Soft Suture Anchor for Precise Tissue Approximation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue repair methods using sutures and anchors often struggle with efficiently approximating damaged anatomical structures, particularly in cases where the tissue is delicate or requires precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
A tissue repair assembly comprising an anchor body made of suture material, an actuation member, and a snake member, which transitions from an insertion configuration to an anchored configuration, allowing for precise approximation of anatomical structures by forming an approximation loop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid anchors are used for tissue fixation, then strong anchoring strength is achieved, but the anchors cannot fit within smaller pre-drilled holes in bone and require more bone removal
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor body changes its physical parameters from a rigid state during insertion to a soft, pliable state during anchoring. The textile suture material transitions from being stiff during insertion through smaller holes to becoming soft and conformable during the anchoring phase, allowing the same anchor to perform both functions effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor is constructed from composite materials, specifically textile suture material that combines the strength needed for anchoring with the flexibility needed for insertion. This composite construction allows the anchor to achieve both strong fixation and pass through smaller pre-drilled holes without requiring extensive bone removal
2Length of moving object
If soft textile suture material anchors are used, then the anchors can fit within smaller pre-drilled holes and reduce bone removal, but the anchors may lack the rigidity needed for strong fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The textile suture material undergoes parameter changes based on the operational phase. During insertion, the material maintains sufficient rigidity to pass through bone holes, then transitions to a soft, pliable state during anchoring that allows it to conform to the bone surface and achieve strong fixation through biological integration rather than mechanical rigidity
3Length of moving object
If the anchor body is made entirely of suture material, then the anchor becomes softer and more pliable for fitting into small holes, but the anchor may not provide sufficient structural stability for tissue approximation
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system is segmented into distinct functional components: the anchor body made of soft textile suture material for insertion and anchoring, the actuation member for controlling the approximation loop, and the snake member for forming the approximation loop. Each component performs its specific function, with the anchor body providing insertion flexibility and the actuation/snake members providing structural control for tissue approximation
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue repair assembly can transition from an insertion to an anchored configuration and includes an anchor body, actuator, and “snake.” The body and actuator comprise suture. The body defines a loop with length and width that decrease and increase, respectively, during transition to the anchored configuration. The actuator defines first and second actuation portions, the former defining a locking mechanism having knot loops within a distal interior passage of the body. The snake has a snake portion and first and second tails. In the insertion configuration: the snake portion extends through the knot loops; the second actuation portion and tails are outside the body. Tensioning the second actuation portion and/or tails transitions the assembly to the anchored configuration. The first tail can engage and pull the second actuation portion through the passage, wherein the second actuation portion is slidable through the knot loops and defines an exterior approximation loop.