Surgical instrument and method for tensioning and securing a flexible suture
US9023058B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 2008 |
| Grant date | May 5, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/0807
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surgical instrument may be used to apply tension to a flexible suture to close and secure a broken or cut bone (e.g. a sternum following a sternotomy). The device preferably applies an adjustable tension to the flexible suture in order to secure the bone together. Multiple instruments may be used together to ensure the desired tension is applied to the entire bone structure being secured with the flexible sutures. Once the desired tension is achieved, the device preferably provides a mechanism to apply a uniform twist to the flexible suture to lock the flexible suture in place and maintain the tension previously achieved. The device may automatically cut the flexible suture, or the flexible suture may be cut by the surgeon once the twisting action has been performed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.