Suture implant and methods of using a suture implant

Abstract

A suture implant for securing a structure comprises a main suture body having a first end and a second end opposite from the first end, and at least one anchor device disposed at the first end of the main suture body. To couple the suture implant to the structure, a first portion and a second portion of the structure are moved toward each other. The first anchor device is coupled to the first portion of the structure, and the second end of the main suture body is coupled to the second portion of the structure. The main suture body stretches in response to the first portion of the structure moving away from the second portion of the structure, such that the first anchor device and the second end of the main suture body move away from each other but remain coupled to the structure.

Description

SUTURE IMPLANT AND METHODS OF USING A SUTURE IMPLANTCROSS-REFERENCE TO REPLATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 604,117, filed November 29, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a suture implant for securing portions of a structure, and more particularly, to a suture implant used to repair a ruptured tendon.BACKGROUND

[0003] Tendon ruptures can be treated using a variety of different techniques, including using sutures and standard knot techniques. While open techniques can be effective, they have a higher risk of infection. Minimally invasive techniques can reduce the risk of infection, but generally require additional instrumentation and can result in creep of the suture knot. Thus, new devices and methods are needed for treating tendon ruptures, and / or for treating other injuries or securing other structures.SUMMARY

[0004] According to some implementations of the present disclosure a suture implant for securing a structure comprises a main suture body and one or more anchor devices. The main suture body has a first end and a second end opposite from the first end. Each of the one or more anchor devices includes a plurality of barbs extending from the main suture body and configured to be coupled to the structure. Each of the barbs has a sharpened distal end that is configured to be inserted into to the structure. The one or more anchor devices can include at least one anchor device disposed closer to the first end of the main suture body than the second end of the main suture body, and at least one anchor device disposed closer to the second end of the main suture body than the first end of the main suture body. The suture implant can include a radiopaque marker disposed at the distal end of at least one of the barbs.

[0005] A method of coupling a suture implant to a structure includes causing the structure tomove to a shortened position such that a first portion of the structure and a second portion of the structure move toward each other. The method further includes coupling a first anchor device disposed at a first end of a main suture body of the suture implant to the first portion of the structure. The method further includes coupling a second end of the main suture body to the second portion of the structure. In response to the structure moving to a lengthened position, the main suture body does not stretch and the first anchor device and second end of the main suture body remain coupled to the structure, such that the first portion of the structure and the second portion of the structure do not move away from each other, or move away from each other a distance that is less than or equal to a maximum distance.

[0006] The above summary is not intended to represent each implementation or every aspect of the present disclosure. Additional features and benefits of the present disclosure are apparent from the detailed description and figures set forth below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] The foregoing and other advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.

[0008] FIG. 1 A shows a first implementation of a suture implant for securing together separate portions of a ruptured tendon, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. IB shows a second implementation of a suture implant for securing together separate portions of a ruptured tendon, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1C shows a third implementation of a suture implant for securing together separate portions of a ruptured tendon, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2A shows the suture implant of FIG. 1A initially implanted in a leg of a patient, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2B shows the suture implant of FIG. 1A in a fully implanted position, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a method for coupling a suture implant to a structure, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific implementations and embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the presentdisclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] FIG. 1A illustrates a suture implant 100 that can be used to aid in the repair of a structure that includes separate portions that are unattached. For example, the structure may be a tendon (such as an Achilles tendon, also referred to as the calcaneal tendon), a ligament, or some other structure in the human body that is torn, either partially or completely. The suture implant 100 can be secured to the structure to maintain the separate portions in the required position for the healing process to occur. The suture implant 100 could also be used to maintain the positions of separate portions of a non-biological structure, where such portions are either temporarily separated or permanently separated.

[0016] The suture implant 100 includes a main suture body 110, a first anchor device 120, and a second anchor device 130. The main suture body 110 can be formed from a variety of different materials. In some implementations, the main suture body 110 is formed from a non-absorbable poly-braided reinforced suture, such as Ethibond® or FiberWire®. In some implementations, the main suture body 110 is a #0 or a #2 suture, but other sizes can be used as well. In some implementations, the main suture body 110 can have a length of about 30 inches, but other lengths can be used as well. In some implementations, the main suture body 110 is formed from a radiolucent material such that the main suture body 110 is generally not visible in an x-ray images.

