Tack and applicator for treating torn bodily material in vivo
US4884572A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 1988 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/0647
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for repairing in vivo torn cartilaginous or other bodily tissue, particularly torn meniscus tissue during arthroscopic surgery, employs a repair tack of biodegradable material chosen to have a degradation time in excess of the required healing time for the tissue. The repair tack has a shaft portion with a longitudinal bore and a grip portion adapted for releasable engagement by a hollow applicator. In one embodiment the grip portion of the tack is a cross bar, at the proximal end of the shaft, which fits into an open-sided slot at the forward end of the applicator. A needle passes through the hollow applicator and tack bore to project from the distal end of the tack shaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.