Circular Suture Constructs With Sheath-Strand Fixation 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 a bridge configuration and a sliding knot, allowing for enhanced fixation and retention within tissue.
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 tensioning and knotting, collectively achieving superior pull-out strength compared to traditional single-piece anchors and buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture construct combines different material properties by integrating a sheath (providing rigidity and structural support) with a flexible strand (providing tensile strength and flexibility). This composite construction achieves enhanced mechanical properties including improved pull-out strength and construct retention that neither component could achieve alone.
2Reliability
If a simple suture construct is used, then the device complexity is low, but the construct retention and fixation effectiveness are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible strand is threaded through and contained within the sheath, creating a nested configuration. This nesting arrangement allows the sheath to provide external structural support and containment while the flexible strand provides internal tensioning capability, together achieving reliable construct retention that exceeds simple suture devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath is configured in a circular or oblong shape, creating a loop structure that distributes forces evenly around the tissue repair site. This curved configuration enhances construct retention by preventing stress concentration at single points and improving the overall stability of the fixation.
3Productivity
If traditional repair devices are used, then the procedure is straightforward, but the effectiveness for ACL/PCL reconstructions and meniscal tear repairs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The suture construct incorporates a dynamic element through the flexible strand that can be tensioned and knotted to adjust fixation strength. This dynamic capability allows the surgeon to optimize the construct for specific tissue reconstruction needs such as ACL/PCL reconstructions and meniscal tear repairs, achieving superior effectiveness compared to static traditional devices.
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.