Akilink® is a single-use system for minimally invasive repair of acute, closed Achilles tendon ruptures. A multidirectional suture-targeting jig is passed under the paratenon on either side of each tendon stump through a small medial incision, and guides needles and sutures through the tendon percutaneously.
The 90° handle, shaped like a laryngoscope, eases introduction of the jig and holds the tendon stump while the jig is slid inside the tendon sheath. The kit is supplied sterile and ready to use, with its own needles and needle pusher.
Features
- Single-use, sterile instrument set, ready to use.
- 90° handle to ease introduction and positioning.
- Multidirectional suture-targeting jig for parallel or double-crossed sutures.
- Push, slide and release mechanism for one-handed use.
- Anti-slip grip on the inner leg to keep hold of the tendon.
- Removable external guide for an extra-wide calf.
- Two eyed needles (1.6 × 150 mm) and a needle pusher.
Indications
Minimally invasive repair of acute (less than 10 days) closed ruptures of the Achilles tendon located between 2 cm and 8 cm above the calcaneal tuberosity. At the 2 cm limit, an oblique suture is chosen on the calcaneal side.
Contraindications include acute or chronic systemic inflammation, active infection, chronic, open or complex open ruptures, ruptures less than 2 cm or more than 8 cm above the calcaneal tuberosity, previous local surgery, sensitivity or allergy to the device materials, patients taking steroids or quinolones, and diabetic patients. See the instructions for use.
How it works
- With the patient prone, a vertical incision of 1.5 to 2 cm is made medial to the tendon, proximal to the rupture gap, and the paratenon is opened, avoiding the sural nerve.
- The jig's arms are opened with the push button and slid under the paratenon on either side of the proximal stump, which is held with a clamp. The 90° handle helps introduction and holds the stump.
- With the tendon between the two central branches, eyed needles carrying sutures are passed through the guide holes with the needle pusher. At least three parallel sutures are placed; a four-suture construct with two crossed sutures is possible.
- The jig is withdrawn, bringing the sutures out through the incision, and the sequence is repeated on the distal stump with the foot in equinus.
- The sutures are tied in corresponding pairs with the foot in physiological equinus, checking tendon-to-tendon contact.
Kit contents
The sterile, single-use kit contains:
- the jig with its 90° handle;
- a removable external guide, for a wide calf;
- a needle pusher;
- two eyed needles, 1.6 mm in diameter and 150 mm long.
Sutures are not included. The technique advises sutures of USP 0 to 2 (metric 3.5 to 5), in three colours to help pair them.
Sizes and ordering
The code and details are from the 2019 In2Bones surgical technique (ST-DIG-AKILINK-EN-052019) and 2020 brochure (BR-DIG-AKILINK-EN-032020). Please confirm availability with Lavender Medical.
Akilink single-use instrument set1 item
| Ref. | Description |
|---|---|
| G03 10001 | Akilink mini-invasive Achilles tendon repair system, single-use |
Codes and sizes are taken from the manufacturer's marketing literature and may change. For current information, check the ConMed website or the instructions for use before ordering.
Surgical Technique & Brochure
Product information
Are sutures included?
No. The surgical technique advises sutures of USP 0 to 2 (metric 3.5 to 5), chosen by the surgeon, in three different colours.
How many sutures are placed?
At least three parallel sutures in each stump. A four-suture construct with two crossed sutures can be made by passing sutures through the outer holes on converging paths.
Can it be used one-handed?
The push, slide and release mechanism allows the jig to be operated with one hand, and an anti-slip grip on the inner leg keeps hold of the tendon.
What if the calf is very wide?
The external guide is removable, for an extra-wide calf.
Used in
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