Arthrex AR-8704 Micro SutureLasso TFCC,Short,70°Bend

Condition: New
Part #: AR-8704

$298.50

SKU: AR-8704 Categories: ,
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Description

The Arthrex AR-8704 Micro SutureLasso is a premier arthroscopic instrument specifically engineered for the delicate repair of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC). Designed for the high-precision requirements of wrist arthroscopy, this specialized tool features a unique 70° bend and a shortened shaft, allowing surgeons to navigate the constrained anatomical landscape of the small joints with unmatched control.

As a sterile, single-use device, the AR-8704 eliminates cross-contamination risks while providing the tactile feedback of a brand-new instrument for every procedure. It is a critical component for orthopedic surgeons performing minimally invasive “outside-in” or “inside-out” suture passing to restore wrist stability and patient mobility.


Core Technology and Design Features

The AR-8704 integrates metallurgical precision with ergonomic design to solve the common challenges of small-joint soft tissue repair.

  • Progressive Tapered Needle: The needle transitions from a 20-gauge tip for atraumatic tissue penetration to a 16-gauge base near the handle. This gradient ensures the needle is fine enough for delicate TFCC fibers but robust enough to resist bending under pressure.

  • Nitinol Shuttle Loop: Pre-loaded with a high-memory Nitinol wire, the device facilitates the effortless “shuttling” of sutures. Nitinol’s super-elastic properties allow the loop to maintain its shape even after multiple passes through dense fibrocartilage.

  • Advanced Suture Compatibility: Specifically optimized for Arthrex 2-0 and #2 FiberWire and FiberSticks, ensuring a snag-free transition from the passer to the repair site.


Mechanism of Action

The Micro SutureLasso functions as a conduit for suture management in tight spaces. Once the 70° curved needle tip is positioned through the TFCC tear, the Nitinol loop is deployed. The surgeon then feeds a FiberStick or FiberWire into the loop from outside the joint. Retracting the loop pulls the suture through the tissue, allowing for the creation of precise mattress stitches or simple sutures. The 70° angle is mathematically optimized to provide the necessary “reach” around the ulnar head without requiring excessive joint distraction.


Clinical Applications

While primarily marketed for wrist surgery, the versatility of the AR-8704 makes it a valuable asset for various extremity and soft tissue repairs:

  • TFCC Repairs: Addressing peripheral tears and instability of the triangular fibrocartilage.

  • Meniscal Repair: Navigating the tight posterior horns of the knee in pediatric or small-stature patients.

  • Rotator Cuff Procedures: Fine-tuning suture placement in specialized “mini-open” or fully arthroscopic shoulder repairs.

  • Small Joint Reconstruction: Stabilizing ligaments in the ankle and elbow where standard-length passers are too cumbersome.


Key Advantages

Feature AR-8704 Micro SutureLasso Conventional Passers
Geometry 70° Short Bend for tight spaces Straight or 45° (often too shallow)
Needle Gauge 20G Tip (Atraumatic) Standard 18G or 16G
Loop Material Nitinol (Kink-resistant) Basic Stainless Steel
Suture Sync Optimized for FiberWire/FiberSticks Variable / High Friction

Technical Specifications

Parameter Specification
Model Number AR-8704
Shaft Length Short (Optimized for Wrist/Small Joints)
Tip Curvature 70° Upward Bend
Tip Diameter 20-Gauge
Handle Diameter 16-Gauge Taper
Material Surgical Grade Stainless Steel & Nitinol
Packaging Sterile, Single-use
Compatible Sutures FiberWire 2-0, #2; FiberSticks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary benefits of the 70° bend in the AR-8704?

The 70° bend is specifically designed to navigate the ulnar compartment of the wrist. In TFCC repairs, space is extremely limited. This aggressive curvature allows the surgeon to hook around tissue and achieve a perpendicular pass, which is essential for secure mattress stitch configurations and anatomical restoration.

Is the Arthrex AR-8704 a reusable instrument?

No, the AR-8704 is a sterile, single-use device. Using single-use instruments in arthroscopy ensures that the needle tip remains factory-sharp for every pass and the Nitinol loop maintains its structural integrity. It also significantly reduces the risk of surgical site infections and eliminates reprocessing costs.

Which sutures are most compatible with this Micro SutureLasso?

The device is engineered for use with Arthrex FiberWire (sizes 2-0 and #2) and FiberSticks. FiberSticks are particularly effective as they feature a stiffened “lead” end that makes threading the Nitinol loop faster and more reliable during high-stakes arthroscopic procedures in small joint spaces.

How does the tapered needle design improve surgical outcomes?

The 20-gauge tip minimizes the footprint left in the fibrocartilage, reducing the risk of iatrogenic tissue damage. However, the taper to a 16-gauge handle provides the mechanical rigidity necessary to drive the needle through dense tissue without the instrument flexing or wandering from the intended path.

Can the AR-8704 be used for procedures other than TFCC repair?

While optimized for the wrist, its “short” shaft and 70° angle make it excellent for any tight joint space. Surgeons frequently utilize it for meniscal repairs in small knees or for labral and rotator cuff work where a standard-length SutureLasso would be physically obstructed by anatomy.

What role does Nitinol play in the SutureLasso’s performance?

Nitinol is a shape-memory alloy. Unlike traditional steel loops that can kink or deform after being pushed through a needle, the Nitinol loop in the AR-8704 reliably springs back to its original circular shape. This ensures the surgeon can consistently capture the suture on the first attempt.

Listing Terms & Conditions

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