Reusable Suture Anchor Reloading Apparatus for Tissue Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue repair devices configured for single suture anchor deployment are more expensive and generate material waste due to single-use design, whereas devices for multiple anchor deployment are bulkier and more complex, making them less preferred by surgeons.
Innovation Solution
A reusable apparatus that facilitates the reloading of multiple suture anchors onto a tissue repair device, featuring a configuration that precisely positions and guides the suture anchor, retains sutures to prevent tangling, and includes a detachable cover for sterilization, accommodating various suture anchor and inserter styles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tissue repair device is configured for single suture anchor deployment, then the device is simpler to operate and less bulky, but the device must be disposed of after single use increasing cost and material waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate components: a reusable tissue repair device (inserter) and disposable suture anchors with their own packaging. This allows the inserter to be reused multiple times while only the suture anchors are disposed of, reducing material waste compared to single-use inserters.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture anchors are designed as disposable components that are discarded after single use, while the expensive and complex inserter device is recovered and reused for multiple procedures. This selective discarding strategy reduces overall material waste and cost.
2Loss of substance
If a tissue repair device is configured for multiple suture anchor deployment, then material waste is reduced through reuse, but the device becomes bulkier and more complex to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the complex inserter device from the suture anchors, allowing the inserter to be reused for multiple anchors while keeping each anchor simple and disposable. This segmentation avoids the need for complex multi-anchor capabilities in the inserter itself.
Solution Approach 2:
Each suture anchor comes with its own packaging and loading mechanism that guides the loading process, eliminating the need for the inserter to have complex built-in features for handling multiple anchors. The anchor packaging serves the function of precise positioning and guidance.
3Productivity
If free-hand loading of suture anchor onto inserter is attempted, then the loading process may be faster, but inaccurate loading can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor packaging acts as an intermediary component between the suture anchor and the inserter. It provides precise positioning features and guidance structures that ensure accurate loading without requiring complex alignment procedures, maintaining both speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture anchor is pre-positioned within the packaging with alignment features that prepare it for accurate loading onto the inserter. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex real-time alignment during the loading process itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tissue repair may include a suture anchor, a tissue repair device and an apparatus. The tissue repair device optionally including a handle, a shaft, and an end effector configured to selectively couple with the suture anchor. The apparatus configured to selectively carry the suture anchor and one or more sutures coupled to the suture anchor. The apparatus configured to pass the suture anchor from the apparatus and onto the end effector.