Fixation Device Radial Delivery for Tissue-Bone Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching soft tissue to bone during arthroscopic procedures face challenges in delivering biologic material effectively between the tissue and bone, particularly in eliminating knot tying and suture management issues.
Innovation Solution
A fixation device comprising a cannulated anchor and insert with radial delivery holes, allowing biologic material to be delivered through aligned holes between the soft tissue and bone, utilizing an expandable body for secure anchoring and a tubular shaft for material delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional suture anchors are used for attaching soft tissue to bone, then tissue fixation is achieved, but knot tying and suture management issues arise that complicate the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the suture management function from the fixation device by using a separate delivery system that injects biologic material through the anchor, eliminating the need for knot tying and suture manipulation within the anchor itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a delivery catheter or needle as an intermediary tool that passes through the anchor to deliver biologic material, separating the fixation function from the material delivery function and simplifying the overall procedure
2Reliability
If biologic material is delivered through the fixation device, then tissue healing is enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation anchor is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a tissue-bone attachment device and as a delivery conduit for biologic material, thereby integrating multiple functions into a single device without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor incorporates porous structures or channels that allow biologic material to be delivered and distributed through the anchor body, facilitating healing while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture
3Productivity
If radial delivery holes are incorporated in the anchor and insert, then biologic material delivery is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into the anchor with its radial holes and the insert with corresponding holes, allowing each component to be manufactured separately with standard tolerances while achieving proper alignment when assembled together
Solution Approach 2:
The insert acts as an intermediary component that bridges the anchor and the delivery catheter, providing alignment features or guide structures that ensure proper positioning of the radial delivery holes without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on the anchor itself
Data Source
AI summary
A fixation device for delivery of biological material between soft tissue and bone. The fixation device includes an anchor having a first longitudinal bore and a first radial extending delivery bore and an insert having a second longitudinal bore and a second radial extending delivery bore. The first and second radial extending bores are aligned and positioned relative to a head of the anchor to deliver the biologic material between the soft tissue and the bone.