U.S. patent application number 16/742337 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-09 for system and method for all-inside suture fixation for implant attachment and soft tissue repair.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ivy Sports Medicine, LLC. Invention is credited to Stephen Vaughan Harris, Nadine Beverly Nelson.
Application Number | 20200214696 16/742337 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39082860 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200214696 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harris; Stephen Vaughan ; et
al. |
July 9, 2020 |
System And Method For All-Inside Suture Fixation For Implant
Attachment And Soft Tissue Repair
Abstract
A system for repairing a meniscus includes a suture that
includes a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible portion
connecting the first anchor and the second anchor. The flexible
portion includes a self-locking slide knot between the first anchor
and the second anchor. The system also includes a needle having a
longitudinal extending bore and an open end. The bore is configured
to receive the first anchor and the second anchor. The system
further includes a body portion operatively connected to the needle
at a distal end of the body portion. The body portion has a lumen.
The system also includes a pusher configured to rotate and slide
within the lumen of the body portion and the longitudinal extending
bore of the needle. The pusher has first and second stop surfaces,
each of which is constructed and arranged to engage a proximal end
of the body portion.
Inventors: |
Harris; Stephen Vaughan;
(Redwood City, CA) ; Nelson; Nadine Beverly;
(Belmont, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ivy Sports Medicine, LLC |
Montvale |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
39082860 |
Appl. No.: |
16/742337 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15226521 |
Aug 2, 2016 |
10548590 |
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16742337 |
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13410501 |
Mar 2, 2012 |
9402616 |
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15226521 |
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11501235 |
Aug 9, 2006 |
8128640 |
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13410501 |
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11348467 |
Feb 7, 2006 |
8808309 |
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11501235 |
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60650131 |
Feb 7, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/0401 20130101;
A61B 2017/0475 20130101; A61B 17/0467 20130101; A61B 2017/0496
20130101; A61B 17/0469 20130101; A61B 2017/0417 20130101; A61B
2017/0464 20130101; A61B 2017/06052 20130101; A61B 2017/0474
20130101; A61B 2017/0458 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/04 20060101
A61B017/04 |
Claims
1. A method of repairing a tissue using an applicator comprising:
inserting a distal end of the applicator at a first location on the
tissue of a patient; rotating a proximal portion of the applicator
about a longitudinal axis defined by the applicator; and expelling
a first anchor from the distal end.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein rotating the proximal portion
includes rotating the proximal portion in a first direction, the
method further comprising rotating a second portion of the
applicator in a second direction.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the second rotating step occurs
after the expelling step.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: removing the distal
end of the applicator from the tissue of the patient; inserting the
distal end of the applicator at a second location on the tissue of
the patient; rotating the proximal portion of the applicator about
the longitudinal axis; expelling a second anchor from the distal
end.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein rotating the proximal portion of
the applicator includes rotating the proximal portion of the
applicator 90.degree..
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first anchor includes a
projection and the applicator includes a slot adjacent the distal
end, the method further comprising receiving the projection of the
first anchor through the slot of the applicator.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the protrusion is rectangular and
the slot is sized to receive the protrusion.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the applicator includes a
protrusion adjacent the distal end, the method further comprising,
prior to the expelling step, positioning the first anchor to
contact the protrusion.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue is a meniscus.
10. The method of claim 4, wherein the tissue is a meniscus, and at
least one of the first location and the second location is selected
such that the distal end of the applicator travels distally through
a tear in the meniscus.
11. A method of repairing a tissue using an applicator comprising:
inserting a distal end of the applicator at a first location on the
tissue of a patient; rotating a portion of the applicator about a
longitudinal axis defined by the applicator, the portion of the
applicator configured to be manually held by a user; and expelling
a first anchor from the distal end.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein rotating the portion includes
rotating the portion in a first direction, the method further
comprising rotating a second portion of the applicator in a second
direction.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: removing the distal
end of the applicator from the tissue of the patient; inserting the
distal end of the applicator at a second location on the tissue of
the patient; rotating the portion of the applicator about the
longitudinal axis; expelling a second anchor from the distal
end.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein rotating the portion of the
applicator includes rotating the portion of the applicator
90.degree..
