Suture fixation assembly

Abstract

The suture fixation assembly includes a central hub. The central hub has a base portion with a through-opening and a base fixation surface. The base fixation surface extends along a base fixation ramp and along an axis that forms an acute angle with the axis of the central hub. The assembly also includes a lock collar configured to be coupled to the central hub. The lock collar includes a collar fixation ramp having a collar fixation surface. This collar fixation surface extends along a collar ramp axis that forms an acute angle with the hub axis. When a segment of the suture is inserted through the opening of the base portion and the lock collar is fixed to the central hub, a first portion of the suture engages a portion of the base fixation surface and a second portion of the suture engages a portion of the collar fixation surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a surgical device, and more particularly to an assembly for securing a suture.

Background Art

[0002] A suture is a sterilized fiber used to close a wound and provide strength during the wound healing process. In ancient times, metal wires and natural fibers were used for this purpose. Recently, synthetic fibers such as polyamide, polyester, and polypropylene, which have high compatibility with human tissue, have been introduced. These suture materials are biostable (stable against the living body) and maintain their strength for several years. After the wound has healed successfully, it is necessary to remove the suture in another operation.

[0003] In order to avoid another procedure for removing the suture, absorbable sutures have been developed. Such absorbable sutures are degraded in the body environment and lose their strength within several months. Using a thread made of ordinary intestine, which is a natural material based on collagen, as an absorbable suture has been described since ancient times.

[0004] Examples of more modern absorbable sutures include polylactic acid (PLA), which is an absorbable, non-toxic, non-irritating synthetic material useful for surgical applications. Since then, polymers of glycolic acid and copolymers of glycolic acid and lactic acid have been developed as effective materials for absorbable sutures.

[0005] Although absorbable sutures are widely used, it is difficult to securely fix the ends of absorbable sutures when using thin-sized sutures such as 6-0, 7-0, 8-0, 9-0, 10-0, 11-0, etc. Therefore, there is a need for a suture retainer for thin-sized sutures that is easy to use, reliable, and made of a bioabsorbable material.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1A - 1E, a surgical fixation assembly 10 of one embodiment includes a central hub 12 and a lock collar 14 fixed to the central hub 12. As shown in the cross - sectional view of FIG. 2A, the central hub 12 includes an opening 16 that passes through a base portion 18 of the central hub 12, and a base - fixing ramp 20 extends from the surface of the base portion 18. The base - fixing ramp 20 has a first end 24, which is disposed on or near the surface of the base portion 18 and adjacent to the end of the opening 16. A base - fixing surface 22 extends along a portion of the base - fixing ramp 20. The lock collar 14 includes a collar - fixing ramp 26 having a collar - fixing surface 28. As shown in FIG. 3A, a segment of suture 30 passes through the opening 16 in the base portion 18 and is disposed along the base - fixing surface 22 of the base portion 18. As shown in FIG. 3C, when the lock collar 14 is fixed to the central hub 12, for example, by one or more snap - fit functions, a first portion of the segment of the suture 30 engages one or more portions of the base - fixing surface 22, and a second portion of the segment of the suture 30 engages one or more portions of the collar - fixing surface 28, thereby fixing the segment of the suture 30 between the base - fixing surface 22 and the collar - fixing surface 28. In certain embodiments, the central hub 12 and the lock collar 14 are each manufactured from a bioabsorbable material, whereby the central hub 12 and the lock collar 14 are configured to degrade within the body cavity after a minimal period of time. During minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon can insert a segment of the suture 30 through the opening 16 and along the base - fixing surface 22, and then fix the segment of the suture 30 within the surgical fixation assembly 10 by connecting the lock collar 14 to the central hub 12. The engagement of the central hub 12 and the lock collar 14 enables smaller - diameter sutures (such as 8 - 0, 9 - 0, 10 - 0, and 11 - 0 sutures) to be securely and easily fixed by the surgical fixation assembly 10.

