Knotless Cinch Loop Fixation for Faster, Reliable Tissue Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical techniques require knot-tying, which can be time-consuming and may lead to insecure or unreliable tissue repairs.
Innovation Solution
A knotless, tensionable surgical construct with a loop, loop interconnection, and locking mechanism, utilizing mechanical pressure to form a bulge or deformation that acts as a stopper, eliminating the need for knots and providing secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knot-tying surgical techniques are used, then tissue repair can be achieved, but the procedure is time-consuming and may result in insecure or unreliable repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the knot-tying step from the surgical procedure by using a pre-formed loop construct with integrated locking mechanisms. The suture loop is designed with stoppers or deformable sections that automatically lock the construct in place without requiring manual knot tying, thereby removing the time-consuming and potentially unreliable knot-tying process while maintaining secure tissue repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical construct is prepared in advance with pre-formed loops and integrated locking mechanisms (stoppers or deformable sections). This preliminary preparation allows the construct to be deployed quickly during surgery without requiring time-consuming knot tying operations, while the pre-engineered locking features ensure reliable and secure tissue repair from the outset.
2Productivity
If knotless surgical constructs are used, then surgical time is reduced and efficiency is improved, but the construct complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated suture loop construct. The loop, locking mechanism (stopper or deformable section), and tensioning features are combined into one continuous suture element rather than separate components. This integration maintains surgical efficiency by eliminating the need for multiple separate devices while managing complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical construct incorporates self-locking features where the deformable section or stopper automatically engages and secures the loop without requiring additional tools, devices, or manual knot tying operations. This self-service mechanism maintains high surgical productivity while minimizing the need for complex additional components, as the construct secures itself through its inherent design.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical pressure is applied to form a bulge or deformation in the suture, then a self-locking mechanism is created without knots, but additional steps and equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical knot-tying system with a deformation-based locking mechanism. Instead of using knots (a complex mechanical interlocking system), the construct uses localized deformation of the suture material created by applied pressure to form stoppers or bulges that provide self-locking. This substitution simplifies the overall system by replacing complex knot mechanics with simpler deformation physics.
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 solution enables rapid, secure, and reliable tissue attachment without knots, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of surgical repairs.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism. A stopper can be a suture bulge or deformation formed by applying mechanical pressure to a suture construct
Implementation Method 2
A stopper can be a suture bulge or deformation formed by applying mechanical pressure to a suture construct
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for tissue repairs with surgical constructs having cinch loops and stoppers that do not require tying of knots are disclosed. A surgical construct includes a loop with a racking hitch terminating in a single tail. Mechanical pressure is applied to the single tail to deform an area of the surgical construct and form a bulge that acts as a stopper. A ferrule with internal features can be attached to a cerclage construct adjacent a racking hitch to act as a stopper and prevent the cerclage construct from loosening.