U.S. patent application number 10/373329 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-21 for suture lock, lock applicator and method therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to Scion International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Levinson, Melvin E..
Application Number | 20030158581 10/373329 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25265595 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030158581 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Levinson, Melvin E. |
August 21, 2003 |
Suture lock, lock applicator and method therefor
Abstract
The suture lock or suture lock rivet for locking suture thread
includes a lock head defining a cut-out, a first locking surface
and a stem connected via a breakaway section. The lock also
includes a lock base defining a second complementary locking
surface. The locking surfaces trap the suture in the cut-out. The
stem breaks away. A suture lock applicator is utilized to deliver
and apply the suture lock to the surgical site. The system includes
the lock loaded within the suture lock applicator. The applicator,
or rivet gun, is designed to grip the stem body and coact with the
lock base to cause the lock base to slide over the stem towards the
lock head or rivet head, and subsequently, with the application of
additional longitudinally directed force, to remove the stem from
the lock head or first body part at the breakaway section.
Inventors: |
Levinson, Melvin E.; (Miami,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert C. Kain, Jr.
FLEIT, KAIN, GIBBONS, GUTMAN & BONGINI, P.L.
750 S.E. Third Avenue, Suite 100
Ft. Lauderdale
FL
33316-1153
US
|
Assignee: |
Scion International, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
25265595 |
Appl. No.: |
10/373329 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10373329 |
Feb 24, 2003 |
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09833910 |
Apr 12, 2001 |
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6524328 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/232 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/045 20130101;
A61B 2017/0488 20130101; A61B 17/0487 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/232 |
International
Class: |
A61B 017/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A suture lock for locking at least one suture thread, said lock
comprising: an elongated lock head having a proximal end, a distal
end and a longitudinal axis, said lock head defining a cut-out
adapted to capture said at least one suture thread therein, and
said lock head defining a first locking surface thereon; said lock
head having a stem connected via a breakaway section to said
proximal end of said lock head; a lock base defining a longitudinal
passage adapted to mate with said elongated lock head, said base
defining a second locking surface complementary to said first
locking surface; and said first and second locking surfaces adapted
to lock said base onto said head such that said at least one suture
thread is trapped in said cut-out by said base and said stem is
adapted to break away from said lock head at said breakaway
section.
2. A suture lock as claimed in claim 1 wherein said elongated lock
head defines an end cap at said distal end and at least a part of
said cut-out traverses a part of said end cap.
3. A suture lock as claimed in claim 2 wherein said end cap
includes a proximally facing surface adapted to interface with a
complementary distally facing surface on said lock base.
4. (cancelled without prejudice to reinstate at a later time, i.e.,
without disclaimer).
5. A suture lock as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cut-out defined
on said elongated lock head includes a cavity aligned within said
head such that said at least one suture thread extends proximally
through said cut-out and into said cavity.
6. A suture lock as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cut-out
includes at least a partial longitudinal groove.
7. A suture lock as claimed in claim 1 wherein said lock head and
said lock base are made of one of a biocompatible material and a
tissue absorbable material.
8. A suture lock as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and
second locking surfaces define respective locking ridges adapted to
interlock.
9. A suture lock as claimed in claim 4 wherein said cut-out defined
on said elongated lock head includes a cavity aligned within said
head such that said at least one suture thread extends proximally
through said cut-out and into said cavity.
10. A suture lock as claimed in claim 9 wherein said head and said
lock base are made of one of a biocompatible material and a tissue
absorbable material.
11. A suture lock as claimed in claim 10 wherein said first and
second locking surfaces define respective locking ridges adapted to
interlock.
12. A suture lock rivet for locking at least one suture thread,
said suture lock rivet comprising: a rivet having a rivet head on a
rivet stem, said stem having a first body part and a second body
part separated by a breakaway section; said first body part being
adjacent said rivet head and defining a cut-out adapted to capture
said at least one suture thread therein, and said first body part
defining a first locking surface thereon; a lock base defining a
longitudinal passage adapted to mate with said rivet stem, said
base defining a second locking surface complementary to said first
locking surface; and said base adapted to lock onto said rivet stem
via said first and second locking surfaces such that said at least
one suture thread is trapped in said cut-out and said second body
part is adapted to break away from said first body part.