[0023] Looking at the surgical fixation assembly 10 in more detail, as shown in FIG. 4A, the central hub 12 extends along the hub axis 32 from a first end 34 to a second end 36. The hub axis 32 extends along or parallel to the Z-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in FIGS. 4A and 4D. The central hub 12 includes a base portion 18, and this base portion 18 has a first surface 38 disposed at a first end 40 of the base portion 18 and a second surface 42 disposed at a second end 44 of the base portion 18. The base portion 18 may be disk-shaped or substantially cylindrical. When viewed along the hub axis 32, it may have a circular (or substantially circular) cross-sectional shape. The first surface 38 and the second surface 42 may each be planar or substantially planar, or may have any other arbitrary shape or combination of shapes.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4B, the opening 16 passes through the base portion 18. In particular, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5A, the first end 46 of the opening 16 is disposed on the first surface 38 of the base portion 18, and the second end 48 of the opening 16 is disposed on the second surface 42 of the base portion 18. The opening 16 has any suitable shape or combination of shapes for accommodating one or more portions (or segments) of the suture. For example, the opening 16 can have a figure-eight shape when viewed along the hub axis 32. Further, the opening 16 may not have a uniform cross-sectional shape from the first end 46 to the second end 48 along an axis parallel to the hub axis 32 (or an axis along the hub axis 32). In some embodiments, the opening 16 expands from the second end 48 to the first end 46.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4A, the central hub 12 can include a first arm 50 extending from a first end 54 to a second end 56 along a first arm axis 52. The first arm axis 52 extends parallel to or along the hub axis 32. The first end 54 of the first arm 50 is coupled to a part of the base portion 18, for example, a part of the second face 42 of the base portion 18. The second end 56 of the first arm 50 is disposed at or near the second end 36 of the central hub 12. The first arm 50 can have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as rectangular or substantially rectangular, along the first arm axis 52. In this way, the first arm 50 is supported as a cantilever beam from a portion of the second face 42 of the base portion 18, and when a force is applied to the second end 56 of the first arm 50 or near it, and the force is directed perpendicular to the first arm axis 52 (i.e., along the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in FIGS. 4A and 4D), the second end 56 of the first arm 50 can deflect in a direction along the Y-axis with respect to the fixed first end 54 of the first arm 50.

[0026] Continuing to refer to FIG. 4A, the first arm mating feature 58 is disposed at or near the second end 56 of the first arm 50. However, the first arm mating feature 58 may be disposed away from the second end 56 of the first arm 50 and may be disposed at any suitable position between the first end 54 and the second end 56. The first arm mating feature 58 is any feature or combination of features configured to engage with the first collar mating feature 60 of the lock collar 14 (see, for example, FIG. 2C). The details are as follows. For example, the first arm mating feature 58 is a slot extending along the outer face 62 of the first arm 50, and this slot is in a direction perpendicular to both the first arm axis 52 and the Y axis of the reference coordinate system shown in FIGS. 4A and 4D (that is, the direction along the X axis of the reference coordinate system shown in FIGS. 4A and 4D). The slot has one or more undercut portions configured to engage with the corresponding ridge portion of the first collar mating feature 60 of the lock collar 14. This undercut portion allows the first arm portion 50 to be displaced in the first direction with respect to the lock collar 14, but prohibits the first arm portion 50 from moving in the second direction with respect to the lock collar 14.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 4A, the central hub 12 includes a second arm 62 that is a mirror image of the first arm 50 but otherwise identical. Its plane of symmetry is a plane parallel to the X-Z plane (of the reference coordinate system shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B) passing through the hub axis 32. The second arm 62 extends from a first end 66 to a second end 68 along a second arm axis 64. The second arm axis 64 extends parallel to (or along) the hub axis 32 and is parallel to the first arm axis 52. The first end 66 of the second arm 62 is coupled to a part of the base portion 18, such as a part of the second face 42 of the base portion 18. The second end 68 of the second arm 62 is disposed at or near the second end 36 of the central hub 12. The second arm 62 has an arbitrary suitable cross-sectional shape, such as rectangular or substantially rectangular, along the second arm axis 64. In this way, the second arm 62 is supported as a cantilever beam from a portion of the second face 42 of the base portion 18, and when a force is applied to the second end 68 of the second arm 62 or near it, and the force is directed perpendicular to the second arm axis 64 (i.e., along the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in FIGS. 4A and 4D), the second end 68 of the second arm 62 can deflect in the direction along the Y-axis with respect to the fixed first end 66 of the second arm 62.

[0028] The second arm fitting feature 70 can be disposed at or near the second end 68 of the second arm 62. However, the second arm fitting feature 70 can also be disposed away from the second end 68 of the second arm 62 and can be disposed at any suitable position between the first end 66 and the second end 68. The second arm fitting feature 70 can be any feature or combination of features configured to engage with the second collar fitting feature 72 (see, for example, FIG. 2C) of the lock collar 14. The details are as follows. For example, the second arm fitting feature 70 is a slot extending along the outer-facing surface 62 of the second arm 62. This slot extends in a direction perpendicular to both the second arm axis 64 and the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in FIGS. 4A and 4D (i.e., extends along the X-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in FIGS. 4A and 4D). The slot has one or more undercut portions configured to engage with the ridge portion of the second collar fitting feature 72 of the lock collar 14. This undercut portion allows the first arm portion 50 to be displaced in the first direction with respect to the lock collar 14, but prohibits the first arm portion 50 from moving in the second direction with respect to the lock collar 14.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4A, the central hub 12 includes a base-fixed lamp 20 that extends from a first end 24 to a second end 74 along a lamp base axis 73 that is parallel (or substantially parallel) to the hub axis 32. The first end 24 of the fixed lamp 20 is disposed at or near the second end 44 of the base portion 18. The first end 24 of the fixed lamp 20 may extend from the second surface 42 of the base portion 18 toward the second end 36 of the central hub 12. In some embodiments, a portion of the first end 24 of the fixed lamp 20 is disposed at or near the second end 48 of the opening 16. The second end 74 of the fixed lamp 20 is disposed away from the second end 56 of the first arm 50 and is disposed between the first end 54 and the second end 56 of the first arm 50 (i.e., substantially midway between the first end 54 and the second end 56). Similarly, the second end 74 of the fixed lamp 20 is disposed away from the second end 68 of the second arm 62 and is disposed between the first end 66 and the second end 68 of the second arm 62 (i.e., substantially midway between the first end 66 and the second end 68).

