U.S. patent application number 09/796030 was filed with the patent office on 2001-07-19 for suture locking device.
Invention is credited to Fromm, Stuart, May, Thomas C., Schwartz, Herbert E..
Application Number | 20010008971 09/796030 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22353732 |
Filed Date | 2001-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010008971 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schwartz, Herbert E. ; et
al. |
July 19, 2001 |
Suture locking device
Abstract
The invention disclosed is a device for locking a suture in
place without the need for tying knots once the suture is placed
within tissue. The device comprises anchor having a front section
and a rear section, a cannula extending through the front and rear
sections through which the suture extends, and a bead positioned
adjacent an end of the suture for locking the suture within the
cannula.
Inventors: |
Schwartz, Herbert E.; (Fort
Wayne, IN) ; May, Thomas C.; (Winona kale, IN)
; Fromm, Stuart; (Rapid City, SD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jill T. Powlick
Barnes & Thornburg
11 South Meridian Street
Indianapolis
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
22353732 |
Appl. No.: |
09/796030 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09796030 |
Feb 28, 2001 |
|
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09474416 |
Dec 29, 1999 |
|
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60114170 |
Dec 30, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/232 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/0487 20130101;
A61B 2017/0445 20130101; A61B 2017/0451 20130101; A61B 17/0401
20130101; A61B 2017/0488 20130101; A61B 2017/0454 20130101; A61B
2017/0448 20130101; A61B 2017/0464 20130101; A61B 2017/0404
20130101; A61B 2017/0458 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/232 |
International
Class: |
A61B 017/04 |
Claims
1. A device for locking a suture in place, comprising: an anchor
having a cannula through which the suture extends, the anchor
further comprising a rear edge and a front edge; and a locking
mechanism for locking the suture within the cannula; wherein the
suture comprises a first end and a second end, the suture extending
through the cannula of the anchor from the rear edge of the anchor
to the front edge of the anchor, the suture adapted to pass through
a portion of tissue and extend back through the cannula from the
front edge to the rear edge; wherein the locking mechanism
comprises a bead formed at the first end of the suture, the bead
sized to wedge within the cannula to lock the first end and the
second end of the suture in the cannula
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the cannula is tapered.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the cannula is stepped to have a
diameter at the front edge that is smaller than a diameter at the
rear edge.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the anchor comprises a
biodegradable material.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the anchor comprises a
biocompatible material selected from the group consisting of
stainless steel, titanium, cobalt chrome, and polyethylene.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the bead is formed as a
protuberance integral with the suture filament.
7. A device for locking a suture in place, comprising: an anchor
having a cannula through which the suture extends, the anchor
further comprising a rear edge and a front edge; the suture having
a first end and a second end, the suture extending through the
cannula of the anchor from the rear edge of the anchor to the front
edge of the anchor, the suture adapted to pass through a portion of
tissue and extend back through the cannula from the front edge to
the rear edge; and a bead fixed to the suture adjacent the first
end, the bead sized to wedge within the cannula and lock the first
and second ends in place.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein the cannula is tapered.
9. The device of claim 7, wherein the cannula is stepped to have a
diameter at the front edge that is smaller than a diameter at the
rear edge.
10. The device of claim 7 wherein the anchor comprises a
biodegradable material.
11. The device of claim 7 wherein the anchor comprises a
biocompatible material selected from the group consisting of
stainless steel, titanium, cobalt chrome, and polyethylene.
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/474,416, filed Dec. 29, 1999, which claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/114,170, filed Dec. 30, 1998, which is expressly incorporated by
reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a device for locking a
suture in vivo, more particularly to a device for locking a suture
in vivo without the need for tying knots once the suture is placed
within tissue. The present invention also relates to a method for
using such a device to approximate tissue and to lock the suture in
place.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is known in the art to approximate damaged or torn tissue
by use of a suture. In many instances, the suture is looped through
tissue, and the two ends are then secured together. Prior art
methods for securing a suture include tying knots. Other methods
include providing a filament having various protruding portions and
securing the filament against one of those protruding portions.
See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,691, incorporated herein by
reference. Still other prior art methods include compressing the
suture between a cylinder/piston wall interface. See, e.g., U.S.
Pat. No. 5,630,824, incorporated herein by reference. Such sutures
may be used to approximate damage in soft tissue or to attach soft
tissue to bone.
[0004] The present invention provides a suture locking device that
relies on frictional forces. In one embodiment, a suture is passed
through an anchor having a tapered or stepped cannula. The suture
is then passed through tissue, may be passed through or around a
second anchor located on the opposite side of the defect, and
looped back through the cannula. One end of the suture may be
provided with a knot or bead. As the surgeon pulls on the second
end, the knot or bead enters the cannula, pulls the two anchors
toward each other, then both strands wedge tightly in the cannula.
