Removable T-Anchor with Ratcheting Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue anchoring systems, such as T-Anchors, are not easily removable and require knot-tying for tissue compression, which can be cumbersome and limit application flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The development of improved anchoring systems and methods that include removable T-Anchors, ratcheting T-Anchors, and multi-element anchors with flexible members, allowing for permanent or temporary tissue compression without the need for knot-tying and enabling easy removal of anchors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional T-Anchors are used for tissue anchoring, then anchoring function is achieved, but removal is difficult and requires knot-tying for compression
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is divided into separate functional components: the anchor body with engagement features, the suture or flexible member, and the compression mechanism. This segmentation allows the anchor to be removed independently while maintaining the suture for compression, resolving the contradiction between ease of removal and functional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the removal function from the traditional T-Ancer design by providing specific removal mechanisms (such as retrieval tools or detachable connections) that allow the anchor to be easily extracted from tissue without requiring knot manipulation, while the suture remains in place for compression.
2Productivity
If knot-tying is required for tissue compression, then compression is achieved, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The suture or flexible member is pre-configured with specific features (such as pre-formed loops, pre-tensioned sections, or integrated compression elements) that enable compression to be applied simply by pulling or adjusting the suture, eliminating the need for time-consuming knot-tying procedures while maintaining effective compression.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional T-Anchors are used, then anchoring is achieved, but application flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor design incorporates multiple functional features in a single device: anchoring engagement with tissue, connection to suture or flexible member, and integration with compression mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the same anchor design to be used across various surgical applications (wound closure, tissue approximation, compression) without requiring different anchor types, thereby increasing application flexibility while managing design complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to compress or anchor soft tissue are disclosed using one or more anchoring assemblies.