[0030] The fixed lamp 20 extends laterally (i.e., in a direction generally along the X-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in FIGS. 4A and 4D) between the first arm 50 and the second arm 62. That is, the first lateral end 75 of the base-fixed lamp 20 is disposed at or near the inner surface 76 of the first arm 50, and the second lateral end 78 of the fixed lamp 20 is disposed at or near the inner surface 80 of the second arm 62.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4A, the base fixing lamp 20 includes a base fixing surface 22. This base fixing surface 22 extends from the first end portion 82 to the second end portion 84 along a part of the base fixing lamp 20, along the base lamp axis 73 (see FIG. 5A) or substantially along the base lamp axis 73. The base fixing surface 22 may extend along any part or a plurality of parts of the base fixing lamp 20, so that when the central hub 12 is fixed to the lock collar 14 as described later, all or part of the base fixing surface 22 can engage with a segment of the suture 30. In certain embodiments, the first end portion 82 of the base fixing surface 22 is disposed at or near the first end portion 24 of the base fixing lamp 20, and the second end portion 84 of the base fixing surface 22 is disposed at or near the second end portion 74 of the base fixing lamp 20. However, the first end portion 82 of the base fixing surface 22 may be away from the first end portion 24 of the base fixing lamp 20, and / or the second end portion 84 of the base fixing surface 22 may be away from the second end portion 74 of the base fixing lamp 20. In certain embodiments, the first end portion 82 of the base fixing surface 22 is disposed at or near the second surface 42 of the base portion 18, and the first end portion 82 of the base fixing surface 22 may be adjacent to the second end portion 48 of the opening 16 (see FIG. 5A). Referring to FIG. 5F, the base fixing surface 22 may extend laterally to the first lateral end portion 75 of the fixing lamp 20 and also extend laterally to the second lateral end portion 78 of the fixing lamp 20. However, the base fixing surface 22 may not extend completely to the first lateral end portion 75 of the fixing lamp 20, and / or may not extend completely to the second lateral end portion 78 of the fixing lamp 20.

[0032] When viewed in cross-section along the direction of the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in FIGS. 5A and 5C (the cross-section is parallel to the X-Z plane, passing through the hub axis 32 in FIG. 5A and offset from the hub axis 32 in FIG. 5C), the base fixing surface 22 extends along an axis 164 that forms an acute angle with the hub axis 32 from the first end 82 to the second end 84. This acute angle is, for example, 5° to 30°. The axis 164 is linear and extends through or along the base fixing surface 22 in a general direction from the first end 82 to the second end 84 so as to substantially coincide with the orientation of the base fixing surface 22 with respect to the hub axis. For example, referring to FIG. 5A, the axis 164 intersects a first portion near or at the first end 82 and a second portion near or at the second end 84.

[0033] The base fixing surface 22 may have any suitable texture, combination of textures, or other surface treatment. These textures, etc. facilitate the engagement of segments of the suture 30 when the central hub 12 is coupled to the lock collar 14. For example, the base fixing surface 22 includes a plurality of ridges, bumps, protrusions, steps, nubs, or any combination of these features.

[0034] In one embodiment, the base fixing surface 22 has a general configuration of a "pig's mouth". More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5F, the base fixing surface 22 includes a first trough 166a extending from the first end portion 82 to the second end portion 84 of the base fixing surface 22 on the first side of the hub axis 32 (or axis 164). Further, as shown in FIG. 5F, the base fixing surface 22 includes a second trough 166b extending from the first end portion 82 to the second end portion 84 of the base fixing surface 22 on the second side of the hub axis 32. The first trough 166a is separated from the second trough 166b by a ridge 168 extending from the first end portion 82 to the second end portion 84 of the base fixing surface 22 substantially along the hub axis 32 (or axis 164). Referring to FIGS. 4A, 5F, and 5G, the first trough 166a extends laterally (i.e., along the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system in FIG. 5F) from the first end portion of the first lateral end portion 75 of the fixed lamp 20 or in the vicinity thereof to the second end portion of the first portion of the ridge 168 or in the vicinity thereof, and its cross-sectional shape is substantially similar to an arc or a part of a circle. Similarly, the second trough 166b extends laterally (i.e., along the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system in FIG. 5F) from the first end portion of the second portion of the ridge 168 or in the vicinity thereof to the second end portion of the second lateral end portion 78 of the fixed lamp 20 or in the vicinity thereof, and its cross-sectional shape is the same as or substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the first trough 166a.