13. A suture lock rivet as claimed in claim 12 wherein the trapping
of said at least one suture thread in said cut-out is via said
base.
14. A suture lock rivet as claimed in claim 12 wherein said break
away of said second body part from said first body part is via said
breakaway section.
15. A suture lock rivet as claimed in claim 12 wherein at least a
part of said cut-out is defined by said rivet head.
16. A suture lock rivet as claimed in claim 15 wherein said rivet
head includes a proximally facing surface adapted to interface with
a complementary distally facing surface on said lock base.
17. (cancelled without prejudice to reinstate at a later time,
i.e., without disclaimer).
18. A suture lock rivet as claimed in claim 12 wherein said cut-out
defined on said first body part of said rivet stem includes a
cavity aligned within said first body part such that said at least
one suture thread extends proximally through said cut-out and into
said cavity.
19. A suture lock as claimed in claim 12 wherein said cut-out
includes at least a partial longitudinal groove.
20. A suture lock rivet as claimed in claim 12 wherein said rivet
head, rivet stem and said lock base are made of one of a
biocompatible material and a tissue absorbable material.
21. A suture lock rivet as claimed in claim 12 wherein said first
and second locking surfaces define respective locking ridges
adapted to interlock.
22. A suture lock rivet as claimed in claim 13 wherein said break
away of said second body part from said first body part is via said
breakaway section.
23. A suture lock rivet as claimed in claim 22 wherein said rivet
head includes a proximally facing surface adapted to interface with
a complementary distally facing surface on said lock base.
24. (cancelled without prejudice to reinstate at a later time,
i.e., without disclaimer).
25. A suture lock rivet as claimed in claim 24 wherein said cut-out
defined on said first body part of said rivet stem includes a
cavity aligned within said first body part such that said at least
one suture thread extends proximally through said cut-out and into
said cavity.
26. A suture lock rivet as claimed in claim 25 wherein said rivet
head, rivet stem and said lock base are made of one of a
biocompatible material and a tissue absorbable material.
27. A suture lock rivet as claimed in claim 26 wherein said first
and second locking surfaces define respective locking ridges
adapted to interlock.
28. (cancelled without prejudice to reinstate at a later time,
i.e., without disclaimer).
29. (cancelled without prejudice to reinstate at a later time,
i.e., without disclaimer).
30. (cancelled without prejudice to reinstate at a later time,
i.e., without disclaimer).
31. A suture lock rivet and delivery gun system for locking at
least one suture thread, the system comprising: a rivet having a
rivet head on a rivet stem, said stem having a first body part and
an elongated second body part separated by a breakaway section;
said first body part being adjacent said rivet head and defining a
cut-out adapted to capture said at least one suture thread therein,
and said first body part defining a first locking surface thereon;
a lock base defining a longitudinal passage adapted to mate with
said rivet stem, said base defining a second locking surface
complementary to said first locking surface; said base adapted to
lock onto said rivet stem via said first and second locking
surfaces such that said at least one suture thread is trapped in
said cut-out and said second body part is adapted to break away
from said first body part; and a rivet gun gripping a proximal
portion of said elongated second body part of said stem and
coacting with said lock base to force said base over said second
body part towards said rivet head thereby locking said head onto
said base prior to said break away.
32. A system as claimed in claim 31 wherein said rivet gun includes
a movably controlled, user actuated ratchet interface operable to
move said base with respect to said elongated second body part.
33. A system as claimed in claim 32 wherein said breakaway section
is one of a detent coupling, a weak link, a latch and a friction
lock.
