Tissue Anchor Suture Loops for Controlled Tongue Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea lack effective devices and methods for delivering a suture into tissue, anchoring it with a tissue anchor, and securing it to bone, while minimizing the risk of suture pull-out and infection, and improving surgeon control over suture tension and placement.
Innovation Solution
A tissue anchor assembly comprising an elongated member with a lumen and a suture that forms a loop, secured to a bone anchor, allowing for precise tissue suspension and tension adjustment, using a delivery system with a hypo tube and push rod for controlled deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suture is passed deep into tissue to suspend tissue for treating obstructive sleep apnea, then the tissue suspension effect is improved, but the risk of suture pull-out and infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tissue anchor as an intermediary device that remains embedded in the tissue to secure the suture loop. The anchor provides a stable anchoring point deep within the tissue without requiring the suture itself to be deeply embedded, thereby maintaining suspension effectiveness while reducing pull-out risk and infection risk associated with exposed sutures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: the tissue anchor (for secure embedding), the suture loop (for tensioning and suspension), and the delivery system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the anchor provides secure anchoring while the suture can be tensioned and adjusted without compromising the anchor's stability.
2Ease of operation
If conventional methods are used to pass suture into tissue and anchor it to bone, then the procedure is simpler, but surgeon control over suture tension and placement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue anchor and suture loop system provides dynamic control capabilities during the procedure. The suture loop can be tensioned, adjusted, and secured in real-time under direct visual guidance, allowing the surgeon to precisely control placement and tension. The system transitions from static, pre-tied sutures to a dynamically adjustable configuration that can be optimized during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables visual feedback during the procedure through direct visualization of the tissue anchor deployment and suture loop formation. The surgeon can observe the tissue suspension effect in real-time and make immediate adjustments to tension and placement, providing continuous feedback control that enhances precision while maintaining procedural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the suture is exposed to the oral cavity for tensioning and adjustment, then surgeon control is improved, but the risk of infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue anchor serves as an intermediary that allows suture tensioning and adjustment to be performed through the tissue rather than requiring oral exposure. The suture loop can be manipulated and secured through the anchor structure, maintaining surgeon control while keeping the suture materials hidden within the tissue to minimize infection risk.
Data Source
AI summary
The tissue anchor assembly can include a tissue anchor comprising an elongated member comprising a first end and a second end. The elongated member can include a lumen extending from the first end to the second end. The elongated member can include an opening between the first end and the second end. The tissue anchor assembly can include a suture. In some embodiments, the suture enters the lumen at the first end of the elongated member, forms a suture loop through the opening of the elongated member, and exits the lumen at the second end of the elongated member. The tissue anchor delivery system can be provided. Methods of use can be provided.