[0035] When viewing the first trough 166a along the Y-axis in a cross-section cut along a plane parallel to the X-Z plane of the reference coordinate system (i.e., FIG. 5C which is a cross-section along line 5C-5C in FIG. 4A), the first trough 166a has a series of steps or shelfs 170a, 17b, 170c extending from the first end 82 to the second end 84 of the base fixing surface 22. Each shelf 170a, 170b, 170c includes edge ridges 172a, 172b, 172c (raised portions having edges). These edge ridges are configured to bite into or engage with segments of the suture 30 when the lock collar 14 is fixed to the central hub 12, preventing the segments of the suture 30 from shifting relative to the lock collar 14 and / or the central hub 12. In certain embodiments, the first trough 166a may include additional shelves or fewer shelves. The second trough 166b may be the same (or substantially the same) as the first trough 166a, but the second trough 166b may have any number or configuration of shelves. Further, the base fixing surface 22 may include only a single trough or may include three or more troughs. There may be multiple troughs, and each trough may have any suitable structure or combination of structures.

[0036] In one embodiment, the base fixing surface 22 may have a general configuration of a plurality of stairs (not shown) similar to the shelves 170a, 17b, 170c. However, in this configuration, the base fixing surface 22 does not have the first trough 166a and the second trough 166b. Instead, it may include a single multi-step staircase (not shown) extending along the base fixing surface from the first end 82 to the second end 84 along the axis 164. In one embodiment, the base fixing surface 22 can include 3 to 8 steps. In one embodiment, the color fixing surface 28 may have a corresponding plurality of stairs similar (or identical) to the stairs of the base fixing surface 22. When the central hub 12 is fixed to the lock collar 14, the multi-step staircase of the base fixing surface 22 may be oriented to be connected or substantially connected or meshed with the multi-step staircase of the color fixing surface 28. However, depending on the configuration, when the central hub 12 is fixed to the lock collar 14, the plurality of stairs of the base fixing surface 22 may be oriented so as not to be connected or meshed with the plurality of stairs of the color fixing surface 28.

[0037] Returning to FIG. 1A, the surgical fixation assembly 10 also includes a lock collar 14 fixed to the central hub 12. As shown in FIG. 6A, the lock collar 14 extends along the lock collar axis 86 from the first end 88 to the second end 90. The lock collar axis 86 is parallel or collinear with the Z axis of the reference coordinate system shown in FIG. 6B. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, when assembled to the central hub 12, the first end 88 of the lock collar 14 is disposed at or near the second surface 42 (or the second end 44) of the base portion 18. Further, the second end 88 of the lock collar 14 is disposed at or near the second end 36 of the central hub 12.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 6A, the lock collar 14 includes a first slot 92 adapted to receive at least a portion of the first arm 50 of the central hub 12. As shown in FIG. 2C, the first slot 92 penetrates the upper surface 89 of the lock collar 14 and extends from a first end 94 to a second end 96 along a first slot axis 93. The first slot axis 93 is parallel to the lock collar axis 86 and is parallel (or in the same straight line) to the first arm axis 52 when the first arm 50 is disposed within the first slot 92. When the first arm 50 is within the first slot 92, the first end 54 of the first arm 50 is disposed at or near the first end 88 of the lock collar 14, and the second end 56 of the first arm 50 is disposed at or near the second end 90 of the lock collar 14. In certain embodiments, the second end 56 of the first arm 50 is disposed between the first end 88 and the second end 90 of the lock collar 14, and the second end 56 of the first arm 50 is spaced from the second end 90 of the lock collar 14.

[0039] The first slot 92 is defined by two or more surfaces. These surfaces are planar or substantially planar and extend along or generally along (or parallel to) the lock collar axis 86. These two or more surfaces can cooperate to define a cross-sectional shape (a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the lock collar axis 86) that corresponds to or substantially corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the first arm 50 of the central hub 12 (a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the first arm axis 52). For example, the cross-sectional shape of the first slot 92 (a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the lock collar axis 86) is substantially rectangular, the cross-sectional shape of the first arm 50 of the central hub 12 (a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the first arm axis 52) is substantially rectangular, and the dimensions of the first slot 92 are slightly larger than the dimensions of the first arm 50 of the central hub 12, such that the first arm 50 of the central hub 12 can be inserted into the first slot 92 and fits snugly therein.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6B, one or more surfaces defining the first slot 92 at least partially define the first color arm 98 of the lock collar 14. The first color arm 98 extends along the first color arm axis 100 from the first end 102 to the second end 104. The first color arm axis 100 extends parallel to or along the lock collar axis 86. The first color arm 98 is formed within or along the body portion 105 of the lock collar 14. The first color arm 98 is defined by one or more slot segments that penetrate or extend along the body portion 105, such as the first longitudinal slot 106, the second longitudinal slot 108, and the transverse slot 110. The first end 102 of the first color arm 98 is coupled to a part of the body portion 105 remote from the first end 88 of the lock collar 14. The second end 104 of the first color arm 98 may be disposed at or near the second end 96 of the lock collar 14.

