would traditionally require multiple separate insertion operations into one continuous procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture construct is pre-configured with multiple anchors attached in advance before surgery. This preliminary arrangement allows the surgeon to simply deploy the pre-assembled construct with a single insertion tool, eliminating the need to individually insert and position multiple anchors during the procedure.
2Reliability
If additional fixation devices such as cortical buttons are used with each suture construct, then secure fixation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fixation function directly into the suture construct itself rather than requiring separate fixation devices. The construct incorporates anchors with sutures pre-attached, merging the suture and fixation elements into a single integrated unit that reduces the total number of components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture construct is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both the suturing function and the fixation function through its integrated anchors. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate fixation devices like cortical buttons, as the anchors themselves provide the necessary secure attachment to bone.
3Ease of operation
If repair constructs are disposed through tissue to secure it, then tissue can be fixed in desired location, but trauma to the tissue is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs anchors that can be inserted and then left in place without requiring retrieval or manipulation of the suture through the tissue. The disposable nature of the pre-configured construct allows for a single-pass insertion that minimizes tissue handling and reduces trauma compared to traditional methods requiring multiple stitching passes.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture construct includes a single filament of suture forming two cinchable loops from separate finger trap arrangements, with a fixed-length spanning portion extending between fixed portions of the two finger traps. A tail of the suture extends from each finger trap and is slidably disposed therein to cinch the respective loop. The construct can include an anchor slidably coupled to each of the first and second loops. An inserter for the construct includes first and second insertion devices, each having a proximal handle and distal insertion shaft. The two handles couple together to dispose the insertion shafts alongside each other, with a first shaft extending through the second handle shaft and beyond the second shaft. The first handle is coupled proximal to the second such that the first device can be decoupled from the second by removing it proximally, which withdraws the first shaft from the second handle.