Multispan Cinchable Suture Loops for Single-Inserter Tissue Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices for securing soft tissue to bone, such as ligaments and tendons, often require multiple bone anchor insertions and instrument exchanges, leading to prolonged operating times and potential complications.
Innovation Solution
A suture construct with self-locking mechanisms, such as finger traps or knots, allows for the creation of tensionable loops between multiple anchors using a single inserter, enabling secure fixation without the need for instrument exchanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bone anchors are inserted using separate insertions, then multiple anchor locations can be achieved, but operating time increases and surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple anchor insertion operations into a single surgical insertion event. A single inserter device is designed to accommodate and insert multiple bone anchors at different locations during one procedure, eliminating the need for separate insertion operations for each anchor. This merging of operations directly reduces operating time while maintaining the ability to create multiple anchor locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The inserter device is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple anchor insertion tasks through a single device. The device can be configured to insert different numbers and types of anchors (e.g., 1-4 anchors) depending on the surgical requirements, making it a universal tool that handles various anchor placement scenarios without requiring instrument exchanges or multiple specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bone anchors are inserted using separate insertions, then multiple anchor locations can be achieved, but surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple surgical operations into a single integrated procedure. By combining multiple anchor insertions into one surgical event with a single inserter device, the overall surgical complexity is reduced. The device handles all anchor placements through one unified operation, eliminating the need for multiple separate surgical sequences and reducing procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inserter device is designed with modular and reconfigurable components that can be segmented and adjusted for different anchor configurations. The device can be configured to insert 1-4 anchors depending on the specific surgical needs, allowing the system to be segmented into appropriate sub-functions while maintaining overall simplicity. This modularity reduces complexity by allowing selective activation of only the needed anchor insertion capabilities.
3Reliability
If traditional suture constructs are used, then tissue can be secured to bone, but the procedure requires additional fixation devices and multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additional fixation devices from the traditional surgical procedure. Instead of using separate fixation devices alongside suture constructs, the invention integrates the fixation function directly into the anchor and suture system itself. The bone anchors are designed to provide both anchoring and fixation capabilities, removing the need for separate fixation devices and reducing the number of procedure steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional elements (anchoring, fixation, and tissue attachment) into a single integrated suture construct system. The bone anchors are designed to work together with the suture construct as a unified assembly, merging the anchoring function and fixation function into one cohesive system. This integration eliminates the need for separate fixation devices and reduces procedural complexity while maintaining reliable tissue fixation.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture construct includes a single filament of suture forming two cinchable loops from separate finger trap arrangements, with a fixed-length spanning portion extending between fixed portions of the two finger traps. A tail of the suture extends from each finger trap and is slidably disposed therein to cinch the respective loop. The construct can include an anchor slidably coupled to each of the first and second loops. An inserter for the construct includes first and second insertion devices, each having a proximal handle and distal insertion shaft. The two handles couple together to dispose the insertion shafts alongside each other, with a first shaft extending through the second handle shaft and beyond the second shaft. The first handle is coupled proximal to the second such that the first device can be decoupled from the second by removing it proximally, which withdraws the first shaft from the second handle.