[0041] The first color arm 98 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape along the first color arm axis 100, such as a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. In this way, the first color arm 98 is attached as a cantilever beam from a part of the body portion 105 of the lock collar 14, and when a force is applied to the second end 104 of the first color arm 98 or in its vicinity, and this force is directed perpendicular to the first color arm 98 (i.e., along the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B), the second end 104 of the first color arm 98 deflects in the direction along the Y-axis with respect to the fixed first end 102 of the first color arm 98.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2C, the first color mating feature 60 of the lock collar 14 is disposed at any suitable position of the first color arm 98 and is adapted to engage with the first arm mating feature 58 when the first arm 50 is fully inserted into the first slot 92 of the lock collar 14. In certain embodiments, the first color mating feature 60 is disposed at or near the second end 104 of the first color arm 98. However, the first color mating feature 60 may be disposed away from the second end 104 of the first color arm 98 and may be disposed at any suitable position between the first end 102 and the second end 104.

[0043] The first color mating feature 60 may be any feature or combination of features configured to engage, for example, with the first arm mating feature 58 of the first arm 50 of the central hub 12 as shown in FIG. 2C. For example, the first color mating feature 60 is a protruding or raised feature extending along the inner surface 112 of the first color arm 98, and the slot extends in a direction perpendicular to both the first color arm axis 100 and the Z-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in FIG. 6B (i.e., along the X-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in FIG. 6B). The protruding or raised feature of the first color mating portion 60 is configured to be at least partially received in the slot of the first arm mating feature 58, and when the first arm 50 of the central hub 12 is fully inserted into the first slot 92 of the lock collar 14 (in a first direction with respect to the lock collar 14), the protrusion or raised portion is configured to be received in the slot, and this engagement can prevent the first arm 50 from disengaging from the lock collar 14 (i.e., in a second direction with respect to the lock collar 14).

[0044] Referring to FIG. 6A, the lock collar 14 can include a second slot 114 adapted to receive at least a portion of the second arm 62 of the central hub 12. The second slot 114 is a mirror image (or identical to) the first slot 92, and its plane of symmetry is a plane parallel to the X-Z plane (the X-Z plane of the reference coordinate system shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B) passing through the lock collar axis 86. As shown in FIG. 2C, the second slot 114 penetrates the upper surface 89 of the lock collar 14 and extends from a first end 116 to a second end 118 along the second slot axis 115. This second slot axis 115 is parallel to the lock collar axis 86 and parallel (or collinear) with the second arm axis 64 when the second arm 62 is disposed within the second slot 114. When the second arm 62 is disposed within the second slot 114, the first end 66 of the second arm 62 is disposed at or near the first end 88 of the lock collar 14, and the second end 68 of the second arm 62 is disposed at or near the second end 90 of the lock collar 14. In certain embodiments, the second end 68 of the second arm 62 is disposed between the first end 88 and the second end 90 of the lock collar 14 and may be spaced from the second end 90 of the lock collar 14.

[0045] The second slot 114 is defined by two or more surfaces. These surfaces are planar or substantially planar and extend along or substantially along (or parallel to) the lock collar axis 86. The two or more surfaces cooperate to define a cross-sectional shape (a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the lock collar axis 86) that corresponds or substantially corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the second arm 62 of the central hub 12 (a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the second arm axis 64). For example, the cross-sectional shape (perpendicular to the lock collar axis 86) of the second slot 114 is substantially rectangular, and the cross-sectional shape (perpendicular to the second arm axis 64) of the second arm 62 of the central hub 12 is substantially rectangular. The dimensions of the second slot 114 are slightly larger than the dimensions of the second arm 62 of the central hub 12, such that the second arm 62 of the central hub 12 can be inserted into the second slot 114 and fits snugly within the second slot 114.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6B, one or more surfaces defining the second slot 114 also at least partially define the second color arm 120 of the lock collar 14. The second color arm 120 extends along a second color axis 122 from a first end 124 to a second end 126. This second color axis 122 extends parallel to or along the lock collar axis 86. The second color arm 120 is formed within or along the body portion 105 of the lock collar 14. The second color arm 120 is defined by one or more slot segments that extend through or along the body portion 105, such as a first longitudinal slot 128, a second longitudinal slot 130, and a transverse slot 132. The first end 124 of the second color arm 120 is coupled to a part of the body portion 105, such as a part of the body portion 105 remote from the first end 88 of the lock collar 14. The second end 126 of the second color arm 120 is disposed at or near the second end 118 of the lock collar 14.