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the first anchor includes a
projection and the applicator includes a slot adjacent the distal
end, the method further comprising receiving the projection of the
first anchor through the slot of the applicator.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the applicator includes a
protrusion adjacent the distal end, the method further comprising,
prior to the expelling step, positioning the first anchor to
contact the protrusion.
17. A method of repairing a tissue using an applicator comprising:
inserting a first end of the applicator at a first location on the
tissue of a patient; rotating a second end of the applicator about
a longitudinal axis defined by the applicator, the second end being
opposite the first end; and expelling a first anchor from the first
end.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein rotating the second end
includes rotating the second end in a first direction, the method
further comprising rotating a first portion of the applicator in a
second direction.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: removing the first
end of the applicator from the tissue of the patient; inserting the
first end of the applicator at a second location on the tissue of
the patient; rotating the second end of the applicator about the
longitudinal axis; expelling a second anchor from the first
end.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein rotating the second end of the
applicator includes rotating the second end of the applicator
90.degree..
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/501,235, filed Aug. 9 , 2006 and
entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALL-INSIDE SUTURE FIXATION FOR
IMPLANT ATTACHMENT AND SOFT TISSUE REPAIR," the entire content of
which is hereby incorporated by reference, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/348,467, filed Feb. 7, 2006 and entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
ALL-INSIDE SUTURE FIXATION FOR IMPLANT ATTACHMENT AND SOFT TISSUE
REPAIR," the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by
reference, which claims the benefit of priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/650,131, filed Feb. 7, 2005
and entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALL-INSIDE SUTURE FIXATION FOR
IMPLANT ATTACHMENT AND SOFT TISSUE REPAIR," the entire content of
which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a system and
method for attaching an implant during meniscal repair and for
other soft tissue repair. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a system and method for an all-inside suture fixation
device and method designed for the placement of surgical anchors
for the attachment of an implant to the meniscus and for soft
tissue repair. The present invention also relates to a system
designed to reduce, or bring into close approximation, pieces of
torn or damaged soft tissue to facilitate tissue repair and
healing.
Description of Related Art
[0003] There are current procedures for surgical attachment of a
soft tissue implant in a joint, such as an autograft, allograft, or
xenograft tissue or other compatible tissues and/or devices. Such
implants may be bioresorbable and/or non-resorbable, synthetic
and/or non-synthetic. One example of a bioresorbable implant is the
ReGen.RTM. CMI.TM., a collagen-based meniscus implant, the surgical
attachment of which can involve techniques that are difficult to
master. There is a need, therefore, for a fixation device to
facilitate a faster, easier to use method for attaching an implant
to a host tissue. Suture fixation devices, such as the FAST-FIX.TM.
and RAPIDLOC.TM., which were designed to repair tears in meniscus
tissue, have certain limitations in their delivery of anchors to
attach an implant to the meniscal rim in that they may cause
unnecessary destruction to the implant and require additional
instruments and steps that are not integral to the device itself.
The needle used to pass the anchor through an implant and through
the meniscal rim punctures the implant in a manner that may lead to
tearing of the implant matrix. There is a need, therefore, for a
dimensionally smaller device that employs a smaller needle that
delivers a less destructive anchor through an implant and the
meniscus, thereby reducing the size of the puncture hole in the
implant and the potential for tearing the implant matrix.
[0004] There is a need, therefore, for a fixation device that
includes an integrated knot pusher to secure the delivered anchor,
and optionally, also includes a suture cutter for use after one or
more anchors have been secured. Techniques that require separate
instruments for knot pushing and suture cutting are less efficient,
and require greater skill, time, and additional manipulation at the
surgical site.
