Knot-Free Suture Implant with Slip Knot for Tissue Approximation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tissue approximation methods in surgical procedures, such as those using curved needles and sutures, are time-consuming and challenging, especially in difficult-to-access areas, and require overcoming significant frictional forces when tightening knots.

Innovation Solution

A suture implant system that allows for tissue approximation without tying knots, using a suture with a fixed knot and a slip knot to form a suture loop, where the second end of the suture is pulled to slide the slip knot toward the closed end, reducing the distance between tissue anchors and applying tension, utilizing a needle and tissue anchors with optimized dimensions to minimize drag.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional curved needles and sutures are used for tissue approximation, then the suture can be securely tied, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and challenging in difficult-to-access spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue approximation efficiencyVSAvoidsuture handling difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the knot-tying step from the traditional suture process by using pre-formed tissue anchors with integrated suture attachment mechanisms. The tissue anchors have channels and engagement features that secure the suture without requiring manual knot tying, thereby eliminating the time-consuming and difficult knot-tying operation while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The tissue anchors are pre-configured with channels and engagement features before the surgical procedure. The sutures are pre-attached to the anchors during manufacturing, so that during surgery, the practitioner only needs to insert the anchor and pull the suture through tissue, without performing the complex knot-tying action in the difficult-to-access surgical site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If slip knots are used in known devices to improve suture efficiency, then tissue approximation can be achieved, but significant frictional forces must be overcome to tighten the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue approximation efficiencyVSAvoidfrictional force resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a tissue anchor as an intermediary component between the suture and the tissue. The anchor has a channel that guides the suture and engagement features that secure it, eliminating the need for slip knots. This intermediary structure reduces frictional resistance by providing a smooth, guided path for the suture rather than relying on knot-based tensioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical slip knot system with a different mechanical approach: a tissue anchor with a channel and engagement features. Instead of using friction and knot geometry to secure and tension the suture, the system uses the anchor's structural features to guide and secure the suture, reducing the frictional forces that must be overcome during tightening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If sutures pass through channels in tissue anchors to secure them, then fixation is achieved, but the suture filament experiences additional frictional forces during tightening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue anchor fixationVSAvoidsuture tightening difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the parameters of the suture-anchor interface by changing from a knot-based connection to a channel-based connection. The channel dimensions, surface finish, and engagement features are optimized to provide secure fixation while minimizing friction. This parameter optimization allows the suture to be securely held by the anchor without experiencing excessive frictional forces during the tightening process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11723649B2Quick, one-handed interrupted suture fixation for approximating tissue without the need to tie knots

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 MENTOR WORLDWIDE LLC

AI summary

A suture implant for approximating tissue without tying knots includes a suture having a first end with a fixed knot, a second end, and a slip knot located between the first and second ends, which defines a large suture loop having a length. The slip knot defines a dynamic end of the large suture loop that is located opposite a closed end of the large suture loop. A tissue anchor is coupled with the first end of the suture. Pulling the second end of the large suture loop away from the slip knot slides the slip knot and the tissue anchor toward the closed end of the large suture loop and reduces the length of the large suture loop. The suture implant includes a needle having a leading end and a trailing end and a small suture loop secured to the trailing end of the needle that is coupled with the closed end of the large suture loop.