Lateral Surgical Anchor Structure for Rotator Cuff Graft Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical anchors used for rotator cuff repair can cause inflammation and are difficult to access all joint spaces due to their implantation through top openings, making it challenging to secure grafts effectively.

Innovation Solution

A surgical anchoring device with a frame structure comprising two beams bridged by a connecting member and diagonally oriented barbs, deployed using a deployment device that allows insertion through small incisions, ensuring secure fixation and access to joint spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional anchors are inserted through top openings for rotator cuff repair, then the anchors can secure grafts to bone, but it becomes difficult to access all desired joint spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to joint spacesVSAvoiddifficulty to access joint spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by inserting anchors through lateral approaches rather than through top openings. The deployment device is introduced through a lateral incision and directs the anchor distally into the bone, reversing the conventional insertion path and enabling access to previously difficult-to-reach joint spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If traditional anchors are used for graft fixation, then the anchors can secure the graft, but they cause inflammation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraft fixation stabilityVSAvoidinflammation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor is constructed from composite materials including a biocompatible metal alloy frame (such as titanium or cobalt-chromium) combined with bioabsorbable polymer components. This composite structure provides both the structural strength needed for reliable graft fixation and the biocompatibility needed to minimize inflammatory response, as the bioabsorbable portions gradually degrade without causing significant inflammation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If anchors are inserted through top openings, then the anchors can be implanted, but it is difficult to access all desired joint spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to joint spacesVSAvoiddifficulty to access joint spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12558085B2Surgical anchoring device, deployment device, and method of use

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 EMBODY INC

AI summary

A surgical anchoring device may include a first beam and a second beam each extending along a longitudinal direction; and a connecting member bridging a first proximal portion of the first beam to a second proximal portion of the second beam such that the first beam is substantially aligned with the second beam. In addition, the anchoring device may include a first barb protruding from a medial side of the first beam, wherein the first barb extends diagonally in a generally proximal direction; and a second barb protruding from a medial side of the second beam, wherein the second barb extends diagonally in a generally proximal direction. The first barb may include a proximal facing surface that is separated from the first beam by a recess.