[0005] Prior art devices and methods for suture fixation of an
implant to soil tissue within a joint typically tear the matrix of
the implant during needle insertion and/or anchor delivery. There
remains a need for a device and method for fixing an implant to
soft tissue that can insert anchors through the implant and host
tissue with minimal destruction of the implant, in a well
controlled and easy manner. Also, there remains a need for a device
and method for fixing a collagen-based meniscus implant to the host
meniscal tissue, in a well-controlled and easy manner, whereby the
needle and anchor insertion cause minimal to no destruction of the
collagen-based meniscus implant. Also, there remains a need for a
device and method for fixing a collagen-based meniscus implant to
the host meniscal tissue that puts adequate tension between the
anchors in a well-controlled and easy manner.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The fixation delivery system of the present invention is an
integrated design for use with the multiple elements required for
suture fixation when attaching a soft tissue implant to host tissue
or when performing tissue repair procedures in general. The present
system and method achieves the deployment of anchors into soft
tissue and knot pushing with the use of a single instrument, and,
optionally, may also provide for suture cutting within that single
instrument. The hollow needle applicator and anchors are of smaller
dimensions than current applicators and anchors to minimize the
damage to the implant during needle insertion and anchor
deployment.
[0007] The fixation delivery system of the present invention is an
integrated design for use with the multiple elements required for
suture fixation when attaching a soft tissue implant to host tissue
or when performing tissue repair procedures in general. The present
system and method achieves the deployment of anchors into soft
tissue and knot pushing with the use of a single instrument, and,
optionally, may also provide for suture cutting within that single
instrument. The hollow needle applicator and anchors are of smaller
dimensions than current applicators and anchors to minimize the
damage to the implant during needle insertion and anchor
deployment.
[0008] In an embodiment of the invention, the applicator for
deployment of the anchors includes a hollow needle or cannula
having a longitudinal extending bore and an open end, into which a
suture, which includes two surgical anchors, is loaded. The first
anchor and the second anchor are connected via a flexible portion
of the suture. The flexible portion includes a self-locking slide
knot located between the first anchor and the second anchor. The
needle is inserted into an incision already made in the patient's
body, through the implant, and through the host meniscus to the
outside rim of the meniscus, or through the soft tissue requiring
repair. Alternatively, the needle may penetrate directly through
the patient's skin and into the joint capsule comprising the knee.
The first anchor is ejected from the tip of the hollow needle by
gripping the handle of the applicator and pulling the trigger,
which advances a push rod within the hollow needle. The anchor is
released from the open end of the needle to seat firmly on the
surface of the soft tissue or rim of the meniscus (i.e., the
meniscus rim). The needle is removed from the initial insertion
site and inserted through the implant and through the meniscus or
host soft tissue a short distance from the initial insertion point,
without removing the needle from the patient's body. The second
anchor is deployed by gripping the trigger of the applicator to
advance the push rod a second time and release the second anchor.
The needle is withdrawn or retracted from the second insertion
site, thereby leaving two anchors positioned on the outside rim of
the meniscus. The push rod, or pusher, functions as a knot pusher
and can be used to push a self-locking slide knot; located on the
flexible portion between the first and second anchors, until the
knot is flush with the implant. Also, the flexible portion may be
tightened by hand until adequate tension is applied to hold the
pair of anchors firmly in place. Excess length of the flexible
portion/suture can be cut using a cutter, which may be in the form
of a suture cutting surface on the applicator. Again, the system is
designed so that the deployment of the anchors, the pushing of the
self-locking slide knot, and the optional cutting may all be
completed without removing the needle from the patient's body.
[0009] In an embodiment, a system for repairing a meniscus is
provided. The system includes a suture that includes a first
anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible portion connecting the
first anchor and the second anchor. The flexible portion includes a
self-locking slide knot between the first anchor and the second
anchor. The system also includes a needle having a longitudinal
extending bore and an open end. The bore is configured to receive
the first anchor and the second anchor. The system further includes
a pusher configured to be movable within the bore of the needle.
The pusher is configured to (1) discharge the first anchor and the
second anchor, and (2) push the self-locking slide knot after the
discharge of the second anchor.
[0010] In embodiment, a method for repairing a meniscus is
provided. The method includes providing a system for repairing a
meniscus. The system includes a suture that includes a first
anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible portion connecting the
first anchor and the second anchor. The flexible portion includes a
self-locking slide knot between the first anchor and the second
anchor. The system also includes a needle having a longitudinal
extending bore and an open end. The bore is configured to receive
the first anchor and the second anchor. The system further includes
a pusher configured to be movable within the bore of the needle.
