Self-Locking Adjustable Suture Loop Without Intermediate Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suturing techniques for soft tissue repair require the use of intermediate members to facilitate coupling, which can complicate the procedure and increase complexity.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking adjustable loop formed by two flexible members with passage portions that allow for tensioning without the need for intermediate fixation members, using mechanical friction to maintain tension and secure soft tissue to bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If intermediate members are used to facilitate coupling suture to soft tissue, then the coupling is effective, but the procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate member from the system entirely. The suture is configured to directly engage the soft tissue through a loop construction that eliminates the need for separate intermediate coupling devices, thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining effective coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the suture and the intermediate member into a single integrated construct. The loop portion of the suture directly engages the soft tissue, merging the coupling function into the suture itself rather than requiring a separate intermediate component.
2Device complexity
If a self-locking adjustable loop is formed without intermediate members, then the procedural complexity is reduced, but the reliability of tissue fixation must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic self-locking mechanism where the loop portion can be adjusted and tightened around the soft tissue. The suture configuration allows for dynamic adjustment to achieve proper tension and then locks in place, maintaining reliable fixation without requiring intermediate members.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture construct is designed to be self-locking, where the loop portion automatically secures the soft tissue through friction and geometric interlocking. The system serves itself by maintaining fixation through its own structure without requiring additional intermediate components or complex tying procedures.
3Ease of operation
If friction is used to maintain tension in the flexible members, then knots are eliminated, but the mechanism must reliably maintain tension under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the suture into distinct functional portions: a loop portion that engages the soft tissue and a tail portion that provides tension. This segmentation allows the loop to maintain tension through friction against the tissue while the tail provides the anchoring force, eliminating the need for knots while ensuring reliable tension maintenance.
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 solution simplifies the suturing process by eliminating the need for intermediate members, reducing procedural complexity and ensuring secure fixation of soft tissue to bone without the use of knots.
Implementation Method 1
using mechanical friction to maintain tension and secure soft tissue to bone
Data Source
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.