Variable Pick Count Suture for Small Anchor Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suture anchors face limitations in size due to the need to accommodate a folded suture, restricting the ability to minimize anchor diameter and causing unnecessary trauma during soft tissue re-attachment procedures.
Innovation Solution
A suture with varying pick counts along its length, allowing for a flexible, low pick count portion that can deform and collapse, enabling easier insertion into small-diameter anchors, while a high pick count portion maintains strength for tissue attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a folded suture is used to attach soft tissue to bone, then the suture can be securely anchored, but the anchor diameter must be large enough to accommodate the folded suture, increasing trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The suture structure is changed from a traditional uniform configuration to a collapsed, compact form that reduces its cross-sectional dimensions. This parameter change allows the suture to fit through smaller anchor diameters while maintaining its anchoring security once deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The suture transitions from a static folded configuration to a dynamic collapsed state that can be compressed to a smaller size for insertion, then expands or maintains its functional form for anchoring. This dynamic behavior allows the suture to adapt its size to the anchor constraints while preserving its anchoring capability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the anchor diameter is reduced to minimize trauma, then tissue trauma is reduced, but the folded suture cannot be accommodated, compromising anchoring security
Solution Approach 1:
The suture undergoes a parameter change in its dimensional configuration, transitioning to a collapsed state with reduced outer dimensions that enables passage through small-diameter anchors while maintaining the structural integrity needed for secure anchoring
3Ease of operation
If a traditional folded suture configuration is used, then the suture is easy to manipulate, but the anchor size is restricted and cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The suture configuration parameter is changed from a traditional folded arrangement to a collapsed compact form, reducing the spatial envelope required for anchor accommodation while maintaining ease of manipulation through controlled deformation
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
Enables the use of smaller-diameter suture anchors, reducing trauma and improving the ability to securely attach soft tissue to bone with minimal invasive techniques.
Implementation Method 1
The first length can have a cross-section that is configured to deform when a force is applied thereto. The first length can be configured to collapse in diameter when a force is applied thereto.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one embodiment, an elongate weave of fibers can be provided having a first portion with a first pick count and a second portion with a second pick count that is greater than the first pick count. The first portion can have a cross-section that deforms in response to a force that is applied thereto. The first portion can have a collapsible diameter and can have a bending stiffness that is lower than a bending stiffness of the second portion of the suture. The first portion can also have a first pattern that is different than a second pattern on the second portion of the suture. The first portion can be threaded into a suture anchor such that it can be doubled over upon itself. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.