Enhanced Tissue Repair System
Legal Citation
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 |
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,176 |
|---|---|
| Title | Tissue repair |
| Assignee(s) | Smith & Nephew, Inc. |