All-Suture Anchor Inserts for Higher Bone Pull-Out Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suturing methods for reattaching soft tissues to bones, such as in hip, shoulder, and rotator cuff repairs, are inefficient and lack sufficient pull-out strength, particularly in transitioning from insertion to deployed configurations.
Innovation Solution
A suturing system comprising a suture with anchor inserts that transition from a linear insertion configuration to a nonlinear deployed configuration, utilizing a suture inserter device with a housing and inserter fork to facilitate secure anchoring in bone holes, enhancing pull-out strength through expanded anchor insert alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional suture anchors are used for reattaching soft tissue to bone, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the pull-out strength is insufficient and the risk of detachment remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is divided into multiple discrete anchor inserts (typically 3-6) that are distributed along the suture length. These segmented inserts engage with the bone wall at multiple separate locations, collectively providing superior pull-out strength compared to a single anchor point. The segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple engagement points, reducing the risk of complete detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor inserts transition from a linear configuration during insertion to a nonlinear, expanded configuration after deployment. This dimensional change allows the inserts to engage the bone wall in multiple directions and orientations, creating a three-dimensional anchoring effect that significantly enhances pull-out strength and secures the soft tissue attachment more reliably.
2Strength
If the anchor inserts are expanded to increase engagement with bone walls, then pull-out strength is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor inserts are designed to be dynamic in nature, transitioning from a compressed linear state during insertion to an expanded nonlinear state after deployment. This dynamic transformation is achieved through the elastic properties of the suture material and the geometric design of the inserts, allowing them to automatically expand upon tensioning without requiring additional actuation mechanisms, thereby enhancing strength while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture and anchor inserts are combined into an integrated all-suture construction, where the suture itself serves as both the tying element and the anchor medium. This merging eliminates the need for separate anchor components, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the complex functional behavior of multiple expanding inserts through the unified suture material.
3Strength
If multiple anchor inserts are used to increase engagement with bone, then the pull-out strength is improved, but the insertion procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
All anchor inserts are pre-positioned and pre-configured in a compact linear arrangement along the suture before insertion. This preliminary configuration allows the entire multi-insert anchor system to be loaded into the inserter device as a single unit, simplifying the insertion procedure. The complex expanded configuration is achieved automatically after insertion through tensioning, eliminating the need for step-by-step insertion of multiple separate anchors.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are suturing systems, methods of anchoring to a bone, methods for anchoring a soft tissue to a bone, and methods of anchoring a first soft tissue portion to a second soft tissue portion. An exemplary suturing system includes an anchor and a suture inserter device. The anchor includes a plurality of anchor inserts coupled to a portion of the suture between a first end and second end of the anchor. The anchor has an insertion configuration that is substantially linear and a deployed configuration that is at least partially nonlinear. The suture inserter device includes a housing comprising a housing lumen and a housing shaft disposed therein, and an inserter fork coupled to the housing shaft. The housing shaft is axially translatable, and the inserter fork is axially translatable, via the housing shaft, between a distal position and a proximal position.