Self-Locking Suture Anchor for Arthroscopic Tissue Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Arthroscopic procedures using sutures and suture anchors are time-consuming and limited by the strength of knots, which can compromise the effectiveness of tissue repair.
Innovation Solution
A flexible member with a self-locking construct and an insertion tool for coupling tissue, allowing for secure tissue capture without the need for knots, using a suture tail and self-locking loops to create a tissue capture region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sutures and suture anchors are used to secure soft tissue to bone, then tissue coupling is achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the knot-tying step from the traditional suture procedure by extracting the locking function and integrating it directly into the anchor device structure. The suture is pre-configured with a self-locking mechanism that automatically secures tissue without requiring manual knot formation, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual operations while maintaining reliable tissue coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor device incorporates a self-locking construct that automatically secures the suture to the bone without requiring external intervention for knot tying. The device performs its own locking function through its structural design, where the suture passes through a self-locking mechanism that inherently prevents slippage, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional manual steps.
2Strength
If traditional knot-tying methods are used to secure sutures, then tissue repair strength is achieved, but the procedure becomes difficult to perform and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical knot-tying system with an automated self-locking mechanical construct integrated into the anchor device. Instead of requiring the surgeon to manually form and tighten knots, the device uses its structural design to automatically lock the suture in place, substituting a complex manual mechanical process with a simpler automated mechanical system that maintains strength while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is pre-configured with a self-locking construct before insertion, so that the locking mechanism is already in place and ready to function. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming and difficult knot-tying operations during the procedure, as the strength-securing action is built into the device structure and activates automatically upon deployment.
3Reliability
If sutures are used to secure tissue, then tissue coupling is achieved, but the procedure complexity increases due to knot tying requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anchor device and the locking mechanism into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate knot-tying tools and procedures. The suture, anchor, and self-locking construct are combined into one cohesive device that performs all functions (anchoring, securing, and locking) through a single deployment action, thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining reliable tissue repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the knot-tying function from the procedural steps and integrates it directly into the anchor device structure. By removing the need for separate knot-tying actions and incorporating the locking function into the device itself, the overall procedure complexity is reduced while the reliability of tissue coupling is preserved through the engineered self-locking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible member for coupling tissue. The flexible member includes a tail and a self-locking construct. The tail includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The tail defines a tail passageway proximate to the second end. The self-locking construct includes an adjustable first loop and an adjustable second loop. The second loop is slidably threaded through the tail passageway defined by the tail. The self-locking construct is configured such that passing the tail through the first loop so that the second loop extends into the first loop forms a tissue capture region defined by the self-locking construct. The tail passageway defines a locking member configured to secure the second loop to the first loop.