Suture Transfer Device for Bone Channel Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for passing sutures or cables through bone tissue are often difficult due to soft tissue obstruction, bony obstacles, and issues with trajectory, and they typically allow only one passage as the device cannot be removed after initial use.
Innovation Solution
A suture transfer device that can be drilled into the bone, partially removed while retaining a semi-cylindrical structure for suture passage, and then completely removed, allowing multiple passes of sutures or cables without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cannulated needle or tube is used to pass suture through bone, then the suture can be passed through the bone channel, but the device cannot be removed after initial use and only allows one passage
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional segments: a drill bit portion for creating the bone channel and a suture guide portion with a trough that remains in the bone. This segmentation allows the drill bit to be removed while the suture guide remains, enabling multiple suture passages. The trough structure is specifically designed to be retained in the bone channel after drilling, providing ongoing guidance for suture passage without requiring the entire device to remain in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill bit is extracted from the suture guide structure after drilling the bone channel. This extraction allows the suture guide portion to remain independently in the bone, providing continued support for multiple suture passages. The separation of the drill function from the suture guidance function enables the device to be partially removed while maintaining its suture-passing capability.
2Productivity
If soft tissue obstruction or bony obstacles are present during suture passage, then the surgical procedure becomes difficult, but traditional devices cannot be removed or adjusted to overcome these obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static, single-use structure to a dynamic, multi-stage system. The suture guide with its trough structure remains flexible in function, allowing multiple suture passages and adjustments during surgery. The ability to pass sutures repeatedly through the retained trough structure provides dynamic adaptability to surgical needs, overcoming obstacles that would prevent single-pass devices from completing the procedure efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone channel is pre-drilled with the suture guide trough structure in place before suture passage attempts. This preliminary preparation creates a clear, obstruction-free path through the bone that eliminates soft tissue interference and bony obstacles during subsequent suture passages. The pre-established channel allows smooth, multiple passages without the difficulties of forcing sutures through unprepared tissue.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a device is drilled into bone and left in place for suture passage, then multiple passes are possible, but the device may interfere with the installed sutures or cables
Solution Approach 1:
The suture guide structure has a localized trough geometry that provides suture guidance only where needed within the bone channel. The trough is designed with specific dimensions and surface characteristics that facilitate smooth suture passage while minimizing bulk. This localized functional design allows the guide to support multiple suture passages without creating excessive bulk or protrusions that would interfere with suture installation or final positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture guide structure is designed as a temporary, disposable component that serves its purpose during surgery and is then removed. The trough structure provides the necessary guidance function during the procedure but is not intended for permanent retention. This disposable nature eliminates long-term interference concerns, as the device is removed after completing its function of enabling multiple suture passages during the surgical procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture transfer device and method of use provides the suture transfer device to facilitate passage of suture through a channel bored through a bone. The suture transfer device may also be installed upon a surgical drill. The device extends through bone tissue providing a temporarily installed suture passage with an overall cylindrical configuration and a linear trough, the device can be included on a bone drill during the drilling process, with the device deployed within the drilled channel within the bone upon completion of the drilled channel in the bone, providing smooth passage of one or more sutures during tissue repair through the linear trough, the device further 10 removed upon completion of the surgery without disruption of the suture or sutures. Kits are also provided.