Tack Anchor Two-Bar Locking Suture Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing tissue to bone during arthroscopic procedures lack direct tactile feedback and require complex knot-tying techniques, which are time-consuming and prone to contamination, especially in limited endoscopic surgical spaces.
Innovation Solution
A bone anchor system with a two-bar locking assembly that allows for individual tensioning of sutures, providing direct tactile feedback and secure locking without the need for knot-tying, using a suture passer for forming and retrieving suture loops without external mechanical aids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knot-tying techniques are used to secure tissue to bone, then the tissue can be attached to bone, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and prone to contamination in limited endoscopic spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchor system performs the securing function automatically through its mechanical structure. The suture is inserted through the anchor body and engaged by the locking assembly, which automatically locks the suture in place without requiring manual knot-tying operations. This self-securing mechanism eliminates the need for surgeon dexterity in knot-tying while maintaining reliable tissue attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of knot-tying with an automated mechanical locking system. The locking assembly, comprising locking elements that engage with the suture, substitutes for the surgeon's manual knot-tying actions, providing consistent and reliable fixation without time-consuming manual manipulation in the constrained endoscopic environment.
2Reliability
If manual knot-tying is performed in limited endoscopic surgical spaces, then tissue can be secured to bone, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone anchor system completes the securing function within the sterile field without requiring the surgeon's hands to enter the limited endoscopic space for knot-tying. The automated locking mechanism performs the critical fixation action inside the sterile barrier, reducing the number of times the sterile field must be breached or manipulated, thereby lowering contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone anchor system acts as an intermediary device that performs the securing function between the tissue and bone without requiring direct manual manipulation in the constrained space. The locking assembly mediates the connection, providing reliable fixation while minimizing the need for manual knot-tying operations that could introduce contamination.
3Ease of operation
If a two-bar locking assembly is used to secure suture, then individual suture tensioning is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is segmented into distinct locking elements (first and second locking elements) that can independently engage with the suture. This segmentation allows each locking element to control individual suture tensioning, providing precise control over suture force while maintaining a modular and manageable structure that does not excessively increase overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are designed to be movable relative to each other, allowing dynamic adjustment of suture tension. The first and second locking elements can move independently to accommodate different tension requirements, enabling precise control over suture force while maintaining operational simplicity through controlled mobility rather than complex mechanical systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3E
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses and methods for securing tissue to bone using tack anchors, bone anchoring systems are described. The tack anchor may include a body and a securing element. The body may include one or more compressible flanges, an opening and, a cavity. The cavity may include an opening near or proximate the flanges, and be configured to receive a suture. The securing element may be configured to slide into the opening of the body to secure a portion of one or more sutures in the cavity such that the ends of the sutures are accessible through the cavity opening. In some embodiments, tack anchor tool for insertion of a tack anchor into tissue and/or bone is described.