Knotless Suture Ring Fixation for Secure Tissue Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical methods for tissue repair often require knots, which can be cumbersome and may cause complications such as irritation or palpable hardware under the skin, and there is a need for more efficient and biomimetic fixation methods.
Innovation Solution
The development of knotless suture constructs using flexible couplers and suture rings, which form adjustable, closed loops that self-lock without knots, allowing for secure tissue attachment and reattachment with minimal hardware exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knot-based surgical methods are used, then secure tissue fixation is achieved, but irritation and palpable hardware under the skin occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the knot component from the surgical fixation system. The suture construct uses a continuous loop configuration that passes through the tissue and secures itself without requiring traditional knots, thereby removing the source of irritation and palpable hardware while maintaining fixation security.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture construct is segmented into multiple functional components including the continuous suture loop, tissue engagement portions, and locking mechanisms distributed along the construct. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, achieving secure fixation without concentrated stress points that would require knots.
2Reliability
If knots are used for tissue repair, then secure attachment is achieved, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and healing is slowed
Solution Approach 1:
The suture construct is designed to be self-securing through its continuous loop configuration and inherent locking mechanisms. The construct automatically maintains its integrity and secures tissue without requiring additional knot-tying steps or external manipulation, thereby simplifying the surgical procedure while ensuring secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture construct is pre-configured with its continuous loop structure and locking features before implantation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for intraoperative knot-tying and adjustment, allowing the surgeon to simply implant the pre-formed construct that will self-secure upon deployment.
3Reliability
If traditional suture methods with knots are used, then tissue repair is achieved, but visible hardware and patient discomfort result
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the visible knot component from the surgical construct, replacing it with a continuous loop configuration that is either subsurface or minimally visible. This extraction eliminates the primary source of patient discomfort and visible hardware while preserving the tissue repair effectiveness through the continuous securing mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable loops are used for tissue fixation, then precise tension control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suture construct incorporates dynamic adjustable loops that can be modified intraoperatively to achieve the desired tension. The loops are designed with movable components that allow surgeons to adjust the fit and tension after implantation, providing adaptability without requiring overly complex mechanisms. The adjustability is integrated into the basic loop structure, minimizing additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Knotless constructs and methods of tissue repairs are disclosed herein. A suture ring can be formed of suture with a hollow core. A suture ring can be folded to a “S”, “L′”, or “W” configuration. A suture ring can be loaded with a tensionable mechanism to assist in knotless, tensionable tissue repairs.