Meniscal repair delivery device
Inventors
Karasic, Geoffrey I. • Cunningham, Matthew D. • Yeoh, Han Teik • Fu, Rick • Cassidy, Roger R. • Stauffer, Allison M. • Mirabile, Belin
Assignees
Smith and Nephew Orthopaedics AG • Smith and Nephew Asia Pacific Pte Ltd • Smith and Nephew Inc
Publication Number
US-12303123-B2
Publication Date
2025-05-20
Expiration Date
2041-04-05
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Abstract
Tissue repair devices include an advancement assembly comprising a rod portion configured to advance through a needle to expel first and second implants from the needle, a ratchet coupled to a proximal section of the rod portion and configured to advance the rod through the needle by axial and rotational movement, and an advancement member having a linear travel axis including a first bore connected to a second bore. A diameter of the first bore is smaller than a diameter of the second bore such that the first bore and the second bore comprise a stop. The rod portion has mechanical properties optimized to both conform to a needle curvature and provide sufficient compressive strength to expel implants from the devices.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a tissue repair device that utilizes a push-pull delivery mechanism to facilitate the retraction of a push rod independent of spring force. The device consists of a handle, an elongated needle with an axial bore, two implants connected by a suture, and an advancement assembly. The advancement assembly features a rod portion for advancing through the needle to expel the implants, a ratchet member for advancing the rod by axial and rotational movement, and an advancement member with a bore system acting as a stop to control movement. The push-pull mechanism is designed with mechanical properties that enable it to conform to needle curvature while maintaining sufficient compressive strength to expel the implants.
The problem addressed by this invention is that traditional meniscal and tissue repair devices lack effective user-controlled retraction mechanisms for the push rod, relying instead on various springs. When the friction in the push mechanism exceeds the spring force, the rod is unable to retract to a position suitable for deploying the second implant. Additionally, standard push rods cannot easily conform to curved needle tips, which may lead to delivery failure if the needle curvature changes during use. This failure can result in excessive force required to advance the rod or the rod breaching the needle slot, and can also prevent proper retraction needed for sequential implant deployment.
The disclosed device introduces features such as an optimized push rod composed of materials like Martensitic phase Nitinol to balance compressive strength and flexibility. The advancement assembly includes a ratchet and push-pull mechanism that provides tactile, audible feedback and allows direct user manipulation for both advancing and retracting the push rod. The device further incorporates a suture with a bifurcated section or finger loop to facilitate tensioning after implant deployment, reducing user discomfort and preventing the suture from slipping during handling, especially when gloves are wet.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim presents a tissue repair device with several inventive features fundamental to its operation and structural configuration.
Push-pull delivery mechanism with advancement assembly
The device comprises: - A handle having a longitudinal axis and an elongated needle defining an axial bore. - First and second implants connected by a suture and positioned within the needle. - An advancement assembly including: - A rod portion configured to advance through the needle to expel both implants from the distal end. - A ratchet member coupled to the rod's proximal section, facilitating advancement of the rod by both axial and rotational movement. - An advancement member that has a linear travel axis with a first bore connected to a second bore, where the first bore diameter is smaller than the second, forming a stop. - A push-pull mechanism moving on the linear travel axis, including a mating rod with a stop member (barb) at the distal end. In a first position, the push-pull mechanism engages the stop; in a second position, it is proximal to the stop.
The claim coverage focuses on a tissue repair device's highly integrated advancement assembly, enabling controlled implant delivery and retraction through a push-pull rod, ratchet mechanism, and precisely structured bore system.
Stated Advantages
The push-pull delivery mechanism allows retraction of the push rod independently of spring force, restoring device functionality if use-related errors compromise operation.
The push rod's mechanical properties are optimized to conform to the needle's curvature while retaining compressive strength to expel implants reliably, even in needles with complex geometry.
The suture's bifurcated section or finger loop enables easier and more comfortable tensioning, reducing user discomfort and preventing slippage during reduction, especially with wet gloves.
Documented Applications
Repairing tissue such as meniscus, ligaments, tendons, and muscle tears using devices with improved delivery and tensioning mechanisms.
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