Wireless-Adjustable Suture Anchors for Post-Op Tension Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical techniques for securing soft tissue to bone often result in degradation of the connection due to changes in tensile force or length, leading to issues like joint motion variance, hyperextension, pain, and the need for additional surgical interventions to adjust tension.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable implant system with a bone anchor and a driving element that can be actuated non-invasively using a wireless signal to adjust the tension on a flexible elongate tension member, allowing for post-operative adjustments without additional surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional suture anchors are used to secure soft tissue to bone, then the initial connection strength is achieved, but the connection degrades over time due to changes in tensile force and length
Solution Approach 1:
The suture anchor is designed with an adjustable tension mechanism that allows dynamic modification of the connection properties. The device includes a adjustability component that can be actuated to change the tension and length of the suture, enabling the system to adapt to changing healing requirements and maintain optimal connection strength and stability throughout the recovery process.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed tension suture anchors are used, then the surgical procedure is simple, but postoperative adjustments require additional surgical interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The suture anchor incorporates a self-adjusting mechanism that can be modified without requiring return to the operating room. The adjustability component is designed to be actuated through percutaneous access or remote control, allowing patients or clinicians to perform tension adjustments independently or with minimal intervention, thereby eliminating the need for complex postoperative surgical procedures.
3Ease of operation
If non-invasive adjustment is implemented, then postoperative tuning is possible without additional surgery, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism replaces complex mechanical systems with simpler alternative actuation methods. Instead of requiring mechanical linkages and multiple moving parts for adjustment, the device utilizes magnetic, electromagnetic, or shape memory alloy-based actuation systems that can be controlled remotely or through minimal contact, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method of treating a patient includes: providing a tensioning device having: a connector configured to couple to a soft tissue, and an adjustable anchor configured to couple to the connector and to couple to a bone, wherein the adjustable anchor comprises: a first end and a second end; a housing extending between the first end and the second end; and an adjustable component disposed within the housing; inserting the second end of the adjustable anchor into the bone; connecting the connector to the soft tissue; coupling the connector to the adjustable anchor; and adjusting a tension on the connector by rotating the adjustable component within the housing in response to a wireless signal.