[0017] The first anchor device 120 is disposed at a first end 112A of the main suture body 110, while the second anchor device 130 is disposed at a second end 112B of the main suture body 110 that is opposite from the first end 112A. The first anchor device 120 and the second anchor device 130 can be coupled to different portions of the structure that is being repaired, worked on, secured, etc.

[0018] In the illustrated implementation, the first anchor device 120 is formed from a number of barbs 122 that extend from the first end 112A of the main suture body 110 back toward the second end 112B of the main suture body 110. Similarly, the second anchor device 130 is formed from a number of barbs 132 that extend from the second end 112B of the main suture body 110 back toward the first end 112A of the main suture body 110. The barbs 122 and 132 generally havea sharpened distal end that is configured to dig into the structure to thereby secure the main suture body 110 to the tendon. In some implementations, each individual barb 122 is individually formed and attached to the first end 112A of the main suture body 110, and each individual barb 132 is individually formed and attached to the second end 112B of the main suture body 110. In other implementations, all the barbs 122 are formed as part of a single structure that is attached to the first end 112A of the main suture body 110, while all the barbs 132 are formed as part of a single structure that is attached to the second end 112B of the main suture body 110. In further implementations, the anchor devices 120 and 130 can have different forms or shapes. In general, the main suture body 110 is generally free of any barbs between the first end 112A (where the first anchor device 120) is located, and the second end 112B (where the second anchor device 130 is located). In some implementations however, the main suture body 110 may include one or more barbs between the first end 112A and the second end 112B. The number of the barbs 122 and 132 of the anchor devices 120 and 130 can vary depending on the application of the suture implant 100. For example, the barbs 122 and / or 132 can include between about 5 barbs and about 10 barbs, between about 6 barbs and about 8 barbs, or other numbers of barbs. In some implementations, each of the barbs 122 and 132 has a length that is between about 5 millimeters and about 10 millimeters. Generally, any one or more anchor devices may include any number of barbs or no barbs.

[0019] In some implementations, anchor devices 120 and 130 can be formed completely or partially by a radiopaque material, such that some or all of the anchor devices 120 and 130 are visible on an x-ray image. In other implementations, the anchor devices 120 and 130 can be formed from a non-radi opaque material, but the suture implant 100 includes one or more radiopaque markers. For example, the suture implant 100 in the illustrated implementation includes a radiopaque marker 124 disposed at the first end 112A of the main suture body 110 (which can also be considered to be at the base of the first anchor device 120 and the base of the barbs 122), and a radiopaque marker 134 disposed at the top of one of the barbs 132. In any implementation, the first end 112A and / or the second end 112B to easily be identified during placement and / or removal of the suture implant 100 due to the radiopaque material and / or the radiopaque markers. For example, the radiopaque marker 124 disposed at the first end 112A of the main suture body 110 can be used to locate the very tip of the suture implant 100, which may be the leading end of the suture implant100 during placement. The radiopaque marker 134 disposed at the end of one of the barbs 132 can be used to locate the anchor device 130 and / or one or more of the barbs 132.

[0020] In general, the suture implant 100 can generally include any number of radiopaque markers disposed at any location on the suture implant 100. For example, the suture implant 100 could include radiopaque markers disposed only at the leading end of the suture implant 100. These radiopaque markers can include a marker disposed at the tip of the main suture body 110, a marker disposed at the tip of one or more barbs of the anchor device, and other locations.

[0021] The suture implant 100 can further include a first passing suture 140 and a second passing suture 150. The first passing suture 140 is coupled to the first end 112A of the main suture body 110, and the second passing suture 150 is coupled to the second end 112B of the main suture body 110. The first passing suture 140 and the second passing suture 150 can be used to initially tension the main suture body 110 to its full length (or to a length that is less than the full length of the main suture body 110) before the first anchor device 120 and / or the second anchor device 130 are coupled to the structure. In FIG. 1A, the suture implant 100 is shown in a relaxed position, before the main suture body 110 has been tensioned to its full length. As used herein, the term “tensioning” or “tensioned” generally refers to the act of moving the ends 112A and 112B away from each other so that the main suture body 110 is at its full length (e.g., the main suture body 110 is fully elongated without stretching, or only stretching a maximum allowed amount), and / or so that the main suture body 110 is at a desired tension. In some cases however, the main suture body 110 can be tensioned to a desired length that is less than the full length of the main suture body 110.

