Suture Anchoring Toggle Mechanism for Bone Tunnel Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for attaching soft tissue to bone require multiple instruments and a knot to secure sutures, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A flexible member securing assembly comprising an actuating tool and a positioning tool with converging cannulations and a grasping member, allowing for sequential placement of sutures into bone holes without removing the tool from the surgical site, using a flexible member advancing tool to tension the suture and secure it in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple instruments and knot-tying are used to secure suture to bone, then the suture can be securely attached, but the surgical procedure becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate instruments and the knot-tying process into a single integrated device. The delivery system integrates the suture, the anchoring mechanism, and the deployment tool, allowing all functions to be performed through one instrument rather than requiring multiple separate instruments and manual knot-tying steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture attachment system is designed to be self-securing through a toggle mechanism that locks automatically upon deployment. The toggle expands within the bone tunnel and engages with the suture anchor, creating a self-locking arrangement that eliminates the need for external knot-tying to secure the attachment.
2Reliability
If multiple instruments are used for suture attachment, then secure fixation can be achieved, but instrument manipulation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple instrument functions into a single integrated delivery system. The device combines the suture holder, the anchoring mechanism, and the deployment tool into one unified instrument, reducing the number of instrument exchanges and manipulations required during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system is segmented into distinct functional components that can be independently controlled: the outer sheath, the toggle mechanism, the suture anchor, and the deployment actuator. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall manipulation compared to coordinating multiple separate instruments.
3Reliability
If traditional suture anchoring methods are used, then soft tissue can be attached to bone, but the procedure requires pre-formed holes and multiple instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-loaded with the suture and the toggle mechanism is pre-positioned within the delivery system. The suture is预先 threaded through the toggle and anchor components during device manufacturing, so that upon deployment, the entire attachment system is ready for immediate use without requiring separate preparation steps for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle mechanism serves as an intermediary between the suture and the bone tunnel. Rather than directly inserting a suture into a pre-formed hole and tying a knot, the toggle acts as a mediator that translates the pulling force on the suture into an expanding locking mechanism within the bone, simplifying the attachment process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for securing a suture to bone can include grasping a first suture portion with a grasping member on a positioning tool. The first suture portion can be located into a first cannulation defined in the positioning tool. A cutting member can be advanced through a second cannulation defined on the positioning tool and out through a distal opening defined on the positioning tool. A first bone hole can be cut into the bone with the cutting member. A flexible member advancing tool can be advanced through the first cannulation. The first suture portion can be urged out of the distal opening and into the first bone hole.