Tissue Anchor Deployment With Staged Suture Coupling Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue repair systems for coupling bone to repair tissue in extremities, such as the hand or foot, are cumbersome due to the need for pre-attached threading members or second anchors, which complicate procedures and require smaller profiles to minimize trauma to delicate tissues.
Innovation Solution
A tissue repair system with a pre-assembled, lower profile coupling means, including a tissue anchor, flexible repair member, and an instrument that stages the deployment and release of components, simplifying the repair process by housing and managing flexible members and coupling means until needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If threading members or second anchors are pre-attached to the flexible member, then the tissue repair procedure is completed more quickly, but the profile size increases causing trauma to delicate extremity tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the tissue repair system into distinct functional components: a tissue anchor deployed first, followed by separate coupling means (needles or threading members) that are released from the instrument housing after anchor deployment. This segmentation allows each component to have an optimized profile size for its specific function while avoiding the need for pre-attachment that would increase overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument housing pre-assembles and houses the coupling means (needles or threading members) along with the tissue anchor before the procedure. The housing protects these components and positions them for sequential deployment during surgery, achieving the benefit of pre-assembly without the penalty of increased profile size during insertion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components (threading members, anchors, flexible members) are used in the tissue repair system, then the tissue repair function is comprehensive, but the device complexity and procedural management become overly complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple components (tissue anchor, flexible member, coupling means such as needles or threading members) into a single integrated instrument housing. This consolidation allows all components to be delivered through a single insertion site and simplifies procedural management by reducing the number of separate instruments and steps required, while still providing comprehensive tissue repair functionality.
3Loss of time
If threading members or anchors are pre-attached to the flexible member, then time is saved during the coupling process, but the profile size increases requiring larger incisions in delicate tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested configuration where the coupling means (needles or threading members) are housed within the instrument housing alongside the tissue anchor. The housing acts as a container that protects and positions these components during insertion. After the tissue anchor is deployed, the housing is removed or opened to reveal the pre-positioned coupling means, which are then used to complete the repair. This nesting approach saves time by having components ready for use while maintaining a small insertion profile.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A tissue repair system for securing a first tissue to a second tissue is disclosed including an instrument with a handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle and a housing having a locked cover. A tissue anchor is disposed at a distal end of the shaft, and operatively coupled to an actuation member of the handle via a deployment member. The actuation member is configured to actuate the deployment member, deploy the tissue anchor and thereby couple the tissue anchor with the first tissue. The system also includes a repair member, for coupling the tissue anchor to the second tissue. Repair member has a first end operatively coupled to the tissue anchor and a second end attached to at least one coupling means. The repair member second end and coupling means are housed within the instrument housing. Actuation of the actuation member is configured to unlock the housing cover.