In an alternative embodiment, instead of a knot or bead, a slip
knot is provided on the first end. The second end may be threaded
through the slip knot. Again, as the surgeon pulls on the second
end, the knot will enter the tapered or stepped cannula, pull the
two anchors together, and wedge both strands tightly within the
cannula.
[0005] In another embodiment of this invention, a locking ring is
used to secure the sutures to the anchor. The anchor may be
provided with a split section and the suture would pass through
this split section. The locking ring may be of either the push-type
or the pull-type, and when engaged, the locking ring would force
the portions of the split section together, thus wedging the split
section together and locking the suture strands in place. The split
section may be provided with teeth to grip the suture better.
[0006] In another embodiment, the suture may be secured with a snap
groove provided on the anchor. As with the locking ring
arrangement, the anchor would be provided with a split section. A
tooth on one section is sized and shaped to mate with a groove on
the other section. When the tooth is snapped into the groove, the
suture strands would be locked into place.
[0007] An additional embodiment may employ a wedge design. In such
a design, the anchor may be provided with a cylindrical cannula,
and a wedge would be provided to fit tightly within the cannula.
The wedge itself may be partially cannulated to aid in insertion,
but the suture would also, in part, pass along the exterior of the
wedge, so that frictional forces would secure the suture between
the wedge and the inside of the cannula, in order to lock the
suture in place.
[0008] Alternatively, the suture locking device may comprise
laminated sheets. Slits in the laminated sheets would allow the
suture to pass in one direction with little resistance. However,
the sheets would be designed to lock on the suture when the suture
is pulled in the reverse direction. Thus, the surgeon could pull on
the suture to tighten it, and the suture would remain locked in
place.
[0009] Some embodiments of the present invention are described for
situations in which the suture is looped through tissue, and two
ends of the suture must be secured. Other embodiments are described
in which each end of the suture strand is secured independently. It
will be understood that the invention may be employed in situations
involving a single strand or with multiple suture or filament
strands. Also, it will be understood that the scope of this
invention is not limited specifically to securing two ends of a
suture within one locking mechanism.
[0010] The anchor may be made of biocompatible material such as
stainless steel, titanium, cobalt chrome, and polyethylene.
Preferably, biodegradable materials may also be used, including
poly lactic acid and poly lactic-glycolic acid. Other biodegradable
materials are known. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,715, hereby
incorporated by reference. The suture may be made of resorbable or
non-resorbable material, as are known in the art.
[0011] Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, a
device is provided for locking a suture in place, the device
comprising an anchor having a cannula, the cannula for receiving a
suture, and a locking mechanism for locking the suture in place.
The locking mechanism may comprise a bead, knot, or wedge sized to
wedge within the cannula or the locking mechanism may comprise a
locking ring. The cannula may be cylindrical, tapered, or
stepped.
[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, a device is
provided for locking a suture in place, the device comprising an
anchor having a cannula and a locking mechanism. The cannula is for
receiving the suture, and the locking mechanism is for locking the
suture within the cannula. The locking mechanism may comprise a
locking ring or a snap groove.
[0013] In still another embodiment of the present invention, a
device for locking a suture in place is provided, comprising an
anchor having a front edge and a rear edge, the anchor having a
cannula extending from the front section to the rear section, and a
locking mechanism. In this embodiment, the suture comprises a first
end and a second end, the suture extending through the cannula of
the anchor from the rear edge to the front edge, through a portion
of tissue, and extending back through the cannula from the front
edge to the rear edge, the second end protruding from the rear edge
of the suture. The locking mechanism comprises a bead located at
the first end of the suture, and the bead sized to fit snugly
within a portion of the cannula. Pulling the second end of the
suture causes the bead to travel toward the front edge of the
anchor and to wedge within the portion of the cannula, thereby
locking the suture in place.
[0014] Additional features of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments
exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as
presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a locking device of this
invention, in which the locking device comprises an anchor with a
tapered cannula and a suture with a bead, shown in combination with
a second anchor;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the anchor of FIG. 1,
with the suture in locked position;
[0017] FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2, except that the cannula is
stepped rather than tapered;
[0018] FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 1, except that a slip knot
replaces the bead;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
this invention, in which the suture locking device comprises a pull
locking ring in combination with a cannulated anchor;
[0020] FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5, except showing the device in a
locked position;
[0021] FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 5, except showing a device with a
push locking ring;
[0022] FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 7, except showing the device in a
locked position;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of this
invention employing a snap lock design;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of still another
embodiment of this invention which employs a wedge design;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of
this invention, employing a laminated sheet design;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 11, along line
12-12;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a meniscus of a knee,
showing a defect approximated by a suture that is locked into
position by using two locking devices of FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 shows generally a suture locking device of this
invention in a combination as the device may be employed. In the
illustrative embodiment, a suture 40 passes through a cannula 22 in
an anchor 20. The suture loops through or around a second anchor
80, and then returns through cannula 22. In use, anchor 20 and
second anchor 80 may be located on opposite sides of a soft tissue
defect (not shown), and suture 40 may be used to pull the defect
together. Alternatively, second anchor 80 may be located within or
beyond a portion of bone (not shown), and anchor 20 may be used to
attach soft tissue to the bone. Other applications are also
possible.
