Suture Anchor With Flared Geometry For Endoscopic Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture anchoring techniques in minimally invasive surgery are limited in their ability to efficiently and effectively anchor sutures to tissue without causing significant trauma or complications, particularly in the context of minimally invasive procedures where precise and minimally damaging methods are required.
Innovation Solution
A novel suture anchor device with an elongate body comprising a hollow tubular section, a flared geometry for interference fit with a needle, and a lateral relief for suture passage, allowing for secure anchoring and deployment through a flexible endoscope's working channel, with optional crimping or knotting for suture attachment, and made from materials like stainless steel for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional suture anchoring techniques are used, then sutures can be attached to tissue, but significant trauma and complications are caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical piercing and knotting methods with a suture anchor that utilizes a flared geometry for interference fit anchoring. The anchor is inserted through a needle and deployed against tissue without requiring complex knotting or piercing, thereby reducing mechanical trauma while maintaining secure anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the suture anchor, specifically incorporating a flared geometry at the distal end that provides an interference fit with the needle. This geometric modification enables secure anchoring through friction and mechanical interlocking rather than traditional piercing or knotting methods, reducing tissue trauma.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive procedures are performed, then patient trauma is reduced, but precise anchoring control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The suture anchor is designed to be inserted through a needle, which itself is introduced through a working channel of an endoscope. This nested configuration allows the anchor to be delivered through the minimally invasive endoscopic pathway while maintaining precise control over its deployment and anchoring function.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle serves as an intermediary tool that facilitates the delivery and precise positioning of the suture anchor through the endoscopic working channel. The needle's shaft provides a controlled pathway, allowing the anchor to be deployed at a specific location with precise control while maintaining the minimally invasive approach.
3Reliability
If secure suture attachment is achieved, then anchoring reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suture anchor is divided into distinct functional segments: a proximal portion for suture attachment, a shaft portion for insertion through the needle, and a distal flared geometry for tissue anchoring. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity and reliability.
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 suture anchor device enables secure, minimally invasive anchoring of sutures to tissue with reduced trauma and complications, facilitating faster recovery and precise control during surgical procedures, and can be used in both flexible and rigid endoscope-assisted surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
The flared geometry (41) provides an interference fit within a needle thus providing a fictional resistance to prevent the body (10) from unintentionally ejecting from the needle
Data Source
AI summary
A suture anchor comprises an elongate body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. The first end may have a flared geometry. A lateral suture relief is in the elongate body extending from the first end to an longitudinal position intermediate the first and second ends. A hollow tubular portion in the elongate body is longitudinally spaced from the lateral suture relief. A suture is positioned in the hollow tubular portion. The suture has a delivery position parallel the longitudinal axis and a deployed position transverse to the longitudinal axis.