Double-Prong Suture Anchor Inserter for Single-Step Graft Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical tools lack the ability to efficiently introduce multiple suture anchors at a surgical site in a single step, particularly for graft augmentation techniques like repairing unstable joints, such as massive irreparable rotator cuff tears, where secure fixation of soft tissue to bone is required.

Innovation Solution

A surgical tool assembly with multiple prongs, each bearing a suture anchor, allows simultaneous insertion and secure fixation of interconnected suture anchors through soft tissue and bone, utilizing tensionable sutures to apply compression between grafts, soft tissue, and bone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple suture anchors are introduced sequentially using existing surgical tools, then each anchor can be securely fixedated, but the surgical procedure time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of anchors introduced per stepVSAvoidsurgical procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple suture anchors and their corresponding delivery instruments into a single integrated surgical tool assembly. Multiple prongs are fixed to a common shaft, with each prong carrying a suture anchor. This merging allows simultaneous introduction of multiple anchors through a single surgical site, dramatically improving productivity while actually reducing overall procedure complexity by consolidating multiple steps into one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The surgical tool is segmented into multiple independent prongs, each capable of delivering a suture anchor independently. The prongs are fixed at different positions and orientations on the shaft, allowing each to be directed toward its target bone site. This segmentation enables parallel operation of multiple anchor deliveries while maintaining the simplicity of a single unified tool structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple suture anchors are introduced in a single step, then surgical efficiency improves, but the precision and reliability of anchor placement may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical efficiencyVSAvoidanchor placement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each prong is designed as an independent delivery element with its own orientation and targeting capability. The prongs can be individually adjusted and directed toward specific bone sites, ensuring precise anchor placement even when multiple anchors are delivered simultaneously. This segmentation maintains reliability by allowing independent control of each anchor's destination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each prong is configured with specific local characteristics including unique orientation, length, and angular positioning relative to the shaft. This local quality customization allows each anchor to be precisely directed to its intended target site, ensuring that simultaneous delivery does not compromise placement precision. The prongs can be tailored to match the specific anatomical requirements of different bone locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260007399A1Tensionable interconnected anchors with double punch inserter

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 ARTHREX INC

AI summary

A surgical tool assembly includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, a first prong distal to and fixed relative to the shaft, and a second prong distal to and fixed relative to the shaft. A first anchor is disposed on the first prong, and a second anchor is disposed on the second prong. A first suture interconnects the first anchor and the second anchor.