One-Way Locking Ferrule for Knotless Tissue Repair Tensioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical methods for tissue repair often require knots, which can lead to complications and instability, especially in joints like the knee, ankle, or shoulder, due to repetitive trauma causing tissue defects.

Innovation Solution

A locking ferrule with a one-way locking mechanism is used to tension and lock suture strands during knotless tissue repairs, allowing for secure fixation without knots by using a locking barb to prevent suture movement in one direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional knot-based suture fixation is used, then the suture can be securely anchored, but the complexity of the surgical procedure increases and knot-related complications may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuture fixation reliabilityVSAvoidsurgical procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the knot from the suture fixation system by introducing a locking ferrule with a one-way locking mechanism. The locking ferrule engages with the suture end to provide secure fixation without requiring traditional knot tying, thereby simplifying the surgical procedure while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If knots are used to secure sutures, then the suture can be anchored, but the stability of the tissue repair decreases due to knot failure under repetitive trauma

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue repair stabilityVSAvoidknot failure under trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of repetitive trauma that causes knot failure into a beneficial locking mechanism. The one-way locking mechanism of the locking ferrule is designed to engage firmly under tension and resist disengagement even under repetitive trauma, transforming the problematic condition into a strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If a locking ferrule with one-way locking mechanism is used, then the suture can be securely locked without knots, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveknotless suture fixationVSAvoidlocking ferrule structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking ferrule is segmented into distinct functional components: a body portion, a locking barb, and a cannulation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently - the body provides structural support, the locking barb provides one-way locking, and the cannulation allows suture passage - while keeping the overall design relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If traditional suture anchoring methods are used, then the procedure can be performed with simple tools, but the mechanical strength of the tissue repair is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue repair mechanical strengthVSAvoidsurgical tool simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking barb is designed with a curved configuration that allows it to engage the suture end effectively. The curved shape enables the locking barb to wrap around or engage the suture in a manner that maximizes mechanical strength while maintaining a relatively simple device structure that can be manufactured and implanted easily.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 locking ferrule provides secure, knotless fixation of sutures, enhancing stability and mechanical strength in tissue repairs, particularly in orthopedic procedures such as rotator cuff and biceps tendon repairs, by preventing suture backsliding and allowing for tension adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOne-way locking mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentUS20260026800A1Systems and methods for performing tensionable knotless tissue repairs

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 ARTHREX INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for performing tensionable knotless tissue repairs. A locking ferrule that includes a one-way locking mechanism may be utilized as part of the tensionable knotless tissue repairs for tensioning and locking one or more strands of suture. The one-way locking mechanism may be established by one or more locking barbs of the locking ferrule.