Suture Loop Management Card for Soft Tissue Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for securing soft tissue to bone using sutures face challenges in suture management during implantation and subsequent access, leading to increased steps and risk of operator errors, which can result in misuse and the need for repeated procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical suture management device featuring a suture loop management card with prongs and slots that hold open a collapsible loop until a threshold tension is applied, allowing easy access and use of suture limbs after anchor implantation, reducing the number of steps and minimizing operator errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If suture terminal ends are stored in separate locations during anchor implantation, then suture management during implantation is improved, but the number of steps required to access terminal ends increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple suture terminal ends from different sides of the anchor into a single storage location on the inserter tool. This merging eliminates the need for separate access actions for terminal ends that were previously stored in multiple locations, reducing the number of steps required while maintaining organized suture management during the implantation procedure
2Ease of operation
If suture loop is held open during implantation, then ease of suture access after implantation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a card with prongs that pre-holds the suture loop in an open configuration before implantation. This preliminary action of opening the loop in advance eliminates the need for complex post-implantation manipulation, as the loop is already positioned and ready for immediate use. The structure achieves this through simple mechanical features (prongs and slots) rather than complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The suture management device is segmented into distinct functional components: the card with prongs for holding the loop, slots for guiding suture limbs, and the inserter tool. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall device structure while achieving the goal of easy suture access after implantation
3Reliability
If suture management device provides automated loop holding, then operator error reduction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service mechanism where the card's prongs automatically engage and hold the suture loop in the open position without requiring active operator intervention. The loop is passively maintained in the correct configuration throughout the implantation process, and the card automatically releases the loop only when intended (when terminal ends are passed through). This self-service approach reduces operator errors while maintaining relatively simple device structure through passive mechanical design
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3E
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AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods are provided for managing suture filaments when performing soft tissue repair. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical suture management device is in the form of a suture loop management card. The card can generally be configured to hold open a collapsible loop of suture until a force applied to the loop is greater than a threshold tension. The card can include a number of different features that help to keep the loop open until the threshold tension is achieved, including features designed to prevent the filament from being mistakenly offloaded. The card can be configured to be removably inserted into a handle of an inserter tool for use as a surgical tissue repair system. Other devices, systems, and methods for performing soft tissue repair are also provided.