Insert Holding Device for Suture Attachment in Bone Implants

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Solution Overview

Problem

Attaching sutures to an insert for bone insertion is challenging, particularly in ligament repair procedures like ACL reconstruction, due to the small size of components involved and the importance of precise positioning for biological performance.

Innovation Solution

An insert holding device with recesses configured to hold and connect sutures around an insert, facilitating easy attachment by allowing a first suture to be laid around a second suture and the insert, enhancing the surgeon's ability to secure the suture to the insert with a knot.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If sutures are attached to an insert for bone insertion using conventional methods, then the surgical procedure can be completed, but the attachment process is challenging and time-consuming due to the small size of components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of suture attachmentVSAvoidtime for suture attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A holding device is introduced as an intermediary tool that temporarily holds the insert and facilitates suture attachment. The device includes a holding structure with recesses that receive the insert and guide sutures, making the attachment process easier and faster without directly modifying the insert or sutures themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device pre-positions the insert in a specific orientation within its holding structure, with recesses that guide the sutures into place before the actual knotting occurs. This preliminary arrangement of components simplifies the subsequent suture attachment steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional suture attachment methods are used, then the procedure can be completed, but precise positioning of the insert is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of insert positioningVSAvoidease of suture attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device serves as a mediator that ensures precise positioning of the insert through its structured recesses and holding features, while simultaneously providing guidance for suture attachment. This intermediary tool resolves the conflict between precision and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device has different regions with specific functions: a holding structure for secure insert positioning, recesses for suture guidance, and an open structure for knot formation. Each region is optimized for its specific function, enabling both precise positioning and easy attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a holding device with multiple recesses is used, then suture attachment is simplified, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of suture attachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of holding device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is segmented into distinct functional regions: a holding structure for the insert, multiple recesses for different suture configurations, and an open area for knot formation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device is designed with multiple recesses that can accommodate different suture configurations and insert types, making it a universal tool that can handle various surgical scenarios without requiring multiple specialized devices, thus balancing complexity with versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3492021B1Insert holding device, suture holding device and method for connecting a suture to an insert for insertion into a bone
Publication Date: 2021.01.13 ZURIMED TECH AG
  • EP3492021B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3492021B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3492021B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an insert holding device (100) comprising a holding structure (110) configured to releasably hold an insert (300) for insertion into a bone, at least one first recess (120) for receiving a first suture (400), and at least one second recess (130) for receiving a looped second suture (500) and a suture holding device (200) comprising a first recess (210) and a holding structure (220) configured such that the first suture (400) can be laid around the second suture (500) and the insert (300), thereby connecting the second suture (500) to the insert (300) when the insert (300) is held by the holding structure (110). The invention further relates to a kit of parts and a method for connecting a suture (500) to an insert (300) for insertion into a bone.