Knotless Rotator Cable Fixation via Flexible Coupler
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for reconstructive surgeries often require knot formation, which can be time-consuming and may lead to complications such as knot failure or tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
The development of knotless, high-strength surgical constructs that utilize a rotator cable reinforced with a flexible coupler and optional reinforcement materials, anchored with knotless fixation devices, to provide secure tissue-to-bone fixation without knot formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knot formation is used in surgical techniques, then tissue fixation can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and may lead to complications such as knot failure or tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the knot formation step from the traditional surgical technique. The flexible coupler is designed to be secured to the rotator cable without requiring knots, thereby removing the time-consuming and potentially harmful knot tying process while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible coupler acts as an intermediary element between the rotator cable and the anchoring system. This intermediate component enables secure connection and tensioning without direct knot formation on the cable itself, resolving the contradiction between reliable fixation and time efficiency.
2Reliability
If traditional knot formation is used in surgical techniques, then tissue fixation can be achieved, but complications such as knot failure or tissue damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful element (knot) from the surgical technique. By using a flexible coupler that secures without knot formation, the source of potential tissue damage and knot failure is eliminated, thereby improving reliability and reducing harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of knot formation into benefit by designing a system where the flexible coupler provides secure fixation through alternative mechanisms (friction, interlocking, or mechanical engagement) that eliminate the need for knots, thereby turning a harmful practice into a beneficial knotless technique.
3Strength
If a flexible coupler is used to reinforce the rotator cable, then fixation strength is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible coupler is designed to perform multiple functions: reinforcing the rotator cable, enabling secure attachment to fixation devices, and allowing for tensioning and adjustment. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by consolidating several requirements into a single element, thereby managing complexity while achieving high fixation strength.
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical constructs, assemblies, and methods for rotator cable reinforcement with a flexible coupler and an optional reinforcement material. The rotator cable between the attachment points is reinforced with a suture in different configurations. The anchor points are located at the insertion sites of the rotator cable and a continuous stitch reinforces the rotator cable. The continuous stitch bridges the cable footprint insertion points, to displace forces from the rotator cuff tendon.