[0022] In some implementations, the suture implant 100 only includes one of the passing sutures. In these implementations, the anchor device at the end of the main suture body 110 that does not include a passing suture is first coupled to the structure, and then the passing suture is pulled away from the coupled anchor device to tension the main suture body 110.

[0023] In some implementations, the first passing suture 140 and the second passing suture 150 are removably coupled to the main suture body 110. For example, the first passing suture 140 and the second passing suture 150 can be formed from a material that can easily be cut through, so that the first passing suture 140 and the second passing suture 150 can be cut away from the main suture body 110 after the main suture body 110 is tensioned, and the first anchor device 120 and the second anchor device 130 are coupled to the structure. In another example, the first passingsuture 140 and the second passing suture 150 can be tied to the main suture body 1 10 in a manner that relatively easy to untie after the main suture body 110 is tensioned and the first anchor device 120 and the second anchor device 130 are coupled to the structure. In a further example, the main suture body 110 may have loops (or other mounting points or structures) that the first passing suture 140 and the second passing suture 150 can be passed through. The two ends of each of the first passing suture 140 and the second passing suture 150 can be grasped and then pulled to tension the main suture body 110 to the full length (or to a shorter length). After the main suture body 110 is tensioned and the first anchor device 120 and the second anchor device 130 are coupled to the structure, the first passing suture 140 and the second passing suture 150 can be removed from the loops to thereby remove the first passing suture 140 and the second passing suture 150 from the main suture body 110. In some implementations, the first passing suture 140 and the second passing suture 150 are formed from a material that can withstand any forces that the main suture body 110 may experience after the first anchor device 120 and the second anchor device 130 are coupled to the structure.

[0024] The suture implant 100 in FIG. 1A can be referred to as a “double-ended” suture implant or a “bidirectional” suture implant, where there is at least one anchor device closer to one end and at least one anchor device closer to the other end. FIG. IB shows a suture implant 160 which is another implementation of a double-ended and / or bidirectional suture implant. As shown, suture implant 160 includes a main suture body 162, a first plurality of anchor devices 164A-164J located closer to end 161 A of the main suture body 162, and a second plurality of anchor devices 166A-166J located closer to end 161B of the main suture body 162. Each of the anchor devices 164A-164J and each of the anchor devices 166A-166J include a plurality of barbs. The barbs of the anchor devices 164A-164J all point in the same direction toward end 16 IB. The barbs of the anchor devices 166A-166J all point in the same direction toward end 161 A. In this implementation, the anchor devices are thus not limited to being disposed only at the ends of the main suture body 162 of the suture implant 160, but instead can be positioned anywhere along the length of the main suture body 162. Any of the barbs can include a radiopaque marker disposed at the tip (or elsewhere) of the barb, and the main suture body 162 can include a radiopaque marker disposed at one or both ends (or elsewhere), similar to radiopaque markers 124 and 134 of the suture implant 100 of FIG. 1A. In the illustrated implementation, the suture implant 160 also includes passingsutures 163 A and 163B positioned at the outermost ends of the suture implant 160, which can be used in generally the same manner as the passing sutures 140 and 150 of the suture implant 100.

