Two-Piece Snap-Fit Suture Retaining Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for maintaining suture tension in surgical procedures, such as using metal crimp beads or sewing the suture into the skin, cause patient discomfort, risk of infection, and are not MRI-compatible, making them inefficient and difficult to use.
Innovation Solution
A suture retaining mechanism comprising two unitary pieces, where one piece has a base with a shaft and a bulbous head, and the other piece has a flared opening to snap-fit onto the first, allowing the suture to be wrapped and secured without the need for crimping or sewing, providing a comfortable and secure tensioning system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal crimp beads are used to maintain suture tension, then the suture can be held securely, but patient discomfort and risk of infection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metal crimp bead from the system entirely, extracting the harmful element that causes patient discomfort and infection risk. The suture tension is maintained through alternative means (suture wrapping and tissue anchoring) that eliminate the need for external metal retention devices, thereby resolving the contradiction between secure suture holding and patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the suture anchor device with wrapping suture and tissue-engaging components) that mediates between the need for secure suture tension and patient comfort. This intermediary system provides secure retention through biological tissue engagement rather than metal crimping, eliminating the harmful effects while maintaining functional reliability.
2Reliability
If crimp beads are used to secure the suture, then tension is maintained, but the procedure becomes complex and difficult to perform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the complex crimping procedure and metal bead application steps by extracting these elements from the system. The suture retention is achieved through the anchor device's integrated design that engages tissue directly, simplifying the surgical procedure while maintaining reliable suture retention without requiring additional tools or complex manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the suture retention function with the anchor device itself, combining what were previously separate components (anchor, suture, and retention mechanism) into an integrated system. This merging eliminates the need for separate crimping steps and simplifies the overall procedure while ensuring reliable suture retention through the unified device design.
3Reliability
If additional skin piercings are made to anchor the suture, then tension can be maintained, but infection risk and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for additional skin piercings by extracting this harmful practice from the procedure. The suture tension is maintained through the anchor device's engagement with internal tissue structures, eliminating the need for external skin anchoring points and thereby reducing infection risk while maintaining reliable tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor device serves as an intermediary that maintains suture tension through internal tissue engagement rather than external skin anchoring. This intermediary mechanism provides the necessary retention force through biological tissue interaction, avoiding the creation of additional skin openings and the associated infection risk.
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, embodiments of a retaining mechanism for holding a portion of the suture of a suture anchor are disclosed. When a suture anchor is inserted into a patient, the portion of the suture extending from the body is held in tension by a two-piece snap-fit mechanism. One piece has a base with an extending shaft portion and a bulbous head, and a lumen runs through the shaft. The second piece has a hole or space for snapping the second piece onto the first piece. The extending portion of the suture runs through the lumen in the first piece and can be wrapped around the shaft. Snapping the second piece onto the first contains the suture and prevents loss of tension in it.