[0047] The second color arm 120 has any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape, along the second color axis 122. In this way, the second color arm 120 is supported as a cantilever beam from a part of the body portion 105 of the lock collar 14. When a force is applied to the second end 126 of the second color arm 120 or near it, and the force is directed in a direction perpendicular to the second color arm 120 (i.e., along the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B), the second end 126 of the second color arm 120 deflects in a direction along the Y-axis with respect to the fixed first end 124 of the second color arm 120.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 2C, the second color mating feature 72 of the lock collar 14 is disposed at any suitable location of the second color arm 120 and is adapted to engage with the second arm mating feature 70 when the second arm 62 is fully inserted into the second slot 114 of the lock collar 14. In certain embodiments, the second color mating feature 72 can be disposed at or near the second end 126 of the second color arm 120. However, the second color mating feature 72 can also be disposed away from the second end 126 of the second color arm 120 and can be disposed at any suitable location between the first end 124 and the second end 126.

[0049] The second color mating feature 72 can be any feature or combination of features configured to engage with the second arm mating feature 70 of the second arm 62 of the central hub 12 as shown in FIG. 2C. For example, the second color mating feature 72 is a protruding or raised feature extending along the inward-facing surface 134 of the second color arm 120, and the slot extends in a direction perpendicular to both the second color axis 122 and the Z-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in FIG. 6B (i.e., in the direction along the X-axis of the reference coordinate system shown in FIG. 6B). The protruding or raised feature of the second color mating feature 72 is configured to be at least partially received in the slot of the second arm mating feature 70. When the second arm 62 of the central hub 12 is fully inserted into the second slot 114 of the lock collar 14 (in a first direction with respect to the lock collar 14), the protruding or raised feature is received in the slot, and by that engagement, the first arm portion 50 can be prevented from disengaging from the lock collar 14 (i.e., in a second direction with respect to the lock collar 14).

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4A, the lock collar 14 includes a color fixing lamp 26. This color fixing lamp 26 extends from a first end 144 to a second end 146 along a lamp color axis 148, includes two or more segments, and one or more of these segments are non-linear and have, for example, an arc shape. The first end 144 of the color fixing lamp 26 is disposed on the upper surface 89 of the lock collar 14 and / or near the first end 88 of the lock collar 14. The first end 144 of the color fixing lamp 26 is disposed in or near a part of an upper opening 150 formed in the upper surface 89 of the lock collar 14. The upper opening 150 communicates with a part of the first slot 92 and the second slot 114. The second end 146 of the color fixing lamp 26 may be disposed near or at the second end 90 of the lock collar 14, or may be disposed longitudinally away from the second end 90 of the lock collar 14 (i.e., along the Z-axis of the reference coordinate system in FIG. 7A). The second end 146 of the color fixing lamp 26 may be disposed in or near a side opening 152 formed on the outer peripheral surface 154 of the main body portion 105 of the second end 90 of the lock collar 14.

[0051] The color fixing lamp 26 includes a color fixing surface 28 that extends along all or a part of the color fixing lamp 26. The color fixing surface 28 may extend from a first end 156 to a second end 158. The color fixing surface 28 extends along any part or multiple parts of the color fixing lamp 26, and when the central hub 12 is fixed to the lock collar 14, all or a part of the color fixing surface 28 can be engaged with a segment of the suture 30. In one embodiment, the first end 156 of the color fixing surface 28 is near or at the first end 144 of the color fixing lamp 26, and the second end 158 of the color fixing surface 28 is disposed at an intermediate point between the first end 144 and the second end 146 of the color fixing lamp 26. However, the first end 156 of the color fixing surface 28 may be away from the first end 156 of the color fixing lamp 26, and / or the second end 158 of the color fixing surface 28 may be disposed near or at the second end 146 of the color fixing lamp 26.

[0052] Look at the cross-section along the Y-axis of the reference coordinate system of FIG. 7A. This FIG. 7A has a cross-section parallel to the X-Z plane and extending through the lock collar axis 86. The color fixing surface 28 extends from the first end 156 to the second end 158 along a curved profile having the shape of a part of a circle. The cross-sectional shape may be uniform from the first lateral end 160 of the color fixing lamp 26 to the second lateral end 162 of the color fixing lamp 26 (i.e., along the Y-axis). However, the cross-sectional shape of the color fixing surface 28 may vary along the Y-axis from the first lateral end 160 of the color fixing lamp 26 to the second lateral end 162 of the color fixing lamp 26, thereby forming one or more complex surfaces along all or part of the color fixing surface 28.