The pusher is configured to (1) discharge the first anchor and the
second anchor, and (2) push the self-locking slide knot after the
discharge of the second anchor. The method also includes providing
an implant, passing the needle of the system through the implant
and the meniscus at a first location to deliver the first anchor to
an opposite side of the meniscus, retracting the needle from the
meniscus and the implant, passing the needle of the system through
the implant and the meniscus at a second location to deliver the
second anchor to the opposite side of the meniscus, and pushing the
self-locking slide knot to a surface of the implant.
[0011] In an embodiment, a method for repairing a meniscus in a
body with an implant and a suture is provided. The method includes
inserting a needle through the implant and the meniscus at a first
location, delivering a first anchor of the suture to an opposite
side of the meniscus, retracting the needle from the meniscus and
the implant, inserting the needle through the implant and the
meniscus at a second location, and delivering a second anchor of
the suture to the opposite side of the meniscus. The second anchor
is connected to the first anchor with a flexible portion of the
suture. The method also includes pushing a self-locking slide knot
located along the flexible portion between the first anchor and the
second anchor to a surface of the implant. The delivering of the
second anchor and the pushing the self-locking knot are completed
without removing the needle from the body.
[0012] In an embodiment, a method for repairing a tear in a
meniscus in a body with a suture is provided. The method includes
inserting a needle through the meniscus at a first location,
delivering a first anchor of the suture to an opposite side of the
meniscus, retracting the needle from the meniscus, inserting the
needle through the meniscus at a second location on an opposite
side of the tear as the first location, and delivering a second
anchor of the suture to the opposite side of the meniscus. The
second anchor is connected to the first anchor with a flexible
portion of the suture. The method further includes pushing a
self-locking slide knot located along the flexible portion between
the first anchor and the second anchor to a surface of the
meniscus. The delivering of the second anchor and the pushing of
the self-locking knot are completed without removing the needle
from the body.
[0013] In an embodiment, an application for delivering a suture to
an implant for repairing a meniscus in a body is provided. The
suture includes a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible
portion that connects the first anchor to the second anchor. The
applicator includes a needle having a longitudinal bore. The
longitudinal bore is configured to receive the first anchor and the
second anchor. The applicator also includes a pusher for pushing
the first anchor and the second anchor out of the longitudinal bore
of the needle. The pusher is configured to receive the flexible
portion therein and expose a portion of the flexible portion of the
suture. The applicator also includes a cutting surface configured
to cut the suture.
[0014] In an embodiment, a system for repairing a meniscus is
provided. The system includes a suture that includes a first
anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible portion connecting the
first anchor and the second anchor. The flexible portion includes a
self-locking slide knot between the first anchor and the second
anchor. The system also includes a needle having a longitudinal
extending bore and an open end. The bore is configured to receive
the first anchor and the second anchor. The system also includes a
body portion operatively connected to the needle at a distal end of
the body portion. The body portion has a lumen. The system further
includes a pusher configured to rotate and slide within the lumen
of the body portion and the longitudinal extending bore of the
needle. The pusher has a first stop surface and a second stop
surface. The first stop surface of the pusher is constructed and
arranged to engage a proximal end of the body portion after the
first anchor has been discharged from the needle by the pusher to
prevent the pusher from discharging the second anchor. The second
stop surface of the pusher is constructed and arranged to engage
the proximal end of the body portion after the second anchor has
been discharged from the needle by the pusher.
[0015] In embodiment, a method for repairing a meniscus in a body
with an implant and a suture is provided. The method includes
inserting a needle through the implant and the meniscus at a first
location, pushing a pusher in a first orientation to a first
position relative to the needle to deliver a first anchor of the
suture to an opposite side of the meniscus, and retracting the
needle from the meniscus and the implant. The method also includes
inserting the needle through the implant and the meniscus at a
second location, rotating the pusher from the first orientation to
a second orientation relative to the needle, and pushing the pusher
in the second orientation to a second position relative to the
needle to deliver a second anchor of the suture to the opposite
side of the meniscus. The second anchor is connected to the first
anchor with a flexible portion of the suture. The method further
includes retracting the needle from the meniscus and the implant,
pushing a self locking slide knot located along the flexible
portion be e, the first anchor and the second anchor to a surface
of the implant with the pusher, and rotating the pusher from the
second orientation relative to the needle to cut the flexible
portion of the suture at a location adjacent the self-locking slide
knot.