[0025] FIG. 1C shows a suture implant 170 which can be referred to as a “single-ended” or “unidirectional” suture implant, where all of the one or more anchor devices are located closer to one end of the suture implant. As shown, the suture implant 170 includes a main suture body 172, a plurality of anchor devices 174A-174J located closer to end 171B of the main suture body 172, and no anchor devices on the half of the main suture body 172 that is closer to end 171A. Each of the anchor devices 174A-174J includes a plurality of barbs, and the barbs of the anchor devices 174A-174J all point generally in the same direction toward end 171 A. Any of the barbs can include a radiopaque marker disposed at the tip (or elsewhere) of the barb, and the main suture body 172 can include a radiopaque marker disposed at one or both ends (or elsewhere), similar to radiopaque markers 124 and 134 of the suture implant 100 of FIG. 1A. Moreover, the end 171 A of the main suture body 172 can also be attached to a structure during use. For example, the end 171A can be attached to a bone, a tendon, a ligament, etc. using conventional techniques. In the illustrated implementation, the suture implant 170 also includes a passing suture 173 positioned on the end of the suture implant 170 where the anchor devices 174A-174J are located, which can be used in generally the same manner as the passing sutures 140 and 150 of the suture implant 100.

[0026] In general, a suture implant according to the present disclosure can have include any number of anchor devices with any number of barbs. In some implementations, the suture implant includes a single anchor device located anywhere along the main body of the suture implant, where the single anchor device includes a plurality of barbs. In some of these implementations, the single anchor device is closer to one end of the main body of the suture implant than the other (e.g., the suture implant is single-ended / unidirectional). In others of these implementations, the single anchor device is located generally at the center of the main body of the suture implant. In some implementations, the suture implant includes multiple anchor devices each having a plurality of barbs. In some of these implementations, the anchor devices can be located on both halves of the main body of the suture implant (e.g., some anchor devices closer to one end and some anchor devices closer to the other end, such that the suture implant is double-ended / bidirectional). In others of these implementations, all of the anchor devices are located closer to one end than the other (e.g., the suture implant is single-ended).

[0027] The barbs of the suture implants can be pointing in generally any desired direction. In some implementations, all the barbs of an anchor device located closer to one end point in the direction toward the other end. In other implementations, some (or all) barbs of some (or all) anchor devices could point in the direction toward the end closest to which the anchor device is disposed. Moreover, generally any one or more barbs of a suture implant according to the present disclose can include a radiopaque marker disposed along the length of the barb (e.g., at the tip of the barb, at the base of the barb, between the tip and the base of the barb, etc.). Moreover, the barbs of a suture implant are not required to all be the same length. For example, in some implementations, the barbs within any given anchor device may have multiple different lengths. In other implementations, all the barbs of a given anchor device are the same length, but one anchor device may have barbs that are a different length than the barbs of one or more other anchor devices.

[0028] In some implementations, the suture implant 100 may be formed partially or wholly from a bio-absorptive material, such as collagen (e.g., a collagen weave). The bio-absorptive material allows for various different types of material (e.g., biological materials) to be embedded or absorbed within the suture implant 100. For example, the suture implant 100 can be embedded with blood, platelet rich plasma (PRP), biologies, other biological materials, or any combinations thereof. When used in the human body, suture implant 100 and the material embedded within provides a structure for biointegration that facilitates new tissue formation and supports a strong repair of the structure (e.g., a tendon). In some implementations, only the main suture body 110 is formed partially or wholly from the bio-absorptive material. In other implementations, additional or alternative portions of the suture implant 100 (such the barbs and / or the passing sutures) are formed from the bio-absorptive material.

[0029] FIG. 2A shows the suture implant 100 when it is initially implanted in a patient’s leg to attach the suture implant 100 to a ruptured Achilles tendon. As shown, the Achilles tendon has ruptured into two separate portions 200A and 200B. Portion 200A is attached to the proximal tendon of the calf muscle 202, while portion 200B is attached to the distal tendon of the calf muscle 202 or the heel bone 204. The suture implant 100 is initially inserted by making one or more small incisions in the paratenon at the level of the rupture in order to expose the rupture. The first passing suture 140 (which may be part of or pulled by a passing device) is used to pull one end of the suture implant 100 proximally toward portion 200A, and the second passing suture 150 (whichmay be part of or pulled by the passing device) is used to pull the other end of the suture implant 100 distally toward portion 200B.

