Knotless Soft Anchor Loop Design for Reliable Tissue Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing orthopedic anchors require knot-tying, which complicates procedures, increases anatomical disruption, and may lead to migration risks, while soft anchors lack consistency in deployment and fixation strength, and suture loops with bulges complicate handling and increase force requirements.

Innovation Solution

A knotless soft anchor system with a deformable anchor body that expands laterally upon deployment, secured by a tensioning member, and a suture loop construct that avoids significant force increases and maintains strength under load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If knot-tying is used to secure the anchor, then the anchor can be firmly fixed to the tissue, but the procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchor fixation reliabilityVSAvoidprocedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor is pre-formed with a loop configuration that enables self-securing without requiring surgical knot-tying. The loop is pre-configured to engage with the anchor body in a predetermined manner, eliminating the need for intraoperative knot-tying steps while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor system performs its own securing function through the loop configuration that automatically engages with the anchor body. The design allows the anchor to secure itself to the tissue without requiring external surgical intervention for knot-tying, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining fixation reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If knot-tying is used to secure the anchor, then the anchor can be firmly fixed to the tissue, but the procedure becomes more time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchor fixation reliabilityVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If knot-tying is used to secure the anchor, then the anchor can be firmly fixed to the tissue, but anatomical disruption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchor fixation reliabilityVSAvoidanatomical disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If a suture loop with bulge is used, then the suture can be formed with a loop for handling, but the force required to draw it through increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuture handling easeVSAvoidforce to draw suture through

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The suture loop is pre-formed with a configuration that allows easy insertion through the anchor body. The loop geometry is designed to enter the anchor body through a small opening without requiring excessive force, and the bulge is positioned to engage with the anchor body in a controlled manner that facilitates smooth passage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

5Length of moving object

If smaller suture sizes are used to fit through smaller openings, then the surgical device profile is reduced, but the suture becomes more prone to breaking and cutting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuture sizeVSAvoidsuture strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The suture is constructed as a composite structure combining a core element with surrounding braided strands. This composite configuration provides the necessary strength and durability to withstand surgical loads while maintaining a reduced outer diameter that allows passage through smaller openings in the anchor body and surgical devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system provides consistent, high fixation strength with minimal bone removal, eliminates the need for knot-tying, reduces anatomical disruption, and facilitates easier handling of sutures through smaller surgical devices.

Implementation Method 1

a deformable anchor body that expands laterally upon deployment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS20260026798A1Knotless soft anchor system

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 SMITH & NEPHEW INC

AI summary

A knotless tissue repair construct is disclosed herein. The construct includes a soft anchor body, with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The construct also includes a repair suture fixedly coupled to the anchor body. The construct also includes a transfer suture interwoven repeatedly through and along the anchor body defining a transfer path. Tension on at least one of the repair suture and transfer suture may deploy the anchor body. A transfer suture first end may transfer the repair suture through the anchor body to form a repair loop that may knotless lock the tissue repair construct.