Integrated Suture Guide and Anchor Driver for One-Handed Fixation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical techniques for reattaching detached ligament and tendon to bone lack precision in positional and tension control, requiring multiple hands and prolonging surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool with an integrated anchor driver and guide portion allows single-handed deployment of a suture guide and anchor, enabling precise tissue fixation by positioning soft tissue relative to bone using a suture guide and anchor driver, which includes a detent mechanism for controlled sliding and rotational motion, and a suture loop feature for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional surgical techniques are used for tissue fixation, then multiple hands and personnel are required, but procedure time increases and precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical functions (tissue positioning, anchor deployment, suture management) into a single integrated tool. The guide portion integrates a suture guide shaft with a suture loop feature, and the anchor driver integrates a driver shaft with a detent mechanism, allowing one surgeon to perform all fixation operations independently without requiring multiple hands or personnel assistance
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism on the anchor driver automatically provides positional feedback and locking without requiring external assistance. The suture loop feature self-secures the suture to the guide shaft, and the anchor driver self-aligns and deploys the anchor, reducing the need for real-time coordination between multiple surgeons and minimizing procedure time
2Ease of operation
If traditional surgical techniques are used for tissue fixation, then multiple personnel are required, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the guide portion and anchor driver into a single integrated tool with a unified handle and longitudinal axis. The guide portion includes a suture guide shaft with suture loop feature, and the anchor driver includes a driver shaft with detent mechanism, both sharing common structural elements that enable one-handed operation while consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate instruments and personnel
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated tool performs multiple functions: the guide portion positions and secures sutures, the anchor driver deploys anchors, and the detent mechanism provides positional control. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized instruments and reduces operational complexity by allowing one surgeon to complete all fixation tasks independently
3Manufacturing precision
If precision tissue positioning is achieved, then tension control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-component mechanical positioning systems with simpler geometric constraints and interference fits. The suture loop feature uses a shaped aperture that guides and secures the suture through geometry alone, while the anchor driver uses a tapered driver shaft that self-aligns and positions the anchor through mechanical interference, achieving precision without requiring complex active control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tool incorporates a suture guide with an anchor driver supporting an anchor where the anchor is maintained at a distance from the suture guide until release of a detent mechanism. Thereafter, the anchor is allowed to move into proximity to the suture guide, fixing a suture supported by the suture guide to a substrate, the entire procedure being achievable with a single hand.