[0030] In general, the first anchor device 120 is coupled to the proximal tendon of the calf muscle 202, and the foot of the patient is then moved into plantar flexion (e.g., the toes are pointed downward away from the body) to shorten the Achilles tendon and move the portions 200A and 200B closer toward each other, at which point the suture implant 100 can be tensioned to its full length (or to a desired shorter length). The second anchor device 130 is then coupled to the portion 200B. In implementations where the first anchor device 120 includes the barbs 122 and the second anchor device 130 includes the barbs 132, coupling the anchor devices 120 and 130 includes inserting the barbs 122 and 132 at least partially into the portions 200A and 200B of the patient’s Achilles tendon to secure the suture implant 100 in place. Thus, the barbs 122 and 132 are configured to dig into the portions 200A and 200B of the patient’s Achilles tendon to couple the anchor devices 120 and 130 to their respective portions 200A and 200B.

[0031] Thus, prior to the suture implant 100 being implanted (e.g., prior to the first anchor device 120 and the second anchor device 130 being coupled to the portions 200A and 200B), the main suture body 110 is in a relaxed position. After the suture implant 100 is initially implanted (e.g., after the first anchor device 120 and the second anchor device 130 are initially coupled to the portions 200A and 200B), the main suture body 110 has been tensioned due to the pulling apart of the first passing suture 140 and the second passing suture 150. When the main suture body 110 is tensioned, a pulling force is exerted on the first anchor device 120 and the second anchor device 130 due to the main suture body 110 being unable to significantly stretch (in some implementations, being unable to stretch at all). The direction of the pulling force exerted on the first anchor device 120 is back toward the second anchor device 130 at the opposite end of the main suture body 110 (e g., toward the second portion 200A of the Achilles tendon), and the direction of the pulling force exerted on the second anchor device 130 is back toward the first anchor device 120 at the opposite end of the main suture body 110 (e.g., toward the second portion 200A of the Achilles tendon)

[0032] FIG. 2B shows the suture implant 100 in a fully implanted position after being attached to the ruptured Achilles tendon. As shown, the first passing suture 140 and the second passing suture 150 have been removed from the suture implant 100, by cutting them away from the main suture body 110 or some other method of removal . Because the patient’ s foot was in plantar flexionwhen the main suture body 110 was tensioned and the anchor devices 120 and 130 coupled to portions 200A and 200B, the first lengthened position of the main suture body 110 will be the position of the main suture body 110 when the patient’s Achilles tendon is in its shortest position. As the patient walks and otherwise flexes their foot, the patient’s Achilles tendon will attempt to lengthen. Because the main suture body 110 is unable to significantly stretch (or stretch at all), the force attempting to lengthen of the Achilles tendon will cause the main suture body 110 to exert a pulling force on both of the anchor devices 120 and 130 that is in the direction back toward the opposite one of the anchor devices 120 and 130, which keeps the two portions 200A and 200B of the Achilles tendon together. Thus, regardless of the position of the patient’s foot, the main suture body 110 will always cause a force to be exerted on the anchor devices 120 and 130 in the direction back toward the opposing one of the anchor devices 120 and 130. In implementations where the desired length of the main suture body 110 is its maximum length, the two portions 200A and 200B will generally not move apart from each other. In implementations where the desired length of the main suture body 110 is less than its desired length, the two portions 200A and 200B will move away from each other a distance that is less than or equal to some maximum acceptable distance. As used herein, the term “desired length” will generally refer to any length of the main suture body 110 that will keep the separate portions of the structure within the maximum acceptable distance from each other (e.g., contacting each other, within 1 millimeter of each other, within 2 millimeters of each other, etc.) when the structure moves to the lengthened position.

[0033] In implementations where the anchor devices 120 and 130 are formed from the barbs 122 and 132, the barbs 122 and 132 aid in preventing the anchor devices 120 and 130 from inadvertently becoming detached from the portions 200A and 200B of the Achilles tendon. Because the pulling force exerted on the barbs 122 by the main suture body 110 is toward the other set of barbs 132 at the opposite end of the main suture body 110, any additional force exerted on the barbs 122 by the lengthening of the Achilles tendon as the foot moves is in the insertion direction of the barbs 122 into the portion 200A of the Achilles tendon. Similarly, because the pulling force exerted on the barbs 132 by the main suture body 110 is toward the other set of barbs 122 at the opposite end of the main suture body 110, any additional force exerted on the barbs 132 by the lengthening of the Achilles tendon as the foot moves is in the insertion direction of the barbs 122 into the portion 200B of the Achilles tendon.

