Method and apparatus for securing a suture

Abstract

An improved method and apparatus is provided to secure a suture relative to body tissue. When a predetermined minimum force is being transmitted between a suture retainer and the body tissue, the suture is gripped with the suture retainer by plastically deforming material of the suture retainer. One or more bends may be formed in suture by the suture retainer to increase the holding action between the suture retainer and the suture. The bends in the suture may be formed by wrapping the suture around a portion of the suture retainer. During movement of the suture retainer toward the body tissue, the bends may be moved along the suture. One or more bends may be formed in the suture by bending a tubular member through which the suture extends. The tubular member may be maintained in a bent condition by a C-shaped holder member. Alternatively, the tubular member may be maintained in a bent condition by members which are latched together.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 266,231. The aforementioned application Ser. No. 10 / 266,231 is itself a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 523,442 filed Mar. 10, 2000 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,475,230). The aforementioned application Ser. No. 09 / 523,442 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 348,940 filed Jul. 7, 1999 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,234). The aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 348,940 is itself a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 905,084 filed Aug. 1, 1997 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,525). The benefit of the earlier filing dates of the aforementioned application Ser. Nos. 10 / 266,231; 09 / 523,442; 09 / 348,940 and 08 / 905,084 is claimed for all material common to this application and the aforementioned applications.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a new and improved method and apparatus for securing a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a new and improved method and apparatus for securing a suture to body tissue. The invention involves using a first member to enclose a portion of the suture and move it towards the tissue. The first member can be bent to grip the suture and is held in place by a holder. The invention also includes various alternatives for the holder, such as a recess or multiple parts. The invention can be used to connect thick and thin layers of tissue and can hold the suture in different ways. Overall, the invention provides a flexible and effective way to secure a suture to body tissue."

Problems solved by technology

Difficulty has been encountered in securing sutures against movement relative to body tissue.

However, the knot weakens a portion of the suture and reduces the overall force transmitting capability of the suture.

In addition, a suture which is held by a knot applies force to a relatively small area of the body tissue and tends to cut or separate the body tissue.

Many operations are conducted in very restricted space where the tying of a knot is difficult.

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