Wedge Suture Anchor for Tensioned Knotless Tissue Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knotless suture anchors fail to provide a method for applying tension to suture material, making it difficult for surgeons to secure soft tissue to bone effectively.
Innovation Solution
A knotless suture anchor with a sloped lumen and movable wedge mechanism that engages a locking mechanism by tensioning the suture, allowing for secure fixation of soft tissue to bone without the need for a secondary locking step.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a knotless suture anchor is used to simplify the surgical procedure, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to apply tension to the suture material is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The suture anchor system is designed to automatically lock the suture in place through self-compression when tension is applied. The compression element self-adjusts to engage with the suture, eliminating the need for manual locking steps while preserving tension application capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the suture from free-moving to compressed/locked by applying force through the compression element. This parameter change enables the suture to maintain tension while being secured in the knotless design
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a traditional knot-tying method is used to secure suture, then the ability to apply tension is improved, but the complexity of the surgical procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex knot-tying operation is extracted and replaced by a simple compression element mechanism. The essential function of securing and tensioning the suture is achieved through the compression element's automatic engagement, eliminating the need for surgeon-performed knotting
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical knot-tying system is replaced with an automatic compression-based locking mechanism. The compression element uses mechanical force and geometric engagement to achieve suture securing, substituting the complex manual knot-tying process
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 easy and secure attachment of soft tissue to bone by applying tension through the suture anchor's wedge mechanism, facilitating efficient surgical procedures such as labral, muscle, tendon, and ligament repairs.
Implementation Method 1
a suture locking wedge movably disposed at least partially within the first lumen, the wedge consisting of a sloped face such that the cross-sectional area of the wedge decreases in the proximal direction, the sloped face of the wedge contacting the sloped face of the first lumen when the wedge is in a suture locking position
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and anchor devices for repairing soft tissue with a suture are provided. An anchor device comprises an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first lumen extending from the proximal end, the first lumen having at least one face which is sloped relative to the central axis of the elongate body such that the cross-sectional area of the first lumen decreases in the proximal direction. The anchor device also comprises a suture locking wedge movably disposed at least partially within the first lumen.