[0034] Thus, any lengthening of the Achilles tendon will cause the barbs 122 and 132 to be further embedded into the respective portion 200A or 200B of the Achilles tendon, which aids in maintaining the positions of the portions 200A and 200B next to each other so that the Achilles tendon can continue to heal. Forces exerted on the barbs 122 and 132 during normal movement of the patient’s foot and the Achilles tendon do not detach or decouple the barbs 122 and 132 from the Achilles tendon, but instead strengthen the coupling between the barbs 122 and 132 and the portions 200A and 200B of the Achilles tendon.

[0035] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a method 300 for coupling a suture implant to a structure, such as a patient’s Achilles tendon, another tendon of the patient, another body part of the patient, or generally any structure that may have separate portions that need to be held together. Method 300 is described in reference to a suture implant that includes a main suture body (e.g., main suture body 110, main suture body 162, main suture body 172, etc.) and a first anchor device (e g., anchor device 120, anchor device 130, anchor devices 164A-164J, anchor devices 166A-166J, anchor devices 174A-174J, etc.) located at a first end of the main suture body. The suture implant generally also includes passing sutures at either end, similar to passing sutures 140 and 150.

[0036] Step 310 of method 300 includes causing the structure to move to a shortened position such that a first portion of the structure and a second portion of the structure move toward each other. For example, step 310 can include causing the patient’s foot to move into plantar flexion, so that the Achilles tendon moves to the shortened position and portions 200A and 200B of the patient’s Achilles tendon move toward each other. Step 320 of method 300 includes coupling the first anchor device to the first portion of the structure. Step 330 of method 300 includes coupling the second end of the main suture body to the second portion of the structure.

[0037] In some implementations, the suture implant includes a second anchor device disposed at the second end of the main suture body, and coupling the second end of the main suture body to the structure includes coupling the second anchor device to the structure. In other implementations, no anchor devices are disposed at the second end of the main suture body, and the second end of the main suture body is coupled to the structure without the use of an anchor device. Further, in some implementations the suture implant may include additional anchor devices disposed at the first end of the main suture body, and / or along the main suture body closer to the first end than the second end.

[0038] In response to the structure then moving to a lengthened position, the main suture body does not stretch and the first anchor device and the second end of the main suture body remain coupled to the structure, such that the first portion and the second portion will not move away from each other. In some implementations, the main suture body has a desired length after the first anchor device and the second end of the main suture body are coupled to the structure, and then remains at the desired length in response to the first and second portions of the structure moving away from each other.

[0039] In some implementations, the main suture body is tensioned before the first anchor device is coupled to the first portion, and the main suture body remains at the desired length as the second end of the main suture body is coupled to the second portion of the structure. In other implementations, the first anchor device is first coupled to the first portion of the structure, and then the main suture body is tensioned. The main suture body then remains at the desired length as the second end of the main suture body is coupled to the second portion of the structure. In implementations where the suture implant includes the first passing suture and / or the second passing suture, the main suture body can be tensioned by pulling the first passing suture and the second passing suture away from each other.

[0040] In addition to treating an Achilles tendon rupture, a suture implant as described herein can also be used to treat other tendon ruptures, such as a distal biceps rupture or a triceps avulsion. The suture implant is not limited to repairing tendon ruptures, but can be used with other medical procedures as well. For example, the suture implant can be used during a tendon transfer procedure to help secure the tendon. During these procedures, one end of the tendon is detached from its normal attachment point and attached to a different attachment point in the body. For example, one end of a biceps tendon can be detached from its attachment point and moved to a different location within the shoulder or the humerus. In another example, one end of a tendon in the foot or ankle can be attached to the calcaneus to replace and supplement the function of the Achilles tendon. During these procedures, the suture implant can be used to secure the detached end of the tendon in a desired area in the body. The suture implant can also be used to create a suture anchor into bone for the repair of ligaments and / or other soft tissue.

