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 the complexity of surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of self-locking adjustable loops formed by flexible members or sutures with passage portions, allowing for tension to be applied to secure soft tissue to bone without the need for intermediate fixation members, using 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 to bone, then secure fixation is achieved, but device complexity and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes intermediate fixation members (anchors, buttons, or other hardware) from the tissue repair system. Instead, the suture itself forms self-locking adjustable loops that directly secure the soft tissue to bone, eliminating the need for separate intermediate components while maintaining fixation security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the suture and the fixation mechanism into a single integrated structure. The suture forms loops that pass through both the soft tissue and bone, with the loop configuration itself providing the locking and securing function, merging what were previously separate components into one unified system
2Reliability
If intermediate members are used for suturing, then secure fixation is achieved, but the number of components and procedural steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates intermediate fixation members from the surgical procedure. The suture is configured to perform both the suturing and fixation functions directly, removing the need for separate implantation steps for anchors or buttons and simplifying the overall surgical workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The suture construct performs its own fixation function through self-locking adjustable loops. The loop configuration automatically secures the soft tissue to bone without requiring additional components or complex tying techniques, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring external intermediate members
3Reliability
If traditional suturing methods are used, then soft tissue can be secured, but additional knots or tying techniques are required
Solution Approach 1:
The suture construct automatically secures the soft tissue through its self-locking loop configuration. The loops are designed to maintain tension and secure the tissue without requiring the surgeon to tie additional knots or perform complex tying techniques, as the loop structure itself provides the securing mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable loops that can dynamically adapt to the tissue and bone geometry. The loops can be adjusted during surgery to achieve optimal tension and positioning, and the self-locking mechanism maintains this dynamic configuration without requiring permanent fixation through knots
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus can include a first flexible member having first and second ends and a first body extending therebetween that defines a first passage portion. A second flexible member can include first and second ends and a second body extending therebetween that defines a second passage portion. The first end of the first flexible member can pass into and through the second passage portion in a first direction such that the first end extends outside of the second passage portion. The first end of the second flexible member can pass into and through the first passage portion in a second direction such that the first end of the second flexible member extends outside of the first passage portion to form a self-locking adjustable flexible member construct. Applying tension to the first ends can draw the passage portions and corresponding second ends toward each other.