34. A method of locking at least one suture thread drawn tight at a
surgical site comprising: providing a lock head and a lock base;
capturing said at least one suture thread with said head; fastening
said lock base onto said head such that said at least one suture is
trapped therebetween.
35. A method of locking sutures as claimed in claim 34 further
comprising the step of cutting said sutures.
36. A method of locking at least one suture thread as claimed in
claim 34 wherein said capturing step includes hooking said at least
one suture thread with said head.
37. A method of locking at least one suture thread as claimed in
claim 34 including the steps of sliding said lock base over a
portion of said lock head; and fastening said lock base on said
lock head by unidirectional movement of said base over said
head.
38. A method of locking at least one suture thread as claimed in
claim 34 where in said fastening step includes the step of drawing
said at least one suture thread tight.
39. A method of locking at least one suture thread a surgical site
comprising: providing a lock head and a lock base; capturing said
at least one suture thread with said head; cinching said at least
one suture thread; fastening said lock base onto said head such
that said at least one suture thread is trapped therebetween.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.
09/833,910, filed Apr. 12, 2001, now pending. The present invention
relates to a suture lock or suture lock rivet utilized to lock
suture threads previously positioned at a surgical site. The suture
lock or suture lock rivet and an associated suture lock applicator
and rivet gun are designed to be inserted into a small size access
port on a cannula. The present invention also relates to a method
for locking suture threads drawn tight at a surgical site.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The current trend in minimally invasive surgery is to
utilize smaller and smaller cannula (ports of access) to gain
access to the surgical site. Currently, 5 mm ports are being used
instead of the traditional 10 mm port for instrument access. Some
access cannula are being utilized with a 2 or 3 mm orifice.
Consequently, new instruments and new designs are required for
surgical techniques accomplished through such restricted
spaces.
[0003] During minimally invasive surgery, one of the tasks commonly
involved is the suturing of the organ or body part being operated
on. Because the cannula is so small, simple tasks such as suturing
become difficult to accomplish using traditional methods. The
present invention solves the problem of closing or "tying off"
previously inserted suture threads.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
specially designed suture lock or suture lock rivet capable of
being utilized in minimally invasive surgery.
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
specially designed suture lock or suture lock rivet utilized to
"tie off" or lock suture threads previously inserted at a surgical
site.
[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
system including a suture lock applicator capable of delivering a
suture lock to a surgical site and capable of manipulating the
suture lock such that it captures both sides of a single suture
thread or the extending ends of multiple embedded suture threads in
order to draw the suture threads tight, thus closing the surgical
site, and then locking the drawn suture threads within the suture
lock.
[0007] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a system including a suture lock rivet gun capable of delivering a
suture lock rivet to a surgical site and capable of manipulating
the suture lock rivet such that it captures both sides of a single
suture thread or the extending ends of multiple embedded suture
threads in order to draw the suture threads tight, thus closing the
surgical site, and then locking the drawn suture threads within the
suture lock rivet.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
method for locking previously placed suture threads.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The suture lock utilized for locking at least one suture
thread includes an elongated lock head defining a cut-out adapted
to capture the suture thread therein, the locking head also
defining a first locking surface thereon and having a stem
connected via a breakaway section to the locking head. The suture
lock also includes a lock base defining a longitudinal passage
adapted to mate with the elongated lock head. The lock base also
defines a second locking surface complementary to the first locking
surface on the lock head. The two locking surfaces are adapted to
lock the lock base onto the lock head such that the suture thread
is trapped in the cut-out by the base. The stem is adapted to break
away from the lock head at the breakaway section. The lock head and
lock base may also include respective intersecting edges adapted to
cut a suture thread placed therebetween. The suture lock may be
envisaged as a suture lock rivet including a rivet head and a
