Apparatus and method for manipulating a flexible strand and soft tissue replacement during surgery
US7033364B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2002/0882
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for performing a surgery, especially an Anterior Cruciate Ligament replacement surgery, where a flexible strand insertion rod cooperates with a U-Guide apparatus to insert a flexible strand into a tunnel formed in a bone portion and to guide a drill point to form a tunnel transversely to the tunnel of the insertion rod. The drill point is guided through the insertion rod and the flexible strand is held over the drill point as the transverse tunnel is formed. The insertion rod is then removed from the tunnels formed in the bone and the flexible strand is held looped over the drill point. Subsequently, a soft tissue replacement is affixed to one end of the flexible strand and pulled over the drill point with the other end of the flexible strand. The drill point is then used to pull a cross pin through the transverse tunnel to hold the looped end of the soft tissue replacement in place. Finally, the two free ends of the soft tissue replacement are affixed to the bone completing the implantation of a soft tissue replacement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.