Suture Securement Device Using Interlocking Tabs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The process of tying knots in sutures for securing prosthetic devices is time-consuming, difficult to control, and prone to loosening, making it challenging to securely implant prosthetics like heart valves and annuloplasty rings.
Innovation Solution
Suture securement devices with resiliently deformable materials that pinch sutures in place, eliminating the need for knots by using a biased configuration to restrict suture movement, allowing for easy deployment and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If knots are tied in sutures to secure prosthetic devices, then the sutures can be secured together and to tissue, but the process becomes time-consuming and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the knot-tying operation from the suture securing process by introducing a separate suture securement device that performs the securing function without requiring manual knot manipulation. The device is placed on the suture and secures it through mechanical engagement rather than through tying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture securement device acts as an intermediary between the suture and the tissue/prosthetic device interface. Instead of directly tying knots in the suture, the device mediates the securing function by engaging the suture and preventing slippage through its structured geometry.
2Reliability
If knots are tied in sutures to secure prosthetic devices, then the sutures can be secured together, but the amount of slack left in the sutures becomes difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of knot-tying with a pre-engineered mechanical system (the suture securement device) that has built-in geometric constraints. The device's structure inherently controls the amount of slack by its design, eliminating the variability associated with manual knotting skill and technique.
3Reliability
If knots are tied in sutures to secure prosthetic devices, then the sutures can be secured together, but the knots become difficult or impossible to untie
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the suture securing function from the suture itself by using a separate removable device. This allows the securing mechanism to be independently manipulated - the device can be removed or adjusted without affecting the suture material, making repair and removal much easier compared to untied knots.
4Reliability
If knots are tied in sutures to secure prosthetic devices, then the sutures can be secured together, but the knots may accidentally come loose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs structural geometry (analogous to visual indicators) through its friction-engaging features and geometric constraints that passively maintain suture security. The device's shape and surface features create inherent resistance to slippage without requiring active maintenance or adjustment, providing stable long-term performance.
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
These devices securely fasten sutures quickly and precisely, reducing the likelihood of loosening and allowing for easy removal or adjustment, while being durable and biocompatible.
Implementation Method 1
The device comprises a resiliently deformable material and has a natural configuration when no sutures are positioned in the opening. The at least one suture engagement portion is resiliently deformable to an active configuration when a suture is positioned through the opening.
Implementation Method 2
In the active configuration, the at least one suture engagement portion exerts a pinching force on the suture that restricts the suture from sliding through the opening
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of suture securement devices that replace the need to tie knots in sutures. Some embodiments comprise an annular outer body and one or more suture engagement tabs extending inwardly from the outer body. The devices can comprise a superelastic and/or shape-memory material and have a generally in-plane initial configuration. The suture engagement portions are deformable out-of-plane to an active configuration with the outer body compressed and the tabs interlocked with each other. The device can be heat-set in the deformed configuration. The interlocked tabs exert a pinching force on sutures passing between them that restricts the sutures from sliding through the opening in one longitudinal direction.