two-part rivet stem. The first body part of the stem defining a
cut-out adapted to capture the suture thread therein, and the
second body part connected to the first body part via a breakaway
section. The suture lock rivet also includes a lock base similar to
the lock base of the suture lock. The suture lock rivet functions
similar to the suture lock. A suture lock applicator is utilized to
deliver and apply the suture lock or suture lock rivet to the
surgical site. The system of the suture lock and suture lock
applicator includes the suture lock loaded within the suture lock
applicator. The suture lock applicator includes a stationary handle
member and an elongated applicator tube attached thereto, the
applicator tube having an end face adapted to abut the
aforementioned lock base. The suture lock applicator also includes
a movable handle member movably coupled to the applicator tube such
that the movable handle member and the stationary handle member
cooperate together. The movable handle member includes an actuator
tooth which cooperates with a peripheral lock face on the
aforementioned stem such that movement of the movable handle member
causes the actuator tooth to engage the peripheral lock face which
causes longitudinal movement of the stem with respect to the
applicator tube. The movement causes the lock base to lock onto the
lock head. Further excessive longitudinal movement causes the stem
to detach from the lock head at the breakaway section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Further objects and advantages of the present invention can
be found in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0011] FIG. 1A conceptually illustrates a suture lock or suture
lock rivet prior to application at a surgical site;
[0012] FIGS. 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E diagrammatically illustrate
cross-sectional views of possible connections between a lock head
or rivet and a corresponding stem;
[0013] FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates a lock head or rivet
head with a connected elongated stem or rivet stem;
[0014] FIG. 3 diagrammatically illustrates a lock base partially
fastened to the lock head or rivet stem;
[0015] FIG. 4 diagrammatically illustrates a suture lock applicator
with a suture lock or suture lock rivet loaded in the
applicator;
[0016] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D illustrate the use of the suture
lock or suture lock rivet to capture and lock suture threads;
[0017] FIG. 6 diagrammatically illustrates a top view of the suture
lock head or rivet head with two suture threads captured thereat;
and
[0018] FIG. 7 diagrammatically illustrates the suture lock or
suture lock rivet with the excess suture thread having been cut by
the suture lock or suture lock rivet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] The present invention relates to a suture lock or suture
lock rivet utilized to lock suture threads previously positioned at
a surgical site, an applicator for delivery and utilization of the
suture lock or suture lock rivet, and a method for locking suture
threads at remote, minimally accessible surgical sites. The suture
lock or suture lock rivet and applicator disclosed herein may be
used to lock a single suture thread having either end of the suture
thread embedded into a bodily structure, or may be used to lock
more than one suture thread, each suture thread having been
previously positioned at the surgical site.
[0020] For ease in understanding the present invention, the term
"distal" shall refer to a direction or location near the surgical
site and away from the physician or healthcare technician, and the
term "proximal" shall refer to a direction or location closer to
the physician or healthcare technician. Similar features are
represented by the same reference number throughout the
drawings.
[0021] FIG. 1A conceptually illustrates a suture lock or suture
lock rivet 10. Suture lock 10 includes elongated lock head 30 and
lock base 50. In FIG. 1A, lock head 30 is connected to the distal
end of elongated stem 62 via breakaway section 42. Stem 62 is
utilized in the delivery and application of suture lock 10. Stem 62
is detachably coupled to head 30 such that it breaks away from head
30 when sufficient pulling force is applied along the longitudinal
axis of stem 62 in the direction 82. The connection between stem 62
and head 30 may be formed through a weak link between the two, as
depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1E, 2 and 3 or may be a detent coupling 12
(FIG. 1B), a latch 14 (FIG. 1C), or a friction lock 16 (FIG. 1D),
established between the abutting surfaces of the two
structures.
[0022] The distal end of head 30 includes a v-shaped cut-out,
channel, cavity or groove 32 defined lengthwise along part of the
head's longitudinal axis. Head 30 in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 includes a
distal disc-shaped end piece or end cap 34 having beveled edges.
Cap 34 may have other shapes but should be radially or peripherally
larger than the body of head 30. Cut-out 32 traverses end cap 34.
