Crimpable Suture Fastener Geometry for Small-Diameter Sutures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical suture fasteners, such as COR-KNOT® and Ti-KNOT®, are not suitable for securing smaller diameter sutures like 6-0, 7-0, and 8-0 due to slippage under low tension, and scaling down these devices results in ineffective suture holding or cutting.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical suture fastener with specific dimensions, including a crimpable sleeve and flange, having a sleeve length to channel diameter ratio of at least 4.0 and an inner flange radius of at least 0.007 inches, designed to securely hold 6-0, 7-0, and 8-0 sutures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing mechanical fasteners (COR-KNOT®, Ti-KNOT®) are used with smaller diameter sutures (6-0, 7-0, 8-0), then the device structure remains unchanged, but the suture slips out under low tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the dimensional parameters of the mechanical fastener to match smaller suture diameters. Specifically, the sleeve inner diameter, sleeve outer diameter, and sleeve length are adjusted to appropriate smaller values, and the crimping force parameters are optimized to provide sufficient holding strength for 6-0, 7-0, and 8-0 sutures without causing slippage under low tension conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the dimensions of existing fasteners are scaled down proportionally, then smaller fasteners can accommodate smaller sutures, but the fasteners become ineffective at holding or cutting the suture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the fastener have different scaling characteristics. Rather than uniform proportional scaling, the sleeve wall thickness, flange dimensions, and crimping surface geometry are locally optimized to maintain adequate structural integrity and crimping effectiveness. This ensures that even though the overall size is reduced, the critical local features retain sufficient strength to hold and cut the smaller sutures effectively.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the crimpable sleeve dimensions are reduced for smaller sutures, then the sleeve can accommodate smaller sutures, but the sleeve may cut or shear the suture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the sleeve wall thickness and material properties to achieve the right balance between providing sufficient crimping force to hold the suture and avoiding excessive force that would cut or shear the suture. The sleeve length-to-diameter ratio and wall thickness parameters are specifically optimized for smaller diameter sutures to distribute the crimping force appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite materials by using a sleeve construction that combines materials with different properties to achieve both sufficient strength for crimping and appropriate softness to avoid cutting the suture. The flange and sleeve may use different material compositions or structures to optimize both the holding function and the protective function against suture damage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The mechanical suture fastener provides reliable suture holding performance without cutting or shearing, ensuring secure attachment of smaller diameter sutures.
Implementation Method 1
The sleeves, which are made of a malleable material that has proven safe with prolonged exposure to body tissue, are slid over two or more strands of suture and deformed or crimped to secure the strands of suture.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical suture fastener includes a crimpable sleeve defining a channel therein. The crimpable sleeve also has a sleeve length, a channel diameter, and a sleeve length to channel diameter ratio of at least 4.0. The mechanical suture fastener also includes a flange joined to the crimpable sleeve on a distal end of the sleeve. The flange further includes a distal opening which is in communication with a proximal opening defined by the crimpable sleeve. The mechanical suture fastener also includes an inner flange radius of at least 0.007 inches.