Knotless Self-Locking Tissue Repair Constructs for Soft Tissue Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical techniques for tissue repairs often require multiple knot-tying steps, which can lead to complications and reduced fixation strength, especially in reconstructive surgeries.
Innovation Solution
The development of knotless, self-locking, tensionable surgical constructs that utilize a reinforcement material with a self-locking mechanism, including a flexible coupler and eyelet, allowing for knotless, self-cinching, and self-locking tissue repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional knot-tying techniques are used for tissue repair, then the surgical procedure can be completed with standard materials, but the fixation strength is reduced and complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the knot element from the surgical construct entirely. The flexible coupler is designed to lock without requiring knots, extracting the problematic knot-tying step from the procedure while maintaining fixation function. This eliminates complications associated with knot security while preserving or enhancing fixation strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible coupler incorporates a self-locking mechanism that automatically secures the construct without requiring manual knot-tying. The system serves itself by locking into place through its own structural design, eliminating the need for surgeon skill in knot-tying and ensuring consistent fixation strength without variability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple knot-tying steps are used to secure tissue repair, then the construct can be anchored, but the surgical time increases and fixation uniformity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts multiple knot-tying steps from the surgical procedure, replacing them with a single self-locking mechanism. This reduces surgical time while ensuring uniform fixation through the consistent, automated locking action of the flexible coupler, eliminating the variability inherent in manual knot-tying.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of knot-tying with an automated self-locking mechanism. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming repetitive motions of multiple knot-tying steps while providing more uniform fixation through the consistent mechanical action of the self-locking feature.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional suture methods are used, then the procedure follows established protocols, but the compression uniformity on soft tissue is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible coupler's self-locking mechanism automatically provides uniform compression on the soft tissue without requiring complex surgical maneuvers. The system self-adjusts to distribute compression evenly, maintaining stability while simplifying the surgical procedure by eliminating the need for precise manual knot-tying techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from manual knot-tying with variable tension to an automated self-locking mechanism that provides consistent compression force. This parameter change ensures uniform compression across the tissue while maintaining ease of operation through the simplified single-step locking process.
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical constructs, assemblies, and methods for tissue reinforcement with a reinforcement (reinforcing) material.