Tissue Anchor Device With Interlocking Slip Knots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional tissue approximation methods using curved needles and sutures are time-consuming and challenging, especially in difficult-to-access spaces, due to high frictional forces required to tighten slip knots, making them inefficient in procedures like laparoscopic surgery.

Innovation Solution

A dual anchor tissue approximation device with suture filaments forming slip knots at each anchor, allowing minimal force to shorten the distance between anchors, using absorbable materials like polydioxanone and a linear insertion device for easy deployment in confined spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single suture filament passes through a channel in the second anchor or through a knot in the second suture filament, then the device can approximate tissue, but the frictional forces increase the force necessary to shorten the distance between anchor points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of tighteningVSAvoidforce necessary to shorten distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

A ring element is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second suture filaments. The first suture filament passes through the ring instead of directly through the second anchor or knot, reducing frictional forces and facilitating easier tightening while maintaining the tissue approximation function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the structural parameters of the connection system by introducing a ring with specific dimensional characteristics that allow the suture filament to pass through with minimal friction, thereby changing the force parameter required for tightening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If curved needles and sutures are used for tissue approximation, then tissue can be approximated, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and challenging in difficult to access spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of tissue approximationVSAvoidease of use in confined spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into two separate anchors with independent suture filaments rather than using a single curved needle approach. This segmentation allows each anchor to be independently positioned and secured, improving efficiency and ease of use in confined surgical spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a single curved needle that must be maneuvered through difficult spaces, the invention inverts the approach by using two separate anchors that can be independently inserted and secured, reversing the traditional single-needle methodology to achieve better operational ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS9517060B2Method and device for approximating tissue

Publication Date: 2016.12.13 ETHICON INC

AI summary

A wound closure device including a first tissue anchor with a first suture filament fixedly coupled thereto at a proximal end and extending along a length to a free distal end, and a second tissue anchor with a second suture filament fixedly coupled thereto at a proximal end and extending along a length to a free distal end. The first suture filament is configured to form a slip knot at its proximal end substantially adjacent the first tissue anchor, and the second suture is configured to form a slip knot at its proximal end substantially adjacent the second tissue anchor. The length of the first suture filament passes through the slip knot of the second suture and the length of the second suture filament passes through the slip knot of the first suture filament.