Cut-out 32 in the working embodiment is wide enough, typically 0.03
inches, to accommodate at least the thickness of a suture thread
therein. End cap 34 includes a proximally facing surface 36.
Surface 36 can include a sharp edge utilized to cut a suture thread
pressed against it. Surface edge face 36 ends at either side of
cut-out 32 such that a suture thread placed in cut-out 32 is
unaffected by the cutting properties of the edge.
[0023] Cut-out 32 may also include a cavity 40, located proximal of
the distal end of head 30. Cavity 40 should be large enough to
accommodate at least one suture thread therein. Cavity 40 is
aligned such that if a suture thread were placed within cavity 40
it would extend outboard of cavity 40 and into cut-out 32, i.e.,
the suture thread would extend proximally through cut-out 32 and
into cavity 40. Typically, cavity 40 is shaped such that a suture
thread placed therein is trapped during fastening of suture lock
10. Head 30 also includes a proximally located, locking surface 38.
In this specification, locking surface 38 will be referred to as
first locking surface 38. First lock surface 38 may be one
continuously curved smooth surface, or include multiple ridges, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 2 and 3. First locking surface 38 is
designed to interface with a corresponding, complementary second
locking surface 52 defined within base 50.
[0024] Lock base 50 cooperates with lock head 30 to trap and lock
suture threads thereat. Base 50 defines a longitudinal passage 54
through which passes stem 62 and which is adapted to mate with the
elongated, proximal end segment of lock head 30. Although
illustrated as cylindrical in the drawings, both head 30 and base
50 may define other shapes, including rectangular or any other
polygonal structure. The interlocking and mating action by base 50
onto head 30, or alternatively, head 30 into base 50, is important.
Base 50 includes a second locking surface 52. Second locking
surface 52 may be one continuously curved smooth surface, or
include multiple ridges, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 3. As
previously described, second locking surface 52 and first locking
surface 38 are complementary and are adapted to lock base 50 onto
head 30. These surfaces define saw teeth in a preferred embodiment.
The purpose of the ridges on either of the locking surfaces is to
provide a locking mechanism such that base 50 will not be loosed
during or after its application or fastening onto head 30. Base 50
may also include a distal face surface 56. Distal face surface 56
is complementary to proximal face surface 36 on end cap 34. Distal
face surface 36 may also include an edge which intersects with the
edge on end cap 34 to form shearing or cutting surfaces. The two
edges can be utilized to cut suture threads placed there between.
Other designs may be substituted in order to form a cutting edge
between base 50 and head 30.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates lock head 30 with detachably coupled,
elongated, stem 62 attached at the head's proximal end. Stem 62
includes a proximal region 64 having multiple ridges or steps
defining a peripheral lock face 66 thereat. The steps or ridges may
also be teeth which are utilized in connection with the suture lock
applicator.
[0026] FIG. 3 diagrammatically illustrates lock base 50 partially
fastened to head 30. Prior to base 50 being fastened onto head 30,
base 50 travels over stem 62 in the direction indicated by arrow 84
(See base 50' illustrated with dashed lines).
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a suture lock applicator 60 with a suture
lock loaded in the applicator or rivet gun. To the right of the
CX1-CX2 line, applicator 60 is shown in cross-section. To the left
of line CX1-CX2, applicator 60 is shown diagrammatically. FIG. 4
does not show actual wall or structural thicknesses. The gaps shown
in the drawing are not present in applicator gun 60 since the
pieces inter-fit over each other.
[0028] Suture lock applicator or rivet gun 60 includes an elongated
applicator tube 80 with a distal end 72, and includes an optional
inner sleeve 70 with a proximal end region 74. Inner sleeve 70
defines a passage through which passes stem 62. The distal end 72
of applicator tube 80 is adapted to abut the proximal end 58 of
base 50. In FIG. 4, distal end 72 of applicator tube 80 is shown
abutting proximal end 58 of base 50. The proximal end region 74 of
inner sleeve 70 has multiple ridges or steps defining a lock face
76 thereat. These steps or ridges may also be teeth which are
designed to work in conjunction with the peripheral lock face 66 of
stem 62 such that stem 62 is prevented from moving in direction 84
with respect to inner sleeve 70.
