Knotless Suture Anchor Cinching Loop Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current knotless suture anchors lack a secure locking mechanism to prevent loosening and movement after tensioning, requiring additional methods to maintain fixation and adjust tension without tying knots.
Innovation Solution
A knotless suture anchor with a cinching loop that incorporates a flexible strand with barbs or a cut length of suture as a locking mechanism, allowing for tensioning and secure attachment of soft tissue to bone without knots, using a shuttle/pull device to form a splice and cinching loop that locks in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a knotless suture anchor with cinching loop is used to allow tensioning and adjustment, then the ease of operation and adjustability are improved, but the reliability and stability deteriorate due to lack of secure locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The cinching loop incorporates a self-locking mechanism where the loop's own structure and the inserted suture work together to prevent loosening. When tension is applied, the loop tightens around the inserted suture, creating friction and mechanical interlocking that automatically locks the construct without external intervention or additional locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into functional segments: the cinching loop itself, the inserted suture (which may have barbs), and the interaction between these elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the loop provides the cinching action while the inserted suture provides the locking anchor point.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cinching loop is made tensionable after insertion to control tissue location, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cinching loop serves multiple functions: it provides the tensioning mechanism, acts as the locking structure, and enables post-insertion adjustment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking components, maintaining device simplicity while achieving the desired adaptability and tension control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the cinching loop structure itself rather than being a separate component. The loop's configuration and the inserted suture work together as an integrated locking system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to tension and adjust after insertion.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent loosening of the cinching loop, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to more complex assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is self-forming through the natural interaction between the cinching loop and the inserted suture under tension. The loop automatically tightens and locks around the inserted suture without requiring separate assembly steps or additional components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is pre-positioned within or alongside the cinching loop before final tensioning. This preliminary positioning ensures that when tension is applied, the locking action occurs automatically and predictably, simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for complex pre-assembled locking mechanisms.
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 provides a secure, adjustable fixation of soft tissue to bone with enhanced pullout strength and resistance to loosening, allowing for precise control of tension and location without the need for knots, improving the reliability and effectiveness of knotless tissue repairs.
Implementation Method 1
The splice incorporates an insert (locking mechanism) in the form of a flexible strand with at least one barb, or simply in the form of a cut length of suture that is inserted into the center of the cinching loop to create a thicker portion. When the cinching loop is tightened, the insert (locking mechanism) prevents loosening of the loop, locking in the cinching loop and preventing movement of the loop.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs, without knot tying. The soft tissue repair systems include self-cinching constructs with splices, loops and inserts that are pre-loaded onto knotless anchors to position the self-locking, adjustable construct at the repair site. The splice incorporates an insert in the form of a flexible strand with at least one barb, or simply in the form of a cut length of suture or braid that is inserted into the center of the cinching loop to create a thicker portion. When the cinching loop is tightened, the insert prevents loosening of the loop, locking in the cinching loop and preventing movement of the loop.