Individually lockable cinch loop micro suture anchor array for high density anatomical attachment of soft tissue to bone
Inventors
Zenz-Olson, Zak • Tran, Nathaniel Van • Westling, Thomas A. • Connor, Patrick M. • Harris, Howard W. • Labbé, Marc • Crompton, David M.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12226307-B2
Publication Date
2025-02-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system of toggle type suture anchors is disclosed. The plurality of suture anchors is connected in series by a plurality of independently cinchable working suture loops with one working suture loop connecting each pair of anchors in series to form a chain. Each of the suture anchors as connected by working suture loops 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 cinchable working suture loop subsequent to tensioning so that the loop remains fixed in size during cyclic loading during joint use. 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 high density, continuous array of anchor-to-anchor stitches for robust securement of soft tissue to bone.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a pre-strung serially connected system of suture anchors that forms an implanted array in which anchor-to-anchor tensioned and independently locked suture stitches are formed. The system includes a plurality of serially positioned toggle bodies, including a first and a last toggle body and intermediate toggle bodies, with holes extending through the toggle body surfaces. Independently cinchable working suture loops connect each previous toggle body to a subsequent toggle body and extend through respective holes to form a loop that can be tensioned by pulling a free tail adjacent a slip knot formed therein.
After tensioning, a separate locking loop is provided for each cinchable working suture loop. Each separate locking loop encircles a portion of the length of the cinchable working suture loop extending adjacent a second longitudinal surface of the toggle body of the intermediate toggle bodies. The separate locking loop has a first position allowing the cinchable working suture loop to slide through the separate locking loop and a second position engaging the cinchable working suture loop to prevent sliding within the separate locking loop, thereby locking the cinchable working suture loop at each toggle body.
In related embodiments, the invention further describes a system of toggle-type suture anchors connected serially by independently cinchable working suture loops, where each toggle body except a first toggle body includes an independent locking loop extending from a passage at a bottom surface. Each independent locking loop has an open position allowing the cinchable working suture loop to slide through and a closed position preventing sliding. The locking loop structure is refined using a cord with a slidable knot, with passage geometry that receives the slidable knot while preventing passage of the slidable knot, and configurations including an oval-shaped portion for routing locking-loop legs.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims provide a toggle-type suture anchor architecture that uses pre-strung serially connected toggle bodies with independently cinchable working suture loops, and separate independent locking loop mechanisms to lock each tensioned stitch pair after cinching. The independent claim set includes four main claim groups, each defining the serial toggle body chain and the independently locked stitch construction using open/closed sliding prevention and slidable-knot/collapsible loop features.
Pre-strung serially connected toggle body array with independently cinchable and locked stitches
A pre-strung serially connected system of suture anchors for forming an implanted array with anchor to anchor tensioned and independently locked suture stitches, comprising a plurality of serially positioned toggle bodies with first and second holes, a plurality of independent cinchable working suture loops individually connecting a previous toggle body to a subsequent toggle body and extending through respective holes to form a loop tensionable adjacent a slip knot, and a separate locking loop for each cinchable working suture loop with a first position allowing sliding and a second position engaging and preventing sliding around the cinchable working suture loop after tensioning.
Toggle-type suture anchor chain with independently cinchable working suture loops and open/closed locking loops
A system of toggle-type suture anchors connected serially by a plurality of independently cinchable working suture loops, comprising toggle bodies with passages spaced along an elongate body, independently cinchable working suture loops numbering one less than the toggle bodies that serially connect toggle bodies into a chain such that tightening forms a suture stitch between each serial pair, and an independent locking loop for each working suture loop extending from a passage at a bottom surface except a first toggle body, with a first open position allowing sliding of the working suture loop and a second closed position engaging and preventing sliding.
Toggle-type suture anchor system with collapsible locking loops closing in response to tension
A toggle-type suture anchor system with a plurality of cinchable working suture loops joining toggle bodies in series, comprising at least six toggle bodies each having at least a first and a second bore extending from a top surface to a bottom surface, at least five cinchable working suture loops connecting each toggle body to the next and each cinchable working suture loop collapsible in size after toggle body implantation to form a tensioned suture stitch, and a locking suture for each working suture loop having a collapsible loop extending from a bore at the bottom surface and encircling a portion of the working suture loop adjacent each associated toggle body, wherein the collapsible loop closes in response to tension on a leg of the locking suture passing up through the bore and out at the top surface.
Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage centers on serially connected toggle bodies supporting independently cinchable working suture loops that form anchor-to-anchor tensioned stitch segments, coupled with independent locking loop mechanisms that lock each stitch pair to prevent sliding or length change after tensioning.
Stated Advantages
High-density anchor-to-anchor, seam-like “sewing machine” attachment.
Reduced micromotion/creep.
Small (<3 mm) anchor diameter and close spacing (<7 mm edge-to-edge).
Transtendinous implantation (through-tendon placement).
Performance targets in cadaveric studies including >400 N tensile strength.
Performance targets in cadaveric studies including <2 mm cyclic creep at 180 N.
Documented Applications
Rotator cuff and other soft-tissue-to-bone repair, including rotator cuff repair of the supraspinatus tendon.
Transtendinous implantation involving implantation through soft tissue to the humeral head/cortical shell/cancellous bone.
Example implantation patterns include a medial straight row perpendicular to tendon forces and an optional lateral zig-zag row.
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