Knotless Suture Thread with Dissolvable Coating for Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical sutures require knotting, which can lead to tissue trauma, impaired healing, and unsatisfactory cosmetic results due to the need for multiple knots and foreign-body reactions, especially with resorbable materials, and existing knotless sutures often require complex insertion devices to minimize trauma.
Innovation Solution
A knotless surgical suture thread with anchoring structures covered by a biocompatible coating that dissolves in body fluids, allowing the thread to be gently inserted and anchored without additional aids, reducing tissue trauma and simplifying the surgical procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional knotted sutures are used to achieve secure wound closure, then the mechanical strength and reliability of the suture is improved, but tissue trauma and foreign-body reactions increase due to multiple knots and irregular sutured margins
Solution Approach 1:
The suture thread is segmented with periodic anchoring structures (barbs) along its length, allowing different sections to perform different functions - some sections anchor while others pass through tissue smoothly, eliminating the need for knots while maintaining secure hold
Solution Approach 2:
A biocompatible coating acts as an intermediary layer on the anchoring structures, preventing direct contact between the barbs and tissue during insertion, thereby reducing tissue trauma while still allowing the barbs to anchor effectively after coating removal
2Object-affected harmful factors
If knotless sutures with anchoring structures are used to reduce tissue trauma, then the smoothness of insertion is improved, but the complexity of the suture structure increases due to the need for anchoring structures
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring structures are integrated directly into the suture thread itself rather than being separate components, merging the function of the thread and the anchoring mechanism into a single unified structure that is simple to manufacture and use
Solution Approach 2:
A thin biocompatible coating is applied to the anchoring structures, creating a flexible protective layer that can be easily removed by body fluids, allowing the underlying simple barb structure to function without adding significant complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If anchoring structures are exposed to minimize tissue trauma during insertion, then the smoothness of insertion is improved, but the anchoring capability is reduced until the structures are exposed in tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring structures are pre-coated with a biocompatible material before insertion to protect them during passage through tissue, and this coating is designed to be removed automatically by body fluids after insertion, thereby preserving anchoring capability without compromising insertion smoothness
Solution Approach 2:
The biocompatible coating serves as a temporary intermediary that protects the anchoring structures during insertion and is then removed by body fluids, allowing the structures to perform their anchoring function only when needed in the final position
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 thread minimizes tissue trauma and simplifies surgical techniques by allowing smooth insertion and secure anchoring without additional devices, providing a secure hold while reducing the risk of foreign-body reactions and improving healing outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
covered at least partially, preferably completely, by a coating of the main body of the thread, which coating can be removed by means of liquids, in particular body fluids
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a thread (100; 200) that is suitable in particular for use as a knotless or self-fixing surgical suture material. The thread (100; 200) comprises a main body (110; 210), and anchoring structures (120; 220) that are formed on the surface of the main body of the thread and are used for anchoring in biological tissues, in particular human or animal tissues. At least some of the anchoring structures (120; 220) are covered at least partially by a coating (130; 230) of the main body (110; 210) of the thread, which coating (130; 230) can be removed by means of liquids, in particular body fluids.