[0029] As shown, second anchor 80 is provided with two holes 82,
84. Suture 40 extends from first anchor 20 to second anchor 80,
loops through first hole 82 and returns through second hole 84 back
to first anchor 20. Alternatively, second anchor 80 may be provided
with one hole through which suture 40 passes before returning to
first anchor 20. In other embodiments, second anchor 80 may be
provided with a singular cannulation lengthwise with the suture 40
extending therethrough, or the second anchor 80 may be provided
without any holes, and the suture 40 may merely loop over second
anchor 80. In some situations, a second anchor may not be
necessary, and suture 40 simply loops over or through tissue.
[0030] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the anchor 20 is
configured to bury partially or totally into tissue, for use in
tissue repair where interference with the tissue surface is not
desirable. This configuration may be desirable for use on surfaces
such as the inner surface of the meniscus of the knee, where a
protruding anchor may interfere with joint articulation. However,
as illustrated in FIGS. 10-13, anchors which are configured to
abut, without entering, tissue are also within the scope of this
invention. The combination illustrated in FIG. 1 is meant merely as
an example of a suture/anchor combination that may be locked with
the suture locking device of this invention.
[0031] Referring still to FIG. 1, suture 40 is provided with a
first end 42 and a second end 44. As shown, first end 42 is
provided with a bead 46, and the cannula 22 is tapered. As the
surgeon pulls on the second end 44 of suture 40, the bead 46 enters
the cannula 22. With continued pulling, the bead 46 pulls anchor 20
toward second anchor 80, for example, to close a defect in tissue
or to secure soft tissue to a bone. When anchor 20 is fully seated,
bead 46 wedges into cannula 22, and bead 46 secures second end 44
within the cannula 22.
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates the anchor 20 of FIG. 1 after the suture
40 has been pulled tight and locked into place. FIG. 3 illustrates
an alternative embodiment wherein the cannula 22 is stepped, rather
than tapered. As with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, when
suture 40 is pulled tight, the bead 46 locks the suture 40 in
place. Bead 46 may be permanently affixed to suture 40 in any
number of ways, as are known in the art. Alternatively, suture 40
may be manufactured with bead 46 as a protuberance integral with
the suture filament. Also, bead 46 may be a knot in suture 40 of
sufficient size to lock suture 40 in place.
[0033] Another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 4. The first end
42 of suture 40 is provided with a slip knot 48. As with the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the anchor 20 is provided with a
cannula 22 that may be tapered or stepped. Preferably, second end
44 is fed through loop 49 of slip knot 48, and the loop 49 may be
tensioned slightly. As the surgeon pulls on the second end 44, slip
knot 48 will travel distally along the second end 44, until slip
knot 48 begins to push the anchor 20 toward the second anchor 80.
As with the bead 46 of FIG. 1, slip knot 48 wedges in cannula 22,
locking the suture in place.
[0034] FIGS. 5-8 relate to embodiments employing locking rings.
FIGS. 5 and 6 involve a pull locking ring with FIG. 5 illustrating
the open position and FIG. 6 illustrating the locked position. As
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, anchor 20 is provided with cannula
22. Preferably, rear section 24 of anchor 20 is split into first
and second rear portions 26, 28, to define split gap 30. An annular
locking ring 70 is provided around middle section 25. Once anchor
20 and suture 40 are properly positioned, locking ring 70 may be
pulled in the direction away from front 23 and toward rear 24 of
anchor 20. First and second rear portions 26, 28 are compressed
together by locking ring 70, thus securing suture 40 within. Teeth
32 may be provided to insure secure gripping of suture 40. As
illustrated in FIG. 6, a groove 72 on locking ring 70 may be
provided for seating on tip 29, to secure locking ring 70 in
place.
[0035] Referring specifically to FIG. 5, as illustrated, in the
open position locking ring 70 sits between front section 23 and
rear section 24. An insertion tool (not shown) may engage a recess
or protuberance (not shown) in rear surface 74 of the locking ring
70, in order to aid in pulling locking ring 70 to the closed
position, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Also, because middle section 25
of anchor 20 provides a recess in which locking ring 70 sits while
in the open position, locking ring 70 need not be physically
connected to anchor 20. Alternatively, a frangible portion (not
shown) may be used to secure locking ring 70 to anchor 20. The
frangible portion would be broken as locking ring 70 is pulled back
to the closed position.
