Knotless micro suture anchor array for high density anatomical attachment of soft tissue to bone
Inventors
Harris, Howard W. • Zenz-Olson, Zak • Westling, Thomas A. • Crompton, David M. • Labbé, Marc • Connor, Patrick M. • Van Tran, Nathaniel
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11389154-B1
Publication Date
2022-07-19
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system of toggle type suture anchors is disclosed. The plurality of suture anchors is connected in series by a single working suture and each of the suture anchors allows tensioning of the working suture between itself and the prior anchor implanted in the serial string. Further, each anchor includes a loop type locking mechanism to lock the working suture in place subsequent to tensioning. This creates an independently tensioned suture stitch between each implanted suture anchor and the just previously implanted anchor. In total the system as implanted creates a continuous array of single anchor to anchor stitches which can be placed close together in high density to form a line or region of stitches for a more robust securement of soft tissue to bone.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a pre-strung serially connected system of suture anchors for forming an implanted array with serial anchor to anchor tensioned and independently locked suture stitches. At least four elongated toggle bodies each include first and second holes through the toggle body extending between a first longitudinal surface and a second longitudinal surface. A single continuous suture serially connecting the toggle bodies passes into the first hole and out the first hole, then back up through the second hole and out the second hole before going to the next toggle body.
In the system, each toggle body has a length of the single continuous suture extending adjacent the second longitudinal surface between the first and second holes, and the single continuous suture is configured to slide through the first and second holes when a force is applied. A separate locking loop for each toggle body encircles a portion of the length of the single continuous suture extending adjacent the second longitudinal surface between the first and second holes. Each separate locking loop has a first position allowing the single continuous suture to slide and a second position engaging the single continuous suture to lock the single continuous suture at each toggle body after tensioning.
A related invention form provides a system of serially connected toggle-type suture anchor with a plurality of toggle bodies having proximal, middle and distal passage at spaced intervals along the elongate body. A single working suture serially connects the plurality of toggle bodies by passing through proximal and distal passages sequentially while leaving a length of suture extending past a middle passage adjacent a bottom surface. Each toggle body includes an independent locking loop or locking suture extending from the middle passage at the bottom surface, having a first open position to allow sliding of the working suture and a second closed position that prevents sliding, where closure is in response to tension on a leg of the locking suture.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims are clm-00001, clm-00007, and clm-00014. They share three main inventive elements: a serially connected toggle-body array traversed by a single continuous or working suture, sliding under applied force to enable tensioning across multiple toggle bodies, and independent per-toggle locking loops or sutures that move between open and closed positions to prevent further sliding after tensioning.
Pre-strung serially connected system with independently locked anchor-to-anchor stitches
A pre-strung serially connected system of suture anchors for forming an implanted array with serial anchor to anchor tensioned and independently locked suture stitches, with at least four elongated toggle bodies each having first and second holes, a single continuous suture serially connecting the toggle bodies and configured to slide through the first and second holes when a force is applied, and a separate locking loop for each toggle body having a first position allowing sliding and a second position engaging the single continuous suture to lock after tensioning.
Toggle-type anchor system with proximal, middle, and distal passage and per-toggle locking loops
A system of serially connected toggle-type suture anchor with a plurality of toggle bodies each having proximal, middle, and distal passage at spaced intervals with the middle passage between, a single working suture passing into the proximal passage and out the distal passage sequentially while leaving suture extending past the middle passage adjacent the bottom surface of each elongate body, and an independent locking loop for each toggle body extending from the middle passage at the bottom surface with a first open position allowing sliding and a second closed position engaging the single working suture to prevent sliding.
Serially connected toggle-type system with collapsible loop locking sutures
A serially connected toggle-type suture anchor system comprising at least six toggle bodies with proximal, middle, and distal bore at spaced intervals, a single working suture passed serially through proximal and distal bores while leaving suture extending past the middle bore at the bottom surface, and a locking suture for each toggle body having a collapsible loop extending from the middle bore at the bottom surface and encircling a portion of the working suture, where the collapsible loop closes in response to tension on a leg of the locking suture passing up through the middle bore and out at the top surface.
Across the independent claims, the key coverage is for a serially connected toggle-body anchor array traversed by a single continuous or working suture configured to slide under applied force, combined with separate per-toggle locking loops or sutures that independently transition from an open position permitting sliding to a closed position preventing sliding after tensioning.
Stated Advantages
Independently locked suture stitches at each toggle body after tensioning.
The single continuous or working suture can slide when a force is applied.
Locking loops or locking sutures close to prevent sliding of the single continuous or working suture after tensioning.
Documented Applications
Arthroscopic soft-tissue reattachment to bone using a knotless, toggle-type micro suture anchor array, including rotator cuff such as rotator cuff or supraspinatus tendon to the humeral head.
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