[0053] The color fixing surface 28 may have any suitable texture, combination of textures, or other surface treatment that facilitates the engagement of segments of the suture 30 when the central hub 12 is coupled to the lock collar 14. For example, the color fixing surface 28 may include a plurality of ridges, bumps, protrusions, steps, nubs, or any combination of these features. In certain embodiments, the color fixing surface 28 may have the same surface features or surface treatment as the base fixing surface 22 of the central hub 12. However, in certain embodiments, all or part of the color fixing surface 28 may be without surface treatment or surface features and may be smooth or substantially smooth.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6H, the color fixing surface 28 may extend laterally to the first lateral end 160 of the color fixing lamp 26 and extend laterally to the second lateral end 162 of the color fixing lamp 28. However, the color fixing surface 28 (or one or more portions of the color fixing surface 28) may not extend completely to the first lateral end 160 of the color fixing lamp 26 and / or may not extend completely to the second lateral end 162 of the color fixing lamp 26.

[0055] Referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7A, the lock collar 14 includes a color channel 136. This color channel 136 extends through the lock collar 14 from a first end 140 to a second end 142 along a color axis 138. The color axis 138 may have two or more segments, and one or more of these segments may be non-linear, for example, may have an arc shape. The first end 140 of the color channel 136 is partially defined by an upper opening 150 disposed on the upper surface 89. The second end 142 of the lock collar channel 136 is at least partially defined by a side opening 152 formed or disposed on the outer surface 154 of the body portion 105. The color channel 136 is further defined by one or more surfaces of the lock collar 14 or within the lock collar 14, for example, one or more surfaces of the color fixing lamp 26. One or more surfaces of this color fixing lamp 26 include all or part (or two or more parts) of the color fixing surface 28.

[0056] During surgery, a surgeon may wish to secure a segment of the suture 30 used in the surgery. A segment of the suture 30 is one or more portions of the suture. For example, one or more free ends of the suture used to secure the patient's tissue or to secure an object to the patient's tissue. Regardless of the type of suture and the end function of the suture segment, the surgeon passes a segment of the suture 30 (along with a segment of another suture 30) through the opening 16 of the central hub 12 and places a portion of the segment of the suture 30 on the base fixation surface 22 and aligns it substantially with the hub axis 32 (see FIG. 3A). Next, the surgeon feeds the segment of the suture 30 through (along) the collar channel 136 of the lock collar 14 (see FIG. 7C). Thereby, the segment of the suture 30 extends through the upper opening 150 of the lock collar 14, along the collar fixation surface 28, and further through the side opening 152. As shown in FIG. 3B, the first arm 50 of the central hub 12 is inserted into the first slot 92 of the lock collar 14 (see FIG. 2C). The second arm 62 of the central hub 12 is inserted into the second slot 114 of the lock collar 14 (see FIG. 2C). Next, as shown in FIGS. 2C and 3C, the first arm 50 and the second arm 62 of the central hub 12 are advanced into the first slot 92 and the second slot 114 of the lock collar 14, respectively, until the first arm mating feature 58 engages the first collar mating feature 60 and the second arm mating feature 70 engages the second collar mating feature 72. In this position, the segment of the suture 30 is placed under pressure between the base fixation surface 22 and the collar fixation surface 28. This pressure is maintained by the engagement of the first arm mating feature 58 with the first collar mating feature 60 and the engagement of the second arm mating feature 70 with the second collar mating feature 72. The segment of the suture 30 is further held by the texture, combination of textures, or other surface treatment of the base fixation surface 22 and the collar fixation surface 28.For example, edge ridges 172a, 172b, 172c on corresponding shelves 170a, 170b, 170c of first and second troughs 166a, 166b can bite into or apply pressure to a portion of a segment of suture 30 when central hub 12 is coupled to locking collar 14.

[0057] The surgeon can position the suture anchor assembly 10 so that it maintains proper tension on the suture when the central hub 12 is coupled to the locking collar 14. The surgeon can repeat this process for other desired portions of the suture 30 in the manner described above. Because the suture anchor assembly 10 can be made from an absorbable material, it is not necessary to remove the suture anchor assembly 10 from the patient after surgery. The surgeon can assemble the suture anchor assembly 10 and / or position the segments of the suture 30 manually or with the assistance of one or more devices.

[0058] The central hub 12 may be a single, integral part that is injection molded as a single piece. Similarly, the locking collar 14 may be a single, integral part that is manufactured as a single piece using an injection molding process, a three-dimensional printing process, or the like. However, either or both of the central hub 12 and the locking collar 14 may be an assembly of one or more parts that are bonded, joined, or otherwise assembled to form the final part.

