Adjustable Locking Suture Loop for Repositionable Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suture constructs, whether traditional knots or knotless designs, face issues such as irritation, inability to reposition, and potential failure points due to clamping bodies or reliance on tension maintenance, which can lead to loosening or irritation at the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable locking suture construct with a constricting member and bight formation, allowing for repositioning and tension adjustment without releasing, using suture material with a first and second end, and a constricting member that can be fixed or adjustable, forming a locking loop to secure bodies in relative position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knots are used to secure suture around bodies, then the suture loop is kept at fixed length and able to support load, but the construct cannot be repositioned and may irritate surrounding tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The suture construct transitions from a static traditional knot to a dynamic adjustable system where the locking loop can be repositioned along the suture limbs while maintaining secure fixation. The sliding mechanism allows the construct to be moved to optimal positions without compromising load support.
2Reliability
If traditional knots are used to secure suture, then load support is maintained, but the construct size increases causing tissue irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking loop construct uses flexible suture material formed into a thin, low-profile loop structure that maintains strength while minimizing bulk. This flexible loop design reduces the physical size of the construct compared to traditional knots, thereby reducing tissue irritation.
3Productivity
If knotless constructs with clamping bodies are used, then construction speed is improved and size is reduced, but complexity increases with additional failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the locking mechanism and securing function into a single integrated suture construct. The locking loop works directly with the suture limbs without requiring separate clamping bodies or additional components, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining construction efficiency.
4Productivity
If knotless constructs with finger-trap mechanism are used, then construction is quick and size is reduced, but the mechanism may slip if tension is not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The locking loop construct is self-regulating through its friction-based engagement with the suture limbs. The construct automatically maintains its locking position through the friction between the loop and limbs, eliminating the need for active tension maintenance or additional locking mechanisms.
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A locking suture construct having suture material with a first end and a second end, each attached to a first body in a slidable manner, a constricting member formed in the second end of the suture material, and a bight in the suture material between the first end and the second end. The bight can be pulled through the constricting member around a second body to create a locking loop. The first end and the second end are passed through the locking loop. Pulling the first end increases a perimeter of the locking loop and moves the constricting member toward the second body. When the constricting member reaches the second body, pulling the first end reduces the perimeter of the locking loop and moves/rotates the constricting member around the second body toward the first body to hold the first body in relative position to the second body.