Suture guide and fastener
US6174324A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2002/0888
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A suture guide and fastener includes a suture retaining device which orients and secures one or more suture strands therein and receives energy applied to the strands to bond them within the suture retaining device. The fastener becomes integral with the bonded sutures and may be made of a material similar to the suture material, which melts upon the application of energy thereto. Alternatively, the fastener may be made of a different material which remains intact upon application of bonding energy to the sutures. When ultrasonic energy is applied, the fastener may function as a stationary ultrasonic weld anvil. Other types of energy, such as laser, thermal or chemical, may be applied to the suture strands to effect bonding.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.