Medical device for repair of tissue and method for implantation and fixation

Abstract

The present invention relates to medical devices for repairing tissue and more specifically to devices which facilitate tissue regeneration and to surgical methods for the implantation and fixation of such devices. In one embodiment, the medical device is an elongate conduit that includes a longitudinal bore extending therethrough to facilitate the transfer of blood from a vascular region of tissue to a tear or damaged area located in an avascular and/or semi-vascular region of tissue. A filament and/or filaments are attached to the conduit and are positioned to secure the conduit and fixate the adjacent tear walls in mutual engagement. In another embodiment, a series of conduits are connected via a filament and/or filaments to facilitate the implantation of multiple conduits.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to medical devices for repairing tissue and more specifically to devices which facilitate tissue regeneration and to surgical methods for the implantation and fixation thereof.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Various parts of the human body are comprised of fibrocartilage. Fibrocartilage forms the disc, meniscus, and labrums, located in the spine and temporo-mandibular joint, knee, and shoulder and hip, respectively. Additionally, fibrocartilage is present in other parts of the human body, such as fingers, wrists, and ankles. Fibrocartilage is a resilient, compressive tissue capable of accepting and withstanding high loads imparted during bodily movement. Generally, fibrocartilage is found between two adjacent bones, such as the locations set forth hereinabove.[0005]The fibrocartilage of the knee forms menisci 10, 11, shown in FIG. 1. Menisci 10, 11 are semi-lunar, wedge-shaped ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]In another form thereof, the present invention provides a method for implanting a medical device in tissue, the tissue having a first area of vascularity and a second area of vascularity, the vascularity of the second area being less than the vascularity of the first area, the method including the steps of: inserting a device into tissue, the device including a conduit and a filament attached to the conduit, the conduit having a first end, a second end, and a bore therethrough; positioning the first end of the conduit adjacent the outside wall of a torn or damaged area of tissue; positioning the filament through the tissue to secure the conduit and fixate the tissue in a desired position; and securing the filament.

Problems solved by technology

Tears may occur due to the existence of prior defects in the fibrocartilage, shear loading of the fibrocartilage, and / or compounded loading resulting from repetitive compressive loading occurring over a period of time.

Additionally, fibrocartilage can deteriorate as a result of aging, resulting in hard and / or soft areas which further facilitate the creation of tears therein.

Additionally, these procedures may be performed when there is fibrillation and / or degeneration caused by defects in an avascular or limited vascular area, since these injuries are unlikely to heal.

However, cartilage wear on the condylar or tibial plateau surfaces and the eventual development of osteoarthritis may occur as a result of the meniscectomy.

Additionally, the onset of osteoarthritis may lead to more chronic conditions resulting in the need for a total knee replacement procedure.

While the device disclosed in Schwartz '926 is effective, the walls of the fibrocartilage tear may actually be pushed apart during implantation of the stent and prevent effective healing of the tear.

Additionally, even when the sides of the tear are properly aligned, the tear walls may loosen or migrate over time.

Further, the blood dissemination apertures in the stent may not be as effective in providing maximum blood flow to the area of interest as desired to effect healing.

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