Suture Anchor Inserter Assembly for Knotless Tissue-to-Bone Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing soft tissue to bone using suture anchors often require multiple instruments and a knot-tying process, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A suture anchor system with an inserter assembly that includes a sleeve and impacting portion, allowing for the suture to be engaged and advanced into bone with controlled tension, eliminating the need for knot-tying through a mechanism that translates and rotates the sleeve relative to the impacting portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional suture anchor methods are used, then soft tissue can be secured to bone, but the process requires multiple instruments and knot-tying which increases device complexity and surgical time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (suture engagement, tensioning, and anchor insertion) into a single integrated anchor inserter assembly. The sleeve portion with suture engaging member integrates the functions of suture capture and tensioning, while the impacting portion integrates the insertion function, eliminating the need for separate instruments and knot-tying steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor inserter assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that can engage the suture, apply controlled tension, and drive the anchor into bone through a single instrument system. The sleeve portion serves multiple purposes including suture engagement, tensioning, and release, making the device universal for the entire suture anchor procedure.
2Productivity
If traditional knot-tying methods are used to secure suture, then soft tissue attachment can be achieved, but the process is cumbersome and increases loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is pre-engaged with the suture engaging member on the sleeve portion before anchor insertion. This preliminary engagement allows the suture to be captured and tensioned automatically during the insertion process, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-insertion knot-tying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture anchor system is designed to automatically tension and secure the suture through the mechanical action of the sleeve portion during insertion. The suture engaging member automatically captures and tensions the suture as the sleeve translates, making the system self-servicing without requiring separate manual knot-tying steps.
3Reliability
If suture is advanced into bone with anchor insertion, then soft tissue can be secured, but uncontrolled tension may cause over-tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve portion is designed to translate only a specific distance relative to the impacting portion, providing mechanical feedback that limits the amount of suture tension applied. As the sleeve translates during insertion, it automatically tensions the suture to a controlled extent and then stops, preventing over-tightening through inherent mechanical feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture tensioning mechanism is dynamic, with the sleeve portion translating relative to the impacting portion during insertion. This dynamic movement allows controlled tension application that adjusts automatically as the anchor is driven into bone, providing ease of operation while ensuring reliable securement.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for securing soft tissue to bone can include loading a suture through an eyelet of a suture anchor. The suture anchor can have a longitudinal axis and a distal tip. An anchor inserter assembly can be positioned in contact with the suture anchor. The anchor inserter assembly can include a sleeve portion and an impacting portion. The suture can be engaged with a suture engaging member on the suture inserter assembly at a location adjacent to the eyelet. The sleeve portion can be translated relative to the impacting portion from an alignment position to an insertion position thereby moving the suture a first distance offset from the eyelet in a direction away from the distal tip. The anchor insert assembly can be advanced to a driven position thereby advancing the suture anchor into the bone. The suture engaging member can be released from the suture.