Method and apparatus for securing tissue
US6592609B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 3, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/0811
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An anchor has a pointed end portion may be utilized to form an opening in a bone in a patient's body. The anchor is moved into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with a suture connected to the anchor. The suture may then be utilized to retain body tissue in a desired position relative to the bone. The body tissue may be either hard or soft body tissue. If desired the anchor may be utilized in conjunction with layers of soft body tissue. When a suture is used it may be secured by connecting a retainer with the suture. Alternatively, sections of the suture may be interconnected. It is believed that it may be preferred to secure the suture in place after at least a predetermined tension has been established in the suture and/or a predetermined force has been transmitted to the body tissue. The suture may be secured in place by exposing a retainer to ultrasonic vibratory energy or by applying the ultrasonic vibratory energy directly to sections of the suture.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.