Enhanced Tissue Repair System

Publication ID: 24-11857176_0001_PTD

Published: November 07, 2025

Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Tissue Repair System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857176_0001_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857176_0001_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,176.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An improved tissue repair system featuring a fixation member with a braided body and a suture interwoven to form curved portions, providing enhanced flexibility, reduced friction, and improved tissue integration.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for tissue repair using sutures and suture anchors has limitations, such as displacement of bone volume and inadequate fixation strength. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a braided fixation member with a suture interwoven to form curved portions, enabling secure and efficient tissue repair.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced tissue repair system comprises a fixation member having a braided body with openings, and a suture interwoven through the fixation member to form S-shaped curved portions that slide with respect to the suture. The fixation member is made from a flattened tubular suture for enhanced flexibility. The system allows for minimally invasive procedures and can be used for coupling soft tissue to bone. The biodegradable material used for the fixation member enables improved tissue integration.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces the use of a braided fixation member with a suture interwoven to form curved portions, providing enhanced flexibility and reduced friction during insertion. This is a significant improvement over the original patent, which did not disclose such a configuration.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept include using different materials for the fixation member, such as absorbable or non-absorbable polymers, and varying the design of the curved portions to optimize tissue repair. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in different types of tissue repair procedures.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced tissue repair system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the orthopedic and sports medicine markets. The system's improved flexibility, reduced friction, and enhanced tissue integration capabilities make it an attractive solution for surgeons and medical professionals.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A61	A61B17/0401
A	A61	A61B17/0057
A	A61	A61B17/0469
A	A61	A61B17/0482
A	A61	A61B17/0487
A	A61	A61B17/06166
A	A61	A61B2017/00663
A	A61	A61B2017/042
A	A61	A61B2017/0409
A	A61	A61B2017/0414
A	A61	A61B2017/0459
A	A61	A61B2017/0464

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Orthopedic surgical techniques and medical device design, specifically tissue repair and soft tissue-to-bone attachment systems, focusing on minimally invasive surgical interventions and biomaterial engineering

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with expertise in biomaterials, suture anchor technologies, and minimally invasive surgical techniques, possessing advanced knowledge of material science, mechanical engineering, and medical device design principles

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations on the source patent's fundamental tissue repair apparatus, utilizing known design modifications and material substitutions that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner in the field of surgical repair systems. The core mechanical principles of tissue fixation remain consistent, with the PTD introducing incremental improvements that leverage standard engineering design approaches. The variations demonstrate standard problem-solving techniques common in medical device development, such as enhancing flexibility, reducing friction, and improving tissue integration.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Flexible fixation member with two legs and a U-shaped bend

PTD Variation

Braided body with S-shaped curved portions and interwoven suture

Obviousness Reasoning

A PHOSITA would recognize that modifying the leg configuration to a braided structure represents a predictable design variation to enhance flexibility and tissue interaction, using known textile engineering principles in medical device design

Source Patent Element

Suture anchor for tissue repair

PTD Variation

Biodegradable material with improved tissue integration properties

Obviousness Reasoning

Material selection for biocompatibility and degradation is a standard design choice in medical implant technologies, representing an obvious optimization for a skilled practitioner

Source Patent Element

Insertion of fixation member into bone hole

PTD Variation

Suture with lubricant coating to reduce insertion friction

Obviousness Reasoning

Reducing mechanical friction during surgical insertion is a well-known engineering approach, representing a predictable solution to a common technical problem in medical device deployment

Source Patent Element

Basic suture anchor configuration

PTD Variation

Flattened tubular suture design with enhanced flexibility

Obviousness Reasoning

Geometric modifications to improve device performance are standard design iterations that would be obvious to a PHOSITA seeking to optimize surgical intervention techniques

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 103, the variations disclosed in the published technical disclosure would be considered obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, when viewed in light of US Patent 11857176. The incremental modifications represent predictable design alternatives that would be readily conceived by a skilled practitioner, thereby rendering potential patent claims covering similar technical approaches anticipated and non-patentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,176
Title	Tissue repair
Assignee(s)	Smith & Nephew, Inc.