Tissue manipulation

Abstract

An apparatus and method for manipulating and anchoring tissue is provided. The invention is directed to solving the problem of manipulating and anchoring tissue within a joint when access to that tissue is limited, for example, during arthroscopic surgery.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08 / 048,922, filed Apr. 15, 1993, now U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 5,417,691, hereby incorporated by reference, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07 / 192,813, filed Apr. 20, 1988, abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 06 / 848,341, filed Apr. 4, 1986, now U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 4,741,330, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 06 / 496,116, filed May 19, 1983, abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 06 / 380,043, filed May 20, 1982, now abandoned.TECHNICAL FILED[0002]This invention relates to an apparatus and method for manipulating and anchoring cartilage and similar fibrous tissue within a joint.BACKGROUND ART[0003]Conventional medical clamps have certain disadvantages when used for manipulating cartilage or other tissue within a joint during arthroscopic surgery. Primarily, the clamps have a tendency to slip off the cartilage. Additionally, the size of the cla...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an apparatus and method for manipulating and anchoring tissue during arthroscopic surgery. The apparatus includes an elongated anchor member with a suture attached, which is inserted through tissue and manipulated to secure the tissue in place. The apparatus minimizes interference with other instruments and provides a means for permanent reattachment to bone fibrous tissue. The invention also includes a removable shield to protect the sharp tip of the needle and a retainer for holding tissue against bone. The apparatus and method of the invention facilitate the manipulation and attachment of tissue during surgery and improve the stability and healing of the tissue."

Problems solved by technology

Conventional medical clamps have certain disadvantages when used for manipulating cartilage or other tissue within a joint during arthroscopic surgery.

Primarily, the clamps have a tendency to slip off the cartilage.

Additionally, the size of the clamps in relation to the relatively small space within the joint makes it difficult to maneuver other surgical instruments, such as a scalpel or arthroscope, within the confined space of the joint.

Such clamps can also interfere with the view of the inside of the joint afforded by the arthroscope.

Since the clamps must be .introduced into the joint through an incision, they are limited in their range of manipulation by the location of the incision.

While in some instances it is possible to insert two needles into the joint and then thread both of them with a suture to form a loop to reattach torn parts of fibrous tissue, that procedure is undesirable because it is complex and time-consuming.

The alternative of more radical arthrotomy is also undesirable because of the increased amount of trauma and resultant increased morbidity encountered in the use of such a procedure.

None of these references discloses a method or apparatus suitable for manipulating fibrous tissue during arthroscopic surgery, or for effectively reattaching fibrous tissue to bone or to other fibrous tissue.

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