Flat Tape Suture Anchor With Self-Locking Accordion Pleat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knotless flat tape suture anchors lack a self-locking mechanism for infinite tensioning and are prone to slipping back through the initial insertion hole, and current methods rely on additional anchors or knots for fixation, which are not reproducible and can cause tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a flat flexible suture anchor body with a woven suture weave that creates a self-locking mechanism, allowing for adjustable tension and secure fixation without knots, using an accordion pleat design to expand and anchor securely in bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a knotless flat tape suture anchor is used without a self-locking mechanism, then the anchor can be inserted through a small hole and preserves bone, but the anchor slips back through the insertion hole and cannot maintain fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The suture anchor performs its own locking function through the self-locking mechanism where the suture material weaves through the anchor body and locks itself in place without requiring external intervention or additional components. The accordion pleat design allows the anchor to self-expand and self-lock upon insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor transitions from a compact inserted state to an expanded locked state through the accordion pleat mechanism. The suture material dynamically adjusts the anchor's configuration, allowing it to expand after insertion to create a secure locked position that prevents back-slipping.
2Strength
If additional anchors or knots are used to secure the suture, then fixation strength is improved, but the procedure becomes more complex and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism and the anchor body are merged into a single integrated construct. The suture material is woven through the anchor body to create a unified structure where the locking function is incorporated within the anchor itself, eliminating the need for separate locking components or additional anchors.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful elements (knots, additional anchors, knot stacks) are extracted from the fixation system. The solution achieves fixation strength through the self-locking mechanism woven through the anchor body, removing the need for external knotting or additional anchoring components that cause tissue damage.
3Ease of operation
If traditional round sutures are used, then the suture is easy to handle, but the suture tears through tissue and provides insufficient tissue retention
Solution Approach 1:
The suture geometry transitions from a one-dimensional round wire to a two-dimensional flat tape configuration. This dimensional change allows the suture to distribute loads across a broader surface area, preventing tissue penetration while maintaining handling characteristics. The flat tape configuration provides superior tissue retention through its expanded footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
A flat tape suture anchor and a method of anchoring soft tissue to bone. The anchor body consists of a flat tape with a repair suture and knotless self-anchoring mechanism woven therein to form an accordion pleat that accordions when opposing counter tension is applied thereby securing same.