Unitary surgical device and method

Abstract

Unitary surgical devices (10) are disclosed. One group of the illustrated devices has a pair of biocompatible, bioresorbable anchors (16, 18) connected to fixed lengths suture. The anchors (16, 18) and fixed length of suture are connected to each other prior to surgery. Another group of unitary surgical devices has a pair of fixating mechanisms (15, 17) connected to a base (21) prior to surgery. The second group of illustrated devices generally includes extracellular matrix material either as part of the base (21) or supported on the base (21). The extracellular matrix material serves as tissue regenerating material. In the second group of unitary surgical devices, the fixating mechanisms illustrated generally comprise suture, anchors or pre-formed holes in the base. All of the illustrated unitary surgical devices are useful in repairing a damaged meniscus. The first group of unitary surgical devices can be used to approximate inner surfaces of a tear in the meniscus. The second group of devices can be used either as an insert to be placed between and approximated to the inner surfaces of the tear or as an insert to replace a void in the meniscus left after a menisectomy.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Cross reference is made to copending U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 10 / 195,794 entitled “Meniscus Regeneration Device and Method” (Attorney Docket No. 265280-71141, DEP-745); Ser. No. 10 / 195,719 entitled “Devices from Naturally Occurring Biologically Derived Materials” (Attorney Docket No. 265280-71142, DEP-748); Ser. No. 10 / 195,347 entitled “Cartilage Repair Apparatus and Method” (Attorney Docket No. 265280-71143, DEP-749); Ser. No. 10 / 195,341 entitled “Hybrid Biologic / Synthetic Porous Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds” (Attorney Docket No. 265280-71144, DEP-751); Ser. No. 10 / 195,606 entitled “Cartilage Repair and Regeneration Device and Method” (Attorney Docket No. 265280-71145, DEP-752); Ser. No. 10 / 195,354 entitled “Porous Ektracellular Matrix Scaffold and Method” (Attorney Docket No. 265280-71146, DEP-747); Ser. No. 10 / 195,334 entitled “Cartilage Repair and Regeneration Scaffolds and Method” (Attorney Docket No. 265280-71180, DEP-7...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019] In another aspect, the present invention provides a unitary surgical device for surgical implantation in a patient for regenerating tissue in the patient. The unitary surgical device comprises a base made of a bioresorbable polymer and ECM material on the base. In addition, the unitary surgical device includes a first fixating member secured to the base prior to surgery. The first fixating member is suitable for fixation to the patient's tissue.

[0020] In another aspect, the present invention provides a unitary surgical device for surgical implantation in a patient for regenerating tissue in the patient. The unitary surgical device comprises a base made of ECM material and a first fixating member secured to the base prior to surgery. The first fixating member is suitable for fixation to the patient's tissue.

Problems solved by technology

Further, since the tissue associated with articular cartilage is aneural, these load absorbing and transmitting functions occur in a painless fashion in a healthy joint.

When cartilage tissue is no longer healthy, there can be debilitating pain in the joint.

Cartilage health can be adversely affected by disease, aging, or trauma.

In the knee, the meniscus is frequently damaged in twisting injuries.

It is also damaged with repetitive impact over time.

Meniscus degeneration can also occur by aging; as a person ages, the meniscus can become soft in places, so that even common motions like squatting can cause meniscal tears.

Although meniscectomies provide immediate relief to the patient, in the long term the absence of part of the meniscus can cause cartilage wear on the condylar surface, eventually leading to arthritic conditions in the joint.

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