[0029] Suture lock applicator or rivet gun 60 includes a stationary
handle member 96 which is attached to applicator tube 80 and
movably coupled to inner sleeve 70. A movable handle member 86 is
movably coupled to applicator tube 80. Movable hand member 86 may
also be movably coupled to stationary handle 96. The size and shape
of movable handle 86 and stationary handle 96 may differ from the
illustrated embodiment in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, movable handle member
86 interfaces with inner sleeve 70 such that movement of movable
handle member 86 in the direction of arrow 92 causes longitudinal,
proximal movement of inner sleeve 70 (see arrow 82) with respect to
applicator tube 80. In the illustrated embodiment, actuator tooth
or pin 88 on movable handle member 86 cooperates with the multiple
teeth 78 on inner sleeve 70 such that movement of moveable handle
member 86 causes the actuator tooth 88 to engage multiple teeth 78,
causing proximal longitudinal movement of inner sleeve 70 with
respect to applicator tube 80. The tooth 88 on movable member 86
may be different from that illustrated in FIG. 4. The number of
teeth 78 on inner sleeve 70 may be increased as necessary to
achieve the desired degree of longitudinal movement of inner sleeve
70 and stem 62 relative to applicator tube 80. Movable handle 86
may be biased with respect to applicator tube 80 or stationary
handle member 96 through the use of a spring or biasing member 90.
The following is an exemplary dimension table of the aforementioned
components:
1 Exemplary Dimension Table Outside diameter of lock base 0.14
inches Axial length of lock base 0.24 inches Total axial length of
lock base and lock head 0.28 inches V-channel or cut-out length
0.04 inches V-channel or cut-out span 0.03 inches Elongated stem
member (short) 0.9 inches (long) 4.0 inches Typical number of
ridges at proximal region of stem 6 Typical number of locking
ridges at proximal end of lock 5 head Typical number of locking
ridges or lock faces on lock 2 base Ratio of lock ridges on lock
head vs. lock faces on lock 3 to 1 base
[0030] Operation of suture lock applicator or rivet gun 60 is as
follows. The device is designed to be used during one procedure.
However, a multiple-use device may also be constructed requiring
sterilization between procedures. After the suture threads have
been put in place or embedded at the target surgical site (not
shown), the distal end of suture lock applicator gun 60 with a lock
head 30, and lock base 50 are inserted into a 5 mm trocar or
cannula (for example). Suture lock applicator or rivet gun 60 is
manipulated to grab both sides of a single suture thread or the
proximal ends of two or more suture threads 94 imbedded into tissue
at the surgical site. See FIG. 5A. The suture threads 94 are
captured in head 30 by placing the extending ends of the threads
within cavity 40. Next, in cooperation with stationary handle
member 96, movable handle member 86 is moved in direction 92. Such
movement causes actuator tooth 88 to engage teeth 78 on inner
sleeve 70, which, in turn, causes proximal, longitudinal movement
of inner sleeve 70 with respect to applicator tube 80. Because stem
62 is prevented from moving distally in direction 84 with respect
to inner sleeve 70 (due to the interface between lock face 76 of
inner sleeve 70 and peripheral lock face 66 of stem 62), stem 62
and connected lock head 30 move together with inner sleeve 70 in a
proximal direction 82. Biasing member 90 provides an assisting
force to cause movable handle member 86 to move in the direction
92. Alternatively, movable handle member 86 can be mounted proximal
of stationary handle member 96, such that squeezing the movable
handle member and stationary handle member together causes
proximal, longitudinal movement of inner sleeve 70 with respect to
stationary, applicator tube 80. In this alternative embodiment,
biasing member 90 is also mounted proximal of movable handle member
86 such that upon release of movable handle member 86, biasing
member 90 causes movable handle member 86 to reset or move
proximally.