[0041] One or more elements or aspects or steps, or any portion(s) thereof, from one or more of any of the claims can be combined with one or more elements or aspects or steps, or anyportion(s) thereof, from one or more of any of the other claims or combinations thereof, to form one or more additional implementations and / or claims of the present disclosure.

[0042] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments or implementations, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Each of these implementations and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is also contemplated that additional implementations according to aspects of the present disclosure may combine any number of features from any of the implementations described herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A suture implant for securing a structure, the suture implant comprising: a main suture body have a first end and a second end opposite from the first end; and one or more anchor devices disposed along the main suture body, each of the one or more anchor devices including a plurality of barbs extending from the main suture body and configured to be coupled to the structure.

2. The suture implant of claim 1, wherein each anchor device of the one or more anchor devices is disposed (i) closer to the first end of the main suture body than the second end of the main suture body or (ii) closer to the second end of the main suture body than the first end of the main suture body.

3. The suture implant of claim 2, wherein the plurality of barbs of each anchor device of the one or more anchor devices disposed closer to the first end of the main suture body extend toward the second end of the main suture body.

4. The suture implant of claim 3, wherein the plurality of barbs of each anchor device of the one or more anchor devices is disposed closer to the second end of the main suture body extend toward the first end of the main suture body.

5. The suture implant of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the one or more anchor devices includes a plurality of anchor devices disposed closer to the first end of the main suture body than the second end of the main suture body.

6. The suture implant of claim 5, where none of the one or more anchor devices are disposed closer to the second end of the main suture body than the first end of the main suture body.

7. The suture implant of claim 5, wherein the one or more anchor devices further includes at least one anchor device disposed closer to the second end of the main suture body than the first end of the main suture body.

8. The suture implant of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one barb of at least one anchor device of the one or more anchor devices has a length that is different than a length of at least one other barb of the at least one anchor device.

9. The suture implant of claim 8, wherein at least one barb of each respective anchor device of the one or more anchor devices has a length that is different than a length of at least one other barb of the respective anchor device.

10. The suture implant of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of barbs of at least one anchor device of the one or more anchor devices have varying lengths.

11. The suture implant of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of barbs of each respective anchor device of the one or more anchor devices have varying lengths.

12. The suture implant of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising at least one radiopaque marker coupled to (i) at least one barb of at least one of the one or more anchor devices, (ii) the first end of the main suture body, (iii) the second end of the main suture body, or (iv) any combination of (i)-(iii).

13. The suture implant of claim 12, wherein the at least one radiopaque marker includes a radiopaque marker coupled to at least one barb of each of the one or more anchor devices.

14. The suture implant of claim 12, wherein the at least one radiopaque marker includes a radiopaque marker coupled to each of a plurality of barbs each of the one or more anchor devices.

15. The suture implant of claim 12, wherein the at least one radiopaque marker includes a radiopaque marker coupled to each barb of each of the one or more anchor devices.

16. The suture implant of claim 12, wherein the at least one radiopaque marker is disposed at a tip of the at least one barb of the at least one of the one or more anchor devices.

17. The suture implant of cany one of claims 1 to 16, wherein each of the plurality of barbs of each of the one or more anchor devices has a sharpened distal end that is configured to be inserted into to the structure.

18. The suture implant of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the main suture body is formed from a material that (i) does not stretch, (ii) is radiolucent, or (iii) both (i) and (ii).

19. The suture implant of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein each of the plurality of barbs of at least one of the one or more anchor devices is formed from a radiolucent material.

20. The suture implant of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein each of the plurality of barbs of each of the one or more anchor devices is formed from a radiolucent material.

21. The suture implant of any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising a first passing suture coupled to the first end of the main suture body.

22. The suture implant of claim 21, further comprising a second passing suture coupled to the second end of the main suture body.

23. The suture implant of claim 22, wherein the first passing suture and the second passing suture are removably coupled to the main suture body.

24. The suture implant of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the one or more anchor devices includes a first anchor device disposed at the first end of the main suture body and a second anchor device disposed at the second end of the main suture body.

