Tissue Anchoring Device with Compressible Tabs for Bone Fixation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures for securing soft tissue to bone, such as ACL reconstruction, are complex and require multiple steps and tools, making them difficult to perform arthroscopically and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A tissue anchoring device with a tubular anchor body and a spreader that bends compressible tabs radially outward to securely attach soft tissue to bone, utilizing a biocompatible engineering polymer material and a deployment mechanism to simplify the attachment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-step procedures with multiple tools are used for securing tissue to bone, then the attachment can be achieved, but the procedure complexity and number of steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (tissue capture, anchor insertion, and tab deployment) into a single integrated device. The anchor body includes both the tissue capture feature and the deployable tabs as one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate tools and steps for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor body serves multiple purposes: it captures tissue through its distal opening, inserts into the bone tunnel as an anchor, and deploys tabs to secure the tissue. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized tools in traditional procedures.
2Reliability
If traditional anchors with pre-protruding structures are used, then attachment can be achieved, but the protrusion size increases and may cause interference
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are designed to be dynamic rather than static - they start in a compressed, low-profile state during insertion and then expand to a deployed state after insertion. This allows the anchor to adapt its protrusion size based on the operational phase, minimizing interference during insertion while providing security after deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are nested within the anchor body in the compressed state, with each tab contained within the tubular wall structure. Upon deployment, the tabs expand outward from this nested configuration, providing the necessary protrusion only when needed for tissue securation.
3Device complexity
If simple anchor designs are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the risk of tissue slippage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor features localized engagement elements (tabs with teeth) positioned at specific locations along the tubular wall. These localized features provide enhanced grip and slip resistance at critical points where tissue contact occurs, while the rest of the anchor structure remains relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs incorporate teeth with a dual nature - a smooth outer surface that minimizes tissue irritation and a textured inner surface that provides enhanced grip and prevents slippage. This composite surface structure combines opposing properties to simultaneously protect tissue and prevent slippage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device simplifies the attachment of soft tissue to bone by reducing the number of steps and tools required, enhancing the stability and ease of deployment, while minimizing protrusion and preventing slippage, thus improving the efficiency and effectiveness of orthopedic procedures like ACL reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
The compressible tabs are bendable between a compressed state and an expanded state, and comprise at least one tooth. The spreader is insertable into the central bore and configured to bend the compressible tabs radially outward relative to the anchor body such that the compressible tabs enter the expanded state upon insertion of the spreader into the central bore.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A tissue anchoring device is described that comprises an anchor body and a spreader such that tissue may be captured or compressed between outside surfaces on the anchor and inside surfaces of a bone tunnel to secure the tissue within the tunnel. An anchoring device is described that comprises an anchor body having compressible tabs with teeth, and a spreader that forces the compressible tabs into an expanded state when inserted into anchor body, facilitating engagement between bone and the teeth of the compressible tabs. Methods are described that enable use of the bone anchoring device to secure a tissue graft into the tibial and femoral bones during anterior cruciate ligament (“ACL”) reconstruction.