[0059] The central hub 12 and the lock collar 14 can each be manufactured using any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the central hub 12 and the lock collar 14 can each be manufactured using any suitable bioabsorbable or biodegradable material. For example, it can include any suitable collagen-based material or synthetic material. Specific materials include amino acid-based biodegradable polyester amide fibers, polylactic acid (PLA), polydioxanone, polytrimethylene carbonate, collagen poly-p-dioxanone (PDS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polybutester polyamide polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), stainless steel polyester amide (PEA), amino acid polyester amide (AA-PEA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer (PLGA), among others.

[0060] The various advantages of the suture fixation assembly have been described. The embodiments discussed herein are presented by way of example in this specification. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing detailed disclosure is intended to be presented by way of example and not by way of limitation. Although not explicitly stated herein, various changes, improvements, and modifications are intended by those skilled in the art. These changes, improvements, and modifications are intended to be proposed by this specification and are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. The drawings included herein are not necessarily drawn to an exact scale. Further, the described order of processing elements or sequences, or the use of numbers, letters, or other designations, is not intended to limit the claims to any particular order, except as specified in the claims. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A suture fixing assembly comprising a central hub extending from a first end to a second end along a hub axis, and a lock collar configured to be coupled to the central hub and extending from a first end to a second end along a lock collar axis, wherein the central hub comprises a base portion, a base fixing ramp, a first arm, and a second arm, the base portion has a first surface disposed at a first end of the base portion and a second surface disposed at a second end of the base portion, an opening penetrates the base portion, a first end of the opening is disposed on the first surface, and a second end of the opening is disposed on the second surface, the base fixing ramp extends from the second surface of the base portion toward the second end of the central hub, the base fixing ramp has a base fixing surface, which extends from a first end to a second end along a base ramp axis along a part of the base fixing ramp, the first end of the base fixing ramp is disposed (a) at or near the second surface of the base portion, (b) adjacent to the second end of the opening, and the base ramp axis forms a first acute angle with the hub axis, the first arm extends from a first end to a second end along the hub axis, the first end of the first arm is coupled to a second part of the base portion, the second end of the first arm is disposed at or near the second end of the central hub, and a first arm fitting feature is disposed at or near the second end of the first arm, the second arm extends from a first end to a second end along the hub axis, the first end of the second arm is coupled to a third part of the base portion, the second end of the first arm is disposed at or near the second end of the central hub, and a second arm fitting feature is disposed at or near the second end of the second arm, the lock collar comprises a first slot adapted to receive at least a part of the first arm of the central hub, a second slot adapted to receive at least a part of the second arm of the central hub, a first collar fitting feature configured to engage with the first arm fitting feature when a part of the first arm is disposed within the first slot, A second collar fitting feature configured to engage the second arm fitting feature when a portion of the second arm is disposed within the second slot; A collar fixing lamp extending from a first end to a second end, having a collar fixing surface, the collar fixing surface extending from the first end to the second end along the collar lamp axis, the collar lamp axis forming a second acute angle with the hub axis, the collar fixing lamp; Comprising; When the first arm fitting feature engages the first collar fitting feature and the second arm fitting feature engages the second collar fitting feature, the lock collar is fixed to the first arm disposed within the first slot; A suture fixing assembly in which a segment of the suture is disposed along the base fixing surface of the base portion through an opening of the base portion, and when the lock collar is fixed to the central hub, a first portion of the segment of the suture engages one or more portions of the base fixing surface, a second portion of the segment of the suture engages one or more portions of the collar fixing surface, and the segment of the suture is fixed between the base fixing surface and the collar fixing surface.

2. The suture fixing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the base portion has a substantially circular cross-section along the hub axis and has a cylindrical shape.

3. The suture fixing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the central hub and the lock collar are made of a bioabsorbable material.

4. The suture fixing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first slot extends from a first end to a second end, the first end of the first slot is disposed at the first end of the lock collar, the second slot extends from a first end to a second end, and the first end of the second slot is disposed at the first end of the lock collar.

5. The suture fixing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the collar fixing lamp is disposed at or near the first end of the lock collar.

6. The suture fixing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the collar fixing surface is disposed at or near the first end of the collar fixing lamp.

7. The suture fixing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the base fixing surface is non-planar.

8. The suture fixation assembly according to claim 1, wherein one or more portions of the base fixing surface are one or more of the first plurality of ridges. **Claim 9** The lock collar further includes a first arm extending from a first end to a second end along the collar axis and a second arm extending from the first end to the second end along the collar axis. The first end of the first arm is spaced from the first end of the lock collar, the second end of the first arm is spaced from the second end of the lock collar, and the first collar fitting feature is disposed on a portion of the first arm. The suture fixation assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the second arm is spaced from the first end of the lock collar, the second end of the second arm is spaced from the second end of the lock collar, and the second collar fitting feature is disposed on a portion of the second arm. **Claim 10** The suture fixation assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first collar fitting feature portion is disposed at or near the second end of the first arm of the lock collar, and the second collar fitting feature portion is disposed at or near the second end of the second arm of the lock collar.

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