[0036] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an embodiment of a suture locking
device employing a push locking ring. FIG. 7 illustrates the push
locking ring 60 with the device in the open position. As with the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, anchor 20 may be provided with a
rear section 24 which has been split into first and second rear
portions 26, 28, defining slit gap 30. A locking ring 60 is
disposed around rear section 24. When locking ring 60 is pushed
toward the front section 23 of anchor 20, the locking ring
compresses rear portions 26 and 28 together, locking suture 40
therebetween. As with the pull locking ring embodiment illustrated
in FIGS. 5 and 6, the anchor 20 may be provided with teeth 32, in
order to better secure suture 40. Once locking ring 60 is in the
locked position, lip 34 may be provided to lock edge 62 in place
and restrain locking ring 60 from moving back to the open position.
As illustrated, edge 62 is recessed from rear surface 64. However,
edge 62 may protrude from or be contiguous with rear surface
64.
[0037] Still referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, rear surface 64 of locking
ring 60 may be provided with a recess (not shown) for use with an
insertion tool (not shown). Also, locking ring 60 may be connected
to anchor 20 by a frangible portion 66. When force is placed on
locking ring 60, the frangible portion 66 would break, and locking
ring 60 would slip into the locked position shown in FIG. 8. An
alternative location for the frangible portion is illustrated as
frangible portion 66a, although many other locations are possible.
Alternatively, locking ring 60 may be connected by a tether (not
shown). In still another alternative embodiment, locking ring 60
need not be physically connected to anchor 20, and locking ring 60
may be inserted simply by pushing it along suture 40.
[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of this invention which
employs a snap groove. As with the locking ring embodiments, rear
section 24 of anchor 20 is split into first and second portions 26,
28, defining split groove 30. A tooth 36 is provided on first
portion 26, while a matching groove 37 is provided on second
portion 28. Suture 40, which has been inserted through cannula 22,
also extends between tooth 36 and grove 37. When tooth 36 is
snapped into groove 37, suture 40 is captured therebetween and
becomes locked into place. It is understood that, while a singular
tooth and groove are illustrated in FIG. 9, embodiments employing
multiple teeth and grooves are within the scope of this
invention.
[0039] A wedge design may be used, as illustrated in FIG. 10. In
this embodiment, anchor 20 is provided with cannula 22. A wedge 50
is shaped to fit snugly within cannula 22. Wedge 50 may be
partially cannulated, as illustrated with cannulae 52. As
illustrated, suture 40 may be threaded through cannula 22 of anchor
20 and then through cannulae 52 of wedge 50. As illustrated, suture
40 also passes over arch 54. With tension on suture 40, wedge 50
may be pushed into cannula 22. Suture 40 then becomes locked
between arch 54 and the inner wall of cannula 22. While the
illustrated cannula 22 and wedge 50 are cylindrical, it will be
understood that other shapes may be used. It is also understood
that cannulae 52 are provided only for ease of insertion, and that
wedge 50 may be provided without cannulations.
[0040] Still referring to FIG. 10, the anchor 20 as illustrated may
be used in applications where front section 23 of anchor 20 is to
remain flush with the tissue surface. However, it is understood
that a wedge suture locking device may be used in various
applications with various anchor designs.
[0041] FIGS. 11-12 illustrate another embodiment of a locking
device of this invention. Locking ring 90 is constructed from a
series of laminated sheets 92. The laminated sheets may be bonded
or welded together along the circumference 95 of locking ring 90.
Slits 93 may be provided through each of the laminated sheets 92.
An aperture 94 is defined as the intersection of slits 93. Aperture
94 allows suture 40 to pass through locking ring 90. As can be seen
in FIG. 12, the laminated sheets are constructed such that if
suture 40 is pulled in the direction indicated by the arrow, suture
40 may pass freely with little resistance. However, if suture 40 is
pulled in the opposite direction, slits 93 close as laminated
sheets 92 start bending back upon themselves. Thus, suture 40 is
locked into position.
[0042] FIG. 13 illustrates two locking rings of FIGS. 11 and 12
used to repair a defect 101 in a meniscus 100. As illustrated,
locking ring 90a is located at the inner surface 102 of meniscus
100, while locking ring 90b is located at the outer surface 103 of
meniscus 100. Locking rings 90a and 90b secure suture 40 in place,
thereby approximating the defect 101. It should be understood that
FIG. 13 is illustrative of just one example of the present
invention. Any of the embodiments could be used to approximate such
a defect. The various embodiments of this invention may be used to
secure one or multiple sutures in a wide variety of uses.
[0043] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and
modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as
described and defined in the following claims.
* * * * *