Self-Locking Adjustable Loop for Soft Tissue Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue repair techniques require intermediate members for suturing soft tissues, which can complicate the process and increase procedural complexity.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking adjustable loop apparatus formed by flexible members with passage portions, allowing for tension-driven reduction in loop size to secure soft tissue to bone without intermediate fixation members, utilizing biocompatible materials like non-resorbable and resorbable polymers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If intermediate members are used for suturing soft tissue, then secure fixation can be achieved, but procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes intermediate members (anchors, buttons, or other fixation devices) from the suture construct, using only suture material to achieve tissue fixation. The suture is passed directly through tissue and bone without requiring intermediate fixation components, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture material performs multiple functions: it provides structural support, creates the fixation construct, and achieves tissue-to-bone attachment without requiring separate intermediate members. The suture itself becomes both the coupling element and the fixation element, reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If self-locking adjustable loops are used, then intermediate members are eliminated, but achieving secure fixation under tension becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable loops that can dynamically change size under tension. The loops are configured to be large during implantation to facilitate tissue capture and positioning, then automatically tighten and lock when tension is applied, providing secure fixation without requiring intermediate members or complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking mechanism allows the suture construct to automatically tighten and maintain tension without requiring additional fixation devices or complex assembly steps. The loop configuration itself provides the locking function, with the suture material serving both as the structural element and the locking mechanism through friction and geometry.
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 apparatus simplifies tissue repair by eliminating the need for intermediate members, reducing procedural complexity and ensuring secure fixation of soft tissue to bone through mechanical locking of the adjustable loops under tension.
Implementation Method 1
The first end of the first flexible member can pass into and through the second passage portion... The first end of the second flexible member can pass into and through the first passage portion... to form a self-locking adjustable flexible member construct
Implementation Method 2
Applying tension to the first ends of the first and second flexible members can draw the first and second passage portions and corresponding second ends toward each other
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
An apparatus can include a first flexible member having first and second ends and a first body extending therebetween, where the first body defines a first passage portion. A second flexible member can have first and second ends and a second body extending therebetween, where the second body defines second and third passage portions. The first end of the first flexible member passes into and through the second passage portion such that the first end extends outside of the second passage portion, and the second end of the first flexible member passes into and through the third passage portion such that the second end extends outside of the third passage portion. The first and second ends of the second flexible member pass into and through the first passage portion to form a self-locking adjustable flexible member construct.