Adjustable line locks and methods
US7566339B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 7, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 28, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T24/3916
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A line lock includes a body at least partially bounding a primary passageway, a secondary passageway, and a working passageway. The passageways may be sized to receive two locking portions of a suture such that each of the locking portions can only be moved through the line lock along one direction. The passageways may be symmetrically arranged to receive the two locking portions in symmetrical fashion. The passageways may also be arranged such that two ends of the suture can be drawn in substantially opposite directions to advance the body along the suture. The body may have one or more grooves into which corresponding portions of the suture can be pressed via tension in the suture to enhance locking. The body may have a generally circular profile that facilitates advancement of the body along the suture to tighten the suture against, for example, internal bodily tissue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.