Suture Anchor System with Adjustable Slip Knot Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture anchor systems for repairing torn or damaged tissue face challenges such as difficulty in knotting during minimally invasive procedures, knot protrusion interfering with healing, and inability to adjust suture tension individually.
Innovation Solution
A suture anchor system with adjustable suture lengths, where first and second suture anchors are connected via a third suture length, allowing for selective adjustment of the distance between them, and incorporating slip knots for tensioning and securing the tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional suture anchors requiring knots are used, then secure anchoring is achieved, but the knotting process becomes difficult and tedious during minimally invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the knot-tying operation from the anchoring process by using a pre-formed loop suture configuration. The suture is attached to the anchor with a loop that can be engaged with a needle, eliminating the need for surgeons to tie knots during minimally invasive procedures while maintaining secure anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is pre-configured with a loop formed at a predetermined distance from the anchor in the factory setting. This preliminary preparation of the suture configuration allows for easy engagement with the needle during surgery without requiring complex knot-tying operations.
2Reliability
If multiple knots are used to secure suture, then secure anchoring is achieved, but the knots stand proud above tissue and interfere with movement and healing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the protruding knot structure entirely by using a loop suture configuration that lies flat against the tissue. The loop can be engaged and tensioned without forming standing knots, eliminating the harmful protrusion that interferes with movement and healing while maintaining secure anchoring.
3Ease of operation
If knotless suture anchors are used, then ease of operation is improved, but the anchor itself stands proud above tissue causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the suture system into distinct components: the anchor, the loop suture attached at a predetermined distance, and the free ends for engagement. This segmentation allows the loop to be positioned optimally to engage with the needle while the anchor remains embedded in the tissue, preventing protrusion and discomfort.
4Productivity
If multiple anchors are deployed using a single suture length, then productivity is improved, but the ability to adjust tension individually for each anchor is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides dynamic adjustability by allowing the loop suture to be engaged with a needle at variable positions along its length. This enables individual tension adjustment for each anchor deployment while maintaining efficient multi-anchor deployment capability, as the loop position can be modified to achieve optimal tensioning.
Data Source
AI summary
Suture anchor systems for repairing torn or damaged tissue are described herein. In one embodiment, a system can include a first suture loop having a first suture anchor coupled thereto, the first suture loop including a slip knot formed thereon to allow a size of the first suture loop to be adjusted. The system can also include a second suture loop coupled to the first suture loop and having a second suture anchor coupled thereto. The second suture loop can have a fixed size. In use, the suture anchors can be deployed through tissue to be repaired and into the anchoring tissue at a position spaced apart from one another by a selected distance. The length of the first suture loop can then be tensioned to re-approximate the torn or damaged tissue toward the anchoring tissue, thereby securely attached the torn tissue to the anchoring tissue.