Tensionable Knotless Anchor Self-Cinching Loop Tissue Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for soft tissue repair to bone often require tying knots, which can be time-consuming and may lead to irritation or failure, and lack the ability to adjust tension and tissue location effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of tensionable knotless fixation devices with a tensioning construct featuring a self-cinching loop and splice, pre-loaded onto a fixation device, allowing for adjustable tension and knotless fixation without the need for tying knots, and enabling precise adjustment of tissue location relative to bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knot-tying methods are used for soft tissue fixation, then the fixation can be secured, but the surgical time increases and knot-related complications may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the knot-tying step from the traditional fixation process. The suture anchor system uses a pre-formed loop configuration that can be directly inserted and tensioned without requiring knot manipulation, thereby removing the time-consuming knot-tying operation while maintaining fixation security through the self-retaining loop structure
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is pre-configured with a loop formation before insertion into the bone. This preliminary preparation allows the surgeon to simply insert and tension the pre-formed loop rather than forming knots during surgery, significantly reducing surgical time while ensuring reliable fixation from the outset
2Reliability
If traditional knot-tying methods are used, then fixation can be achieved, but the ability to adjust tension and tissue location is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a dynamic tensioning mechanism where the suture loop can be adjusted after insertion. The system allows for post-insertion tensioning and repositioning of the tissue, providing adaptability and versatility that static knot-tying methods cannot achieve. The loop configuration enables continuous adjustment of tension and tissue location to optimize fixation outcomes
3Strength
If knots are tied for suture fixation, then the suture can be secured, but irritation or failure may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention completely removes knots from the fixation system by using a pre-formed loop configuration that secures the suture without any knot structure. This extraction of the knot element eliminates the source of irritation and potential failure points associated with traditional knot-tying methods while maintaining suture security through the loop's self-retaining geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of knots (irritation, failure points) into a benefit by using the loop configuration's inherent structure to provide secure fixation. The loop design naturally resists slippage and maintains tension without requiring knots, transforming what was previously a harmful element into a beneficial feature that enhances both security and biocompatibility
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical devices and methods of tissue repair using tensionable knotless fixation devices. A flexible material (for example, suture or suture tape) may be attached to the fixation device. A flexible material may be threaded through an eyelet of a tip provided as part of a swivel anchor assembly to provide added stability to the fixation devices.