Circular Suture Constructs With Bridge Patterns for Tissue Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture anchors and buttons for musculoskeletal repairs lack advancements in efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in procedures like ACL/PCL reconstructions and meniscal tear repairs.
Innovation Solution
Development of a suture construct comprising a sheath and a flexible strand configured in a circular or oblong shape, with bridge configurations and sliding knots, allowing for enhanced fixation and retention in tissue reconstruction procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional suture anchors and buttons are used for tissue repair, then the procedure can be performed with simple devices, but the pull-out strength and construct retention are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The suture construct is divided into multiple components: a sheath and a flexible strand threaded through it. This segmentation allows each component to contribute specific properties - the sheath provides structural integrity while the flexible strand enables configuration into bridge patterns that enhance pull-out strength without requiring a single complex device
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible strand is configured to form bridge patterns with curved configurations outside the sheath. These curved bridge patterns distribute stress more effectively and increase the surface area of tissue engagement, thereby enhancing pull-out strength while maintaining manageable device complexity
2Reliability
If simple suture devices are used, then the device complexity is low, but the construct retention in tissue reconstruction is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible strand forms bridge patterns with curved configurations that better conform to tissue geometry and distribute mechanical loads more evenly. This curved configuration enhances construct retention by creating multiple contact points with the tissue while avoiding the need for overly complex multi-component systems
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath acts as a flexible containment structure that holds the threaded flexible strand in place. This flexible shell configuration allows the construct to adapt to tissue contours while maintaining structural integrity, improving retention without requiring rigid or overly complex frameworks
3Strength
If the sheath and flexible strand are configured in circular or oblong shapes with bridge patterns, then the bulkiness and rigidity increase for better fixation, but the ease of operation during implantation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath and flexible strand are pre-configured in circular or oblong shapes with bridge patterns before implantation. This preliminary configuration ensures that the optimal fixation geometry is already in place, reducing the need for complex intraoperative manipulation while maintaining high fixation strength
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible strand within the sheath can dynamically adjust its configuration during implantation and loading. The flexible nature allows the construct to transition from a compact implantation state to an expanded functional state with bridge patterns, balancing ease of insertion with fixation strength
Data Source
AI summary
A suture construct includes, inter alia, a sheath and a flexible strand threaded through the sheath to configure the sheath in a circular or oblong shape. The suture construct may be utilized in various tissue reconstruction procedures. The suture construct can be connected to a second suture construct to form a surgical assembly.