Knotless Suture Anchor with Occluding Rod for Implantation Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knotless suture anchors face challenges in withstanding high stresses during implantation, particularly when used as a pivot point, and larger diameter anchors may cause additional surgical trauma and anatomical fit issues.
Innovation Solution
An anchor system with a proximal opening and transverse eyelet, combined with an inserter featuring a rod that occludes the eyelet to strengthen the anchor and securely attach sutures to tissue, allowing for improved strength and reduced trauma during implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a larger diameter anchor is used to increase strength during implantation, then the anchor can withstand high stresses when used as a pivot point, but it creates additional surgical trauma and may not fit the patient's available anatomic implantation site
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system is divided into two functional components: a small-diameter anchor for minimal trauma and a separate strengthening rod inserted through the anchor's opening. This segmentation allows the anchor to remain small while gaining additional strength during implantation when the rod is in place.
Solution Approach 2:
A strengthening rod acts as an intermediary element that temporarily reinforces the anchor during implantation. The rod passes through the anchor's opening and provides additional structural support, allowing the small anchor to withstand high stresses during use as a pivot point. After implantation, the rod can be removed, leaving the anchor in place.
2Strength
If a larger diameter anchor is used to increase strength during implantation, then the anchor can withstand high stresses when used as a pivot point, but it may not fit the patient's available anatomic implantation site
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the anchor function from the strengthening function, allowing the anchor to be small enough for various anatomical sites while the separate rod provides the necessary strength during implantation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor system transitions from a static small-diameter design to a dynamic configuration where the strengthening rod is inserted through the anchor's opening during implantation. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different anatomical requirements while maintaining sufficient strength.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the anchor is made smaller to reduce surgical trauma, then less tissue damage occurs, but the anchor may not have sufficient strength to withstand high stresses during implantation when used as a pivot point
Solution Approach 1:
The strengthening rod serves as a temporary intermediary that compensates for the reduced strength of the smaller anchor during the critical implantation phase. The rod provides the necessary structural support when the anchor is used as a pivot point, after which it can be removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The strengthening rod is inserted through the anchor's opening before the anchor is fully implanted, providing preliminary reinforcement during the high-stress implantation procedure. This preliminary action ensures the small anchor can withstand the forces applied during use as a pivot point.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include methods and devices for securing a suture, graft, or other material to tissue with an anchor. The anchor of some embodiments includes an eyelet through which the suture, graft, or other material may be passed and mechanisms for selectively engaging the suture, graft, or other material through the eyelet. The mechanisms of some embodiments may also reinforce the anchor to provide a strengthened anchor to withstand actions such as impacting the anchor during insertion or applying bending stress to the anchor.