Suture Anchor Kit With Independent Driver Mechanisms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture holding systems for soft tissue repair require the use of knots, knot pushers, and retraction lines for securing and tightening sutures, which are complex and limiting in terms of flexibility and independent deployment of suture anchors.
Innovation Solution
A suture holding system comprising a block with specific notches and holes that allows for selective locking and tightening of sutures without knots or retraction lines, along with a delivery device featuring movable driver mechanisms and a toggle assembly for independent deployment of suture anchors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional suture anchors with multiple fixation members are used, then fixation reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring knots, knot pushers, and retraction lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for knots, knot pushers, and retraction lines from the suture anchor system. The suture is directly fixed to the fixation member through a simplified mechanism where the suture passes through a hole and is secured by a retaining element that engages with the fixation member structure, removing complex intermediate components while maintaining fixation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation member is divided into distinct functional regions: a hole for suture passage, a retaining element for securing the suture, and a body for tissue engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability
2Device complexity
If multiple suture anchors are delivered via a single needle and pusher mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited freedom for individual deployment and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device is segmented into multiple independent driver mechanisms, each capable of advancing a separate needle and deploying a specific suture anchor. This segmentation provides independent control over each anchor's deployment position and timing, allowing the surgeon to adjust and position each anchor individually while maintaining a unified device structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If a delivery device allows independent deployment of suture anchors, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens due to requiring separate needles and pushers for each anchor
Solution Approach 1:
Each driver mechanism is designed as a universal module that can advance a needle and deploy a suture anchor, while also serving as an independent controllable unit. The drivers share common structural features (pushers, needles, mounting mechanisms) allowing them to perform the same functions independently, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
4Ease of operation
If the suture is immovably fixed to the first fixation member and freely movable relative to the second, then the suture can be tightened, but reliability worsens due to requiring retaining elements and knots to prevent loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is designed to automatically engage with the fixation member structure when the suture is pulled taut, creating a self-locking mechanism. The geometry of the retaining element and fixation member interaction ensures that tension applied to the suture automatically secures it in place without requiring additional knots or retaining elements, making the system self-service and reliable
Data Source
AI summary
A suture anchor kit including first and second suture anchors, each having two eyelets, and first and second sutures, each having a free end and a fixed end, where the first suture is received in a first of the two eyelets of the first suture anchor and a first of the two eyelets of the second suture anchor and where the second suture is received in a second of said two eyelets of the first suture anchor and a second of the two eyelets of the second suture anchor, the fixed end of the first suture being connected to the free end of the second suture via a first knot and the fixed end of the second suture being connected to the free end of the first suture via a second knot is provided. The kit may also include a delivery device including a housing, a first driver mechanism and a second driver mechanism, each movable in a longitudinal direction with respect to the housing, the first suture anchor being in communication with said the driver mechanism and the second suture anchor being in communication with the second driver mechanism.