Suture Anchor Assembly for Limited Access Bone Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical devices lack effective methods to reattach soft tissues or tissue grafts to bones, particularly in procedures like bunionectomy, where access is limited and traditional anchoring solutions are inadequate.

Innovation Solution

A suture anchor assembly comprising a base member with a push button actuator, a delivery tube, and a suture anchor, which allows for precise insertion and deployment of a suture anchor into a bone hole, enabling secure reattachment of soft tissues using a suture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional anchoring devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to reattach soft tissues in limited access areas is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to reattach soft tissuesVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suture anchor is nested within the inserter device, allowing the anchor to be delivered through a delivery tube to the target bone site. The anchor can be pushed out from the inserter upon actuation, enabling precise placement in limited access areas while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into distinct functional components: the base member with push button actuator, the delivery tube, and the suture anchor. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while enabling the overall system to achieve complex tissue reattachment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If precise insertion of suture anchor is required, then anchoring reliability is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion precisionVSAvoidease of deployment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The suture anchor is pre-loaded into the delivery tube before the surgical procedure. The surgeon simply needs to insert the delivery tube into the prepared bone hole and actuate the push button, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation during surgery and maintaining both precision and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The push button actuator automatically pushes the suture anchor out of the delivery tube when activated. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual manipulation or additional tools, allowing precise deployment with a simple single-action operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3383281B1Devices for anchoring tissue
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 CROSSROADS EXTREMITY SYSTEMS LLC
  • EP3383281B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3383281B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3383281B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Devices for anchoring soft tissue, tissue grafts, and the like to a bone are provided. In one example, an assembly includes a suture anchor, suture, and inserter.