Apparatus and method for repairing or reattaching soft tissue
US6443963B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 26, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/0647
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for delivering or installing a surgical suture or suture-like implant into soft tissue, such as the meniscus of the knee, for example, for reattachment or repair of that tissue. The apparatus and method facilitate ease of placement of the suture or implant by the surgeon, protect surrounding tissue and nerves from damage during use, and permit suturing to occur through a single body portal. An injury to soft tissue, such as a tear in the meniscus of the knee joint or detachment of soft tissue from bone, is repaired through a single body portal by installing a surgical suture across the injury, tear, or detachment and passing that suture back through the body portal so that the suture can be joined and the injury, tear, or detachment can be reapproximated by the surgeon while working through the single body portal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.