EMF Suture Anchor for Tendon-to-Bone Healing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical repairs of rotator cuff tears often result in fibrotic and poorly reattached tendons, with existing technologies failing to promote effective healing.

Innovation Solution

A suture anchor with an integrated electromagnetic field (EMF) generator that produces therapeutic electromagnetic fields to enhance tendon-to-bone healing, comprising a coil, electronics module, and power source, affixed to the bone to stimulate healing post-surgery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surgical repair is performed to reattach tendon to bone, then the tendon can be reconnected to the bone, but the repaired tissue becomes fibrotic and disorganized with poor reattachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetendon reattachment qualityVSAvoidtissue organization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implanting the electromagnetic field generator during the surgical procedure itself, before the healing process begins. The device is positioned and activated to deliver therapeutic electromagnetic fields during the critical early healing phase, preventing fibrotic and disorganized tissue formation before it occurs rather than attempting to correct it later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic field generator serves as an intermediary between the surgical repair and the healing process. It delivers controlled electromagnetic energy to the repair site, mediating the biological response to promote organized tissue regeneration and improve reattachment quality without direct mechanical intervention in the healing tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If an electromagnetic field generator is integrated into the suture anchor, then therapeutic electromagnetic fields can be delivered to promote healing, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehealing promotionVSAvoidanchor structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the suture anchor function with the electromagnetic field generator into a single integrated device. The generator is incorporated within the anchor structure itself, combining mechanical fixation and therapeutic delivery functions in one component, which reduces the number of separate implants needed while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The suture anchor is transformed into a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides mechanical fixation of the tendon to bone and delivers therapeutic electromagnetic fields to promote healing. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple critical functions that would otherwise require separate implants and procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the electromagnetic field generator remains in the body for extended periods, then healing can be sustained over time, but the risk of complications and infection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment durationVSAvoidinfection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic field generator is designed as a temporary, non-retrievable implant that fulfills its therapeutic function during the critical healing period and then remains as an inert component. The device is intended for short-term active use (during healing) rather than long-term retention, reducing the window for potential complications while maintaining sustained healing promotion throughout the recovery process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The EMF generator enhances tendon healing by generating targeted electromagnetic fields, potentially improving healing speed and quality, with the anchor remaining in the body for extended periods to sustain treatment.

Implementation Method 1

a coil that generates the electromagnetic field when a current runs through it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12605249B2Implantable electromagnetic field generator for orthopedic therapy

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 PULSAR MEDTECH LTD

AI summary

An anchor for attaching injured soft tissue to a bone and generating a therapeutic electromagnetic field at least in a part of the soft tissue when the soft tissue is sutured to the anchor, the anchor comprising:a) an affixing portion configured for affixing the anchor to the bone;b) a coil that generates the electromagnetic field when a current runs through it;c) an electronics module that controls the current in the coil; andd) an electric power source that provides electric power to the electronics module and the coil.