25. The suture implant of claim 24, wherein the first anchor device is configured to be coupled to a first portion of the structure, and wherein the second anchor device is configured to be coupled to a second portion of the structure.

26. The suture implant of claim 25, wherein the main suture body does not stretch in response to (i) the first portion of the structure experiencing a first force in a direction away from the second portion of the structure, (i) the second portion of the structure experiencing a second force in a direction away from the first portion of the structure, or (iii).

27. The suture implant of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the structure is a ruptured tendon of a human.

28. The suture implant of any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the suture implant is formed partially or wholly from a bio-absorptive material.

29. The suture implant of claim 28, wherein the bio-absorptive material includes collagen.

30. The suture implant of claim 29, wherein the bio-absorptive material is or includes a collagen weave.

31. A method of coupling a suture implant to a structure, the suture implant including a main suture body and a first anchor device disposed at a first end of the main suture body, the method comprising: causing the structure to move to a shortened position such that a first portion of the structure and a second portion of the structure to move toward each other; coupling the first anchor device of the suture implant to the first portion of the structure; and coupling a second end of the main suture body that is opposite the first end to the second portion of the structure, wherein in response to the structure moving to a lengthened position, the main suture body does not stretch and the first anchor device and the second end of the main suture body remain coupled to the structure, such that the first portion of the structure and the second portion of the structure do not move away from each other, or move away from each other a distance that is less than or equal to a maximum distance.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the main suture body has a desired length after the first anchor device and the second end of the main suture body are coupled to the structure, and wherein the main suture body remains at the desired length in response to the first portion of the structure moving away from the second portion of the structure.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising tensioning the main suture body to the desired length before coupling the first anchor device to the first portion of the structure.

34. The method of claim 33, the main suture body remains at the desired length as the second end of the main suture body is coupled to the second portion of the structure.

35. The method of claim 32, further comprising tensioning the main suture body to the desired length after coupling the first anchor device to the first portion of the structure, and before coupling the second end of the main suture body to the second portion of the structure.

36. The method of any one of claims 32 to 35, wherein the desired length of the main suture body is a full length of the main suture body.

37. The method of any one of claims 31 to 36, wherein the suture implant includes a first passing suture coupled to the first end of the main suture body and a second passing suture coupled to the second end of the main suture body.

38. The method of claim 37, further comprising, prior to coupling one or both of the first anchor device or the second end of the main suture body, pulling the first passing suture and the second passing suture away from each other to tension the main suture body to a desired length.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the desired length of the main suture body is a full length of the main suture body.

40. The method of any one of claims 31 to 39, wherein the first anchor device is formed from one or more barbs extending from the first end of the main suture body toward the second end of the main suture body.

41. The method of any one of claims 31 to 40, wherein the structure is a ruptured tendon of a human.

42. The method of any one of claims 31 to 41, wherein the suture implant further includes a second anchor device disposed at the second end of the main suture body, and wherein coupling the second end of the main suture body to the second portion of the structure includes coupling the second anchor device to the second portion of the structure.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the first anchor device is formed from one or more barbs extending from the first end of the main suture body toward the second end of the main suture body, and wherein the second anchor device is formed from one or more barbs extending from the second end of the main suture body toward the first end of the main suture body.

44. The method of any one of claims 31 to 43, wherein the second end of the main suture body is coupled to the second portion of the structure without using an anchor device.

45. The method of any one of claims 31 to 44, wherein the suture implant includes one or more additional anchor devices disposed at the first end of the main suture body.

46. The method of any one of claims 31 to 45, wherein the suture implant includes one or more additional anchor devices disposed along the main suture body closer to the first end of the main suture body than the second end of the main suture body.

47. The method of any one of claims 31 to 46, wherein the suture implant is formed partially or wholly from a bio-absorptive material.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the bio-absorptive material includes collagen.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein the bio-absorptive material is or includes a collagen weave.

50. The method of claim 47, further comprising embedding the main suture body with a biological material.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the biological material includes blood, platelet rich plasma (PRP), one or more biologies, or any combination thereof.

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