Knotless Suture Assembly for Tension-Locking Valve Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sutures used in cardiovascular procedures require knots or crimps to hold tension, which can be cumbersome and may complicate procedures, and existing knotless suture assemblies lack efficient locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A knotless suture assembly featuring a repair suture and shuttle suture with spliced segments and a pledget, utilizing a locking feature to retain tension without knots, allowing for efficient stitching through tissue and valve attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If knots or crimps are used to hold suture tension, then the suture can maintain tension, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the knot or crimp from the suture assembly, replacing it with a locking mechanism integrated into the suture structure itself. The locking feature is formed as part of the suture material (e.g., a loop or engagement structure) that automatically secures the suture without requiring external knots or crimps, thereby simplifying the procedure while maintaining tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture assembly performs its own locking function through an integrated locking feature that automatically engages when the suture is tensioned. The locking mechanism is self-activating and does not require additional components or steps, allowing the suture to secure itself without external intervention.
2Reliability
If knots are used to secure suture, then tension can be maintained, but residual components remain in the tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for separate locking components (knots, crimps) that would remain as foreign bodies in the tissue. The locking feature is formed as an integral part of the suture material itself, eliminating the need for additional residual components and reducing the risk of foreign body reactions.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional sutures are used, then tissue can be connected, but the locking mechanism is inefficient or absent
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is divided into functional segments: a working length for tissue connection and a distinct locking feature (such as a loop or engagement structure) at the end. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be optimized independently while maintaining compatibility with standard suture materials and manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A knotless suture assembly may include a repair suture which may have a first and a second end. The first end may be coupled to a first needle. The knotless suture assembly may also include a shuttle suture. The shuttle suture may have a first end coupled to the first needle and a second end coupled to a second needle. The shuttle suture may include a shuttling feature, and the first end of the repair suture may be configured to engage the shuttling feature during a shuttling process. The knotless suture assembly may include a locking feature. The repair suture may be configured to engage the locking feature during the shuttling process. The locking feature may be configured to retain the repair suture under tension in response to the shuttling process.