Suture Holding System With Friction Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture holding systems for soft tissue repair require the use of knots, knot pushers, and retraction lines to secure and tighten sutures, which are complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A suture holding system comprising a block with specific notches and holes that allows selective locking and tightening of sutures without the need for knots or retraction lines, using a configuration where the suture is threaded through holes and notches to create a secure attachment that locks when tension is applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional suture systems with fixation members are used, then the suture can be secured to tissue, but the system requires complex knots, knot pushers, and retraction lines for implantation and tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for knots, knot pushers, and retraction lines from the suture system. Instead of using these complex auxiliary elements, the invention employs a simplified suture holder with a hole and notch configuration that directly secures the suture through friction fit and geometric constraints, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The suture holder is designed to be self-securing through its geometric features. The hole and notch configuration allows the suture to automatically lock into place when inserted, without requiring external tools or complex knotting procedures. The suture itself serves its own fixation function through the friction fit between the suture body and the holder geometry
2Reliability
If suture is immovably fixed to fixation members, then the suture is secure, but the system requires highly coordinated procedures for tightening without knots
Solution Approach 1:
The suture holder provides dynamic control over suture tension. The friction fit between the suture and holder allows for controlled tightening when force is applied, while the geometric constraints maintain secure fixation. This dynamic mechanism eliminates the need for highly coordinated multi-step procedures while ensuring reliable fixation
3Reliability
If traditional suture systems are used, then fixation can be achieved, but the surgical process becomes time-consuming due to multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The suture holder is pre-configured with the hole and notch geometry that enables direct suture insertion and immediate fixation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for intraoperative knotting and auxiliary tool usage, allowing surgeons to achieve reliable fixation quickly and efficiently, thereby improving surgical productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A suture holding system including a suture and a block having first, second and third regions for receiving the suture, having proximal and distal ends, is provided. The suture is received in the first and second regions of the block, defining a first suture portion, and is then received in the third region before passing between the block and the first suture portion, defining a second suture portion. In this configuration, pulling on the distal end of the suture selectively locks the suture to block, whereas pulling on the proximal end of the suture allows the suture to advance freely in that direction. Suture holding system may also include a second block, being rotated 180 degrees with respect to the first block. A delivery device for implanting the suture holding system in soft tissue and methods for repairing a tear in soft tissue are also provided.