Tapered Suture Anchor for Consistent Knotless Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knotless suture anchors have inconsistent suture tensioning and fixation strength, and lack feedback to the surgeon during tensioning, leading to potential suture slippage or pullout under cyclic loading.
Innovation Solution
A suture anchor system with a preloaded tapered repair suture and shuttle suture, which uses a tapered design to arrest advancement within the anchor channel, providing consistent tensioning and fixation strength, and includes a guide tool and inserter tool for precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing knotless suture anchors are used, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the suture tensioning is inconsistent and fixation strength is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tapered suture design where the suture diameter varies along its length, creating a wedge effect within the anchor channel. This geometric parameter change enables consistent tensioning by converting the pulling force into a wedging action that uniformly distributes load along the suture-anchor interface, eliminating the inconsistency of traditional knotless anchors.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered suture provides tactile feedback to the surgeon during tensioning through the increasing resistance as the suture is pulled through the channel. The surgeon can feel when the suture reaches optimal tension as the tapered portion engages fully in the channel, creating a natural feedback mechanism that ensures consistent fixation strength without requiring additional sensors or devices.
2Reliability
If existing knotless suture anchors are used, then the anchor can be implanted, but the suture can slip or pull out under cyclic loading
Solution Approach 1:
The varying diameter of the tapered suture creates a progressive engagement with the anchor channel. As cyclic loads are applied, the tapered geometry ensures that the suture maintains optimal contact pressure along its entire length within the channel, preventing slippage while distributing stress to prevent pullout, thereby maintaining both retention and strength under dynamic conditions.
3Ease of operation
If existing knotless suture anchors are used, then the procedure can be completed, but the surgeon lacks feedback during tensioning to confirm optimal tension
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered suture design creates inherent tactile feedback through the changing resistance encountered during insertion. As the suture is pulled through the anchor channel, the surgeon feels increasing resistance as the tapered portion engages, providing clear tactile cues that indicate when optimal tension is achieved. This eliminates the need for additional measurement devices while ensuring precise tension control.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture anchor system is disclosed. The system includes at least one suture anchor having an elongate anchor body having at least one anchoring element, and a channel having a distal channel loop and a proximal opening in a proximal face of the elongate anchor body. The system also includes a tapered repair suture. A method for treating soft tissue is also disclosed.