Method and apparatus for securing a suture
US6475230B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T24/3973
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved method and apparatus is provided to secure a suture relative to body tissue. When a predetermined minimum force is being transmitted between a suture retainer and the body tissue, the suture is gripped with the suture retainer by plastically deforming material of the suture retainer. One or more bends may be formed in suture by the suture retainer to increase the holding action between the suture retainer and the suture. The bends in the suture may be formed by wrapping the suture around a portion of the suture retainer. During movement of the suture retainer toward the body tissue, the bends may be moved along the suture. One or more bends may be formed in the suture by bending a tubular member through which the suture extends. The tubular member may be maintained in a bent condition by a C-shaped holder member. Alternatively, the tubular member may be maintained in a bent condition by members which are latched together.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.