Fenestrated Locking Suture Anchor for Bone Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current arthroscopic procedures for securing soft tissue to bone often require multiple anchor points spaced in rows, resulting in a limited area of contact and prolonged recovery times due to inadequate bone integration and structural support.
Innovation Solution
A fenestrated locking suture anchor system comprising a sleeve with open helical coils and structural supports, along with a driver system that includes a grooved shaft and suture capture mechanism, allowing for rapid and efficient insertion and locking of sutures into the bone, promoting bony ingrowth and minimizing recovery time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple anchor points are spaced in rows to secure soft tissue to bone, then the area of contact between tissue and bone is increased, but the recovery time is prolonged due to inadequate bone integration
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor incorporates an open helical coil structure with fenestrations (openings) that create a porous framework. This porous structure allows bone tissue to grow through and integrate with the anchor, accelerating bone healing and integration while maintaining structural support. The fenestrated design increases surface area for bone contact and promotes biological incorporation without extending recovery time.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor is divided into multiple functional segments: the open helical coil structure for bone integration, the tip structure for initial bone engagement, and the suture retention mechanism for tissue attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the helical coil providing bone ingrowth and the tip structure ensuring secure initial placement.
2Device complexity
If traditional anchor insertion methods are used, then the procedure is simpler, but the insertion process is time-consuming and requires knot tying
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor features a self-locking suture retention mechanism where the suture is captured and locked within the tip structure through a cam-action or friction-based locking feature. The suture automatically locks into place as the anchor is inserted and deployed, eliminating the need for separate knot-tying steps. The design allows the suture to be pulled through and automatically secured, making the procedure faster and more efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is pre-positioned and pre-loaded through the anchor device before insertion. The anchor is designed with a pre-configured suture pathway and locking mechanism that is ready to capture and secure the suture immediately upon deployment, eliminating the need for post-insertion knot tying and reducing overall procedure time.
3Strength
If anchors are designed for secure bone attachment, then the structural support is enhanced, but the risk of anchor and driver component breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor utilizes material and geometric parameter optimization to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio. The open helical coil structure is designed with specific wire diameter, coil spacing, and pitch parameters that provide sufficient mechanical strength for bone attachment while distributing stresses evenly to prevent component failure. The fenestrated design allows controlled flexibility and stress distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor may incorporate composite material construction, combining materials with different mechanical properties to achieve both strength and fracture resistance. The design integrates materials that provide both rigidity for structural support and controlled flexibility to absorb impact forces without breaking, enhancing reliability under load.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology includes an anchor assembly for tissue repair having an open helical coil sleeve and a tip structure. The tip structure includes an aperture for passing a suture and a suture capture member for capturing a suture. The technology also includes an anchor driver for installing an anchor into bone. The anchor driver includes an outer shaft and a sleeve advancement member for advancing the sleeve as well as an inner shaft and a suture capture advancement member for advancing the suture capture member. The technology also includes a system for tissue repair having an anchor assembly and an anchor driver for installing the anchor assembly into bone.