Suture Loop Anchor for Soft Tissue Bone Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing soft tissues to bone using sutures and anchors are time-consuming and limited by the strength of the knot, which can be weaker than the suture material, especially when improperly tied.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a braided tubular suture configuration where ends are passed through apertures to form loops, allowing tension to constrict and secure soft tissue within a femoral tunnel, using locking members and fasteners to maintain the suture in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional sutures and anchors are used to secure soft tissue to bone, then the repair strength is limited by the knot strength, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the knot-tying step from the surgical procedure by using a preformed loop suture configuration. The loop is created during manufacturing rather than during surgery, eliminating the time-consuming knot-tying process while maintaining the full strength of the suture material for tissue repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop is preformed during suture manufacturing before the surgical procedure. This preliminary action of creating the loop structure in advance allows the surgeon to simply insert and tension the suture without spending time tying knots during the procedure, thus reducing procedural time while preserving repair strength.
2Device complexity
If traditional sutures with knots are used, then the procedure is simpler in terms of equipment, but the knot strength limits the overall repair strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the knot element from the suture system by using a preformed loop configuration. The loop structure eliminates the need for knots while maintaining device simplicity, allowing the full tensile strength of the suture material to be utilized for tissue repair without being limited by knot strength.
3Loss of time
If a single preformed loop suture is used, then the procedural time is reduced, but the loop may relax and relieve tension when the system is released
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a method where the suture loop is passed through itself in a nested configuration. The suture is passed through a passage defined by the suture itself, creating an interlocked structure. When tension is applied, the loop closes; when tension is released, the nested configuration prevents the loop from relaxing back, maintaining the desired tension state.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. A collapsible tube is positioned about the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel and the collapse of the tube to form an anchor.