[0031] Movable handle member 86 continues to be moved in direction
92 and then in direction 92', causing a ratchet action between
actuator tooth 88 and teeth 78. The continued proximal,
longitudinal movement of stem 62 and attached lock head 30 causes
the proximal end of lock head 30 to enter into the passage defined
by lock base 50. Lock base 50 is held stationary with respect to
the proximal movement of lock head 30 because the proximal face 58
of lock base 50 abuts applicator tube 80. Through this ratcheting
action, the first lock face of lock head 30 and the second lock
face of lock base 50 engage such that lock base 50 is locked onto
lock head 30. At the same time that lock head 30 is being drawn
into lock base 50, lock base 50 is covering suture thread 94
captured within cavity 40 of lock head 30. See FIG. 5B.
[0032] As the distal end face 56 of lock base 50 approaches
complementary, proximally facing surface 36 on end cap 34, suture
thread 94 becomes trapped within cavity 40 and cut-out 32. See FIG.
5C. As the aforementioned movement of lock head 30 with respect to
lock base 50 progresses, the cutting edge of end cap 36 on head 30
and corresponding distal edge 56 of base 50 move closer together
trapping suture threads 94 therebetween. As the two edges
intersect, the trapped suture threads 94 are cut or severed. See
FIG. 7 (distal end view of suture lock 10). Because of cut-out 32,
the distal ends of suture threads 94 are uncut and remain locked or
captured within suture lock 10. See FIGS. 5C and 6. Finally,
additional pulling force is applied in the direction 82 on stem 62
in order to detach the distal end of stem 62 from head 30. See FIG.
5C. During the detaching of stem 62 from lock head 30, end cap 34
provides the necessary stop to prevent lock base 50 from sliding
over lock head 30 or sliding beyond its intended lock position. In
another embodiment, end cap 34 is not utilized and instead,
complementary lock surfaces 38, 52 are designed such that lock base
50 will not slide distally over lock head 30 beyond a predetermined
position. For example lock base 50 may include a proximal segment
which defines a passage large enough to accommodate stem 62, but
too small to accommodate lock head 30 thereby creating a stop
thereat.
[0033] In an alternative embodiment, inner sleeve 70 of suture lock
applicator 60 is eliminated. Instead, actuator tooth 88 of movable
handle member 86 engages the peripheral lock surface of stem 62
directly.
[0034] The suture lock 10 illustrated in the drawings and discussed
above may be envisaged as a suture lock rivet. The suture lock
rivet 10 includes a rivet head 34, illustrated as an end cap, and a
rivet stem 33,62. The rivet stem 33,62 has a first body part 33 and
a second body part 62. The first body part 33 is adjacent the rivet
head 34. The second body part is stem 62. The first and second body
parts of the rivet stem are separated by the breakaway section 42.
The suture lock rivet 10 also includes a cut-out 40 adapted to
capture at least one suture therein, and the first body part 33
also defines a first locking surface 38. The suture lock rivet 10
also includes a lock base 50. The rivet lock base 50 has a second
locking surface 52 complementary to the first locking surface 38 on
the first body part 33 of the rivet stem. The suture lock rivet 10
functions substantially similar to suture lock 10 to capture and
trap suture threads, thus locking the suture threads at a surgical
site.
[0035] A rivet gun 60 is diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 4
Other rivet guns may be used which (a) grip stem body part 62 and
(b) coact with lock base 50 to (c) move the base towards rivet head
34. The first body part 33 and rivet head 34 captures suture thread
94 in cavity 40 (FIGS. 5A through 5D) and ultimately force rivet
head 34 and first body part 33 to bread away from second body part
62 at break point 42. Various guns or delivery systems can be
utilized to create this relative axial movement in directions 82
and 83 (FIG. 1A).
[0036] The claims appended hereto are meant to cover modifications
and changes within the scope and spirit of the present
invention.
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