Intersecting Bone Bore Guide for Suture Surface Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional arthroscopic surgical procedures for attaching a tendon to a bone, such as in rotator cuff repairs, face challenges in accurately drilling bone tunnels due to anatomical obstructions and the use of bone anchors that result in point or line attachments rather than surface attachments, limiting the procedure's effectiveness and stability.

Innovation Solution

A method and medical implement that form intersecting bores in the bone at a predefined angle, allowing for the secure attachment of a suture to the bone without anchors, mimicking the open surgical technique's surface attachment, using a hook and drill system to create precise bone tunnels for suture placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If bone anchors are used in arthroscopic procedures, then the procedure can be performed minimally invasively, but the attachment is limited to point or line contact rather than surface attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveminimally invasive procedureVSAvoidattachment surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bone tunnel is divided into two separate bores that intersect within the bone, creating multiple attachment points distributed across a larger surface area rather than a single point or line

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suture path transitions from a single-dimensional line through the bone to a two-dimensional surface attachment by forming intersecting bores at predefined angles, allowing the suture to engage the bone across a broader area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional drilling methods are used, then bone tunnels can be formed, but accurate positioning is difficult due to anatomical obstructions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone tunnel positioning accuracyVSAvoiddrilling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A guide element is inserted into the first bore before drilling the second bore, pre-establishing the precise angular orientation and intersection point for the second bore to ensure accurate positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element acts as an intermediary tool that transfers the precise angular reference from the first bore to the second bore, enabling accurate intersection without complex drilling equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If open surgical methods are used, then surface attachment of sutures can be achieved, but the procedure requires larger incisions and more exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuture attachment surface areaVSAvoidsurgical access requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guide element is nested within the first bore, and the second bore is drilled through the guide element, allowing the complex intersecting bore configuration to be created through a single minimally invasive access point without requiring open surgical exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11559296B2Medical apparatus and method for attaching a suture to a bone

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 T A G MEDICAL DEVICES-AGRICULTURE COOPERATIVE LTD

AI summary

A method of forming a channel in a bone, the method comprising:providing a first bore in the bone; and forming, a second bore in the bone at a predefined angle from said first bore, using said first bore as a reference point for defining the location of the second bore in the bone,wherein the first and second bores intersect in the bone.