Knotless Suture Anchor with Adjustable Capture Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for attaching soft tissues like tendons and ligaments to bones during repair are cumbersome, particularly in arthroscopic surgery, as they require knot-tying through bone tunnels, which is time-consuming and difficult in tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A knotless suture anchoring system using an elongated anchor member with a one-way sliding, locking knot and a tensioning suture component, allowing for adjustable suture loops to secure soft tissues to bones without the need for knots, facilitating easier and more precise attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional suture anchors with bone tunneling techniques are used, then secure attachment of soft tissue to bone is achieved, but the procedure requires large open incisions and complex knot-tying through bone tunnels
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the knot-tying operation from the surgical procedure by providing a pre-formed loop suture element that eliminates the need for in-situ knot tying through bone tunnels. The loop suture is pre-configured and simply needs to be engaged with the anchor device, removing the complex manual knot-tying step that requires large incisions and difficult dexterity in tight spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop suture element is prepared and configured before the surgical procedure, with the loop pre-formed and ready for engagement. This preliminary preparation allows the actual surgical attachment to be simplified to merely engaging the pre-prepared loop with the anchor, rather than performing complex knot-tying during the surgery itself.
2Productivity
If knotless anchor assemblies are used to simplify the procedure, then the attachment process becomes faster and easier, but the ability to adjust suture tension and loop size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides a dynamic system where the loop suture element can be adjusted in size and tension after initial engagement with the anchor. The swivel member and cord element allow the loop to be dynamically reconfigured during surgery, enabling both rapid initial attachment and subsequent adjustment of tension and loop dimensions to match specific surgical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor assembly serves multiple functions: it provides secure bone anchoring, allows rapid initial attachment of the loop suture, enables subsequent adjustment of loop size and tension, and maintains flexibility in different surgical configurations. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between speed and adaptability by combining rapid deployment with adjustable versatility.
3Reliability
If traditional anchored suture methods are used, then reliable tissue-to-bone attachment is achieved, but the knot-tying process is time-consuming and difficult in tight arthroscopic spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the time-consuming knot-tying operation from the surgical procedure by providing a pre-formed loop suture element that eliminates the need for in-situ knot tying. The reliable attachment is achieved through the mechanical engagement of the loop with the anchor device's engagement structure, which provides secure fixation without requiring the surgeon to perform complex knot-tying maneuvers in tight arthroscopic spaces.
4Strength
If bone tunneling techniques are used for soft tissue repair, then secure reattachment is achieved, but large open incisions are required which increase surgical invasiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a mounting sleeve as an intermediary component that facilitates anchor insertion and deployment through small arthroscopic portals without requiring large open incisions. The mounting sleeve serves as a mediator between the external surgical instruments and the internal bone tunnel, allowing secure anchor placement while minimizing surgical invasiveness and maintaining strong tissue-bone connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture anchoring system includes a mounting sleeve having an open distal end and an open proximal end defining a passageway therethrough. The system also includes a first elongated member with an anchor suture secured thereto and a tissue suture loop. A method for securing tissue includes passing a tissue suture loop through the tissue such that opposed first and second loop sections are formed, passing an anchor suture through first and second openings respectively defined by the opposed first and second loop sections, capturing the anchor suture after passing through the first and second openings with a first elongated member attached to the anchor suture, and securing the first elongated member attached to the anchor suture to a desired anchor hole in an anatomical site.