Suture Anchor Deployment Device for Bone Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soft tissue fixation solutions require a multi-step process for securing sutures to suture anchors, which can be challenging due to the need for knotting and maintaining tension, often resulting in ineffective connections that necessitate repeating the process.
Innovation Solution
An anchoring system with an implant delivery device that allows for the rapid connection of sutures to suture anchors by deploying the anchor into a pre-drilled bore, securing the sutures between the anchor's threaded surface and the bore wall, while maintaining tension and allowing for the suture to be cut during deployment, reducing the number of surgical steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional multi-step suture anchoring process is used, then suture connection can be achieved, but the process is complex and time-consuming requiring multiple steps including knotting and tension maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical steps into a single integrated anchoring device that performs suture attachment, tensioning, and securing simultaneously. The device integrates a needle, suture, and anchoring mechanism into one unit that can be deployed in a single motion, eliminating the need for separate knotting and tensioning steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is pre-attached to the anchoring device before deployment. The needle is pre-loaded with the suture thread, and the anchoring elements are pre-positioned on the device. This preliminary preparation allows the entire anchoring process to be completed in one step without requiring separate operations for suture attachment and tensioning.
2Reliability
If traditional suture anchoring is used, then soft tissue can be fixed to bone, but the process requires maintaining tension which is difficult and may result in ineffective connections
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring device automatically maintains suture tension through its mechanical design. As the device is deployed and the anchoring elements engage with the bone, the suture tension is self-regulated by the device's structure, eliminating the need for the surgeon to manually maintain tension. The device's geometry and mechanical properties ensure proper tension is maintained throughout the anchoring process.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring device acts as an intermediary between the suture and the bone, transferring and maintaining the necessary tension. The device's mechanical components, including the anchoring elements and suture pathway, are designed to automatically regulate and maintain optimal tension levels, serving as a mediator that simplifies the operation while ensuring reliable connection.
3Reliability
If multiple surgical steps are used for suture anchoring, then secure fixation can be achieved, but the surgical time is increased and reproducibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring device is segmented into functional components (needle, suture, anchoring elements) that are integrated into a single deployable unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while being delivered through a unified mechanism, enabling secure fixation to be achieved in one surgical step rather than multiple separate operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring device is designed as a multi-functional instrument that performs suture attachment, tissue anchoring, and tension maintenance all in one device. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized instruments and surgical steps, reducing surgical time while maintaining secure fixation through the integrated functionality of the single device.
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
An anchoring system can use an implant delivery device to deploy an implant into a pre-drilled bore, to secure one or more sutures between a threaded outer surface of an implant body and a wall of the bore. The implant delivery device can controllably rotate the implant about its longitudinal axis. The implant delivery device can include a projection extending distally from a distal end of an inner shaft. The implant delivery device can controllably translate a wire between a distally extended position, at which the wire can form a closed loop with the projection and a distal end of the inner shaft, and a proximally retracted position, at which the wire can be at least partially retracted into the distal end of the inner shaft.