[0016] In an embodiment, an applicator for delivering a suture to
an implant for repairing a meniscus in a body is provided. The
suture includes a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible
portion that connects the first anchor to the second anchor. The
applicator includes a needle having a longitudinal extending bore
and an open end. The bore is configured to receive the first anchor
and the second anchor. The applicator also includes a body portion
operatively connected to the needle at a distal end of the body
portion. The body portion has a lumen. The applicator further
includes a pusher configured to slide and rotate within the lumen
of the body portion and the longitudinal bore of the needle. The
pusher has a first stop surface and a second stop surface. The
first stop surface of the pusher is constructed and arranged to
engage a proximal end of the body portion after the first anchor
has been discharged from the needle by the pusher to prevent the
pusher from discharging the second anchor. The second stop surface
of the pusher is constructed and arranged to engage the proximal
end of the body portion after the second anchor has been discharged
from the needle by the pusher.
[0017] With minor alterations, this anchor delivery system device
may be used in other procedures for soft-tissue repair, and most
preferably for arthroscopic procedures. Examples include, but are
not limited to use in reparative procedures for soft tissue damage
in joints, securing tissue grafts, and attaching resorbable
implants and synthetic scaffolds to host tissue.
[0018] Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Features of the invention are shown in the drawings, in
which like reference numerals designate like elements. The drawings
form part of this original disclosure, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a system for
all-inside suture fixation for implant attachment and soft tissue
repair of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of a needle of the
system of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a side view of the needle of FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in
FIG. 2;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a side view of another embodiment of the needle
for the system of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a top view of the needle of FIG. 5;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in
FIG. 6;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a side view of a pusher of the system of FIG.
1;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a top view of an anchor of a suture of the system
of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 10 is an end view of the anchor of FIG. 9;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a side view of the anchor of FIG. 9;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a top view of another embodiment of an anchor of
the suture for the system of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 13 is an end view of the anchor of FIG. 12;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a side view of the anchor of FIG. 12;
[0034] FIG. 15 is a view of an anchor threaded onto a flexible
portion of the suture of system of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 16 is a view of the anchor and the flexible portion of
FIG. 15 with a loop and a self-locking slide knot formed in the
flexible portion;
[0036] FIG. 17 is a view of the anchor and the flexible portion of
FIG. 16 with a second anchor positioned on the flexible
portion;
[0037] FIG. 18 is a partial view of the second anchor and the
flexible portion of FIG. 17;
[0038] FIG. 19 is a partial view of the second anchor and the
flexible portion of FIG. 17 with a needle threaded on the flexible
portion;
[0039] FIG. 20 is a partial view of the needle threaded on the
flexible portion and passing through the center of the suture at
the second anchor;
[0040] FIG. 21 is a partial view of the needle passing through the
center of the suture at the second anchor a second time;
[0041] FIG. 22 is a view of the anchor with a knot securing it to
the flexible portion;
[0042] FIG. 23 is a partial view of the flexible portion and the
second anchor at one end thereof;
[0043] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a meniscus with an implant
positioned on the meniscus;
[0044] FIG. 25 is a view of the implant after it has been stapled
to the meniscus;
[0045] FIG. 26 is a view of the suture of the system of FIG. 1;
[0046] FIG. 27 is a top view of the needle with the pusher extended
therefrom;
[0047] FIG. 28 is a side view of the suture being threaded into the
pusher and the needle;
[0048] FIG. 29 is a side view of the suture further being threaded
into the pusher and the needle;
[0049] FIG. 30 is a top view of the needle with the suture loaded
therein;
[0050] FIG. 31 is a side view of the needle of FIG. 30;
[0051] FIG. 32 is a top view of the needle of the system of FIG. 1
piercing the implant and meniscus of FIG. 25 at a first
location;
[0052] FIG. 33 is a top view of the needle of FIG. 32 after the
first anchor has been ejected from the needle with the pusher;
[0053] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the needle of FIG. 32 after
it has been pulled back through the meniscus and implant;
[0054] FIG. 35 is a top view of the needle of FIG. 32 piercing the
implant and meniscus of FIG. 25 at a second location;
[0055] FIG. 36 is a top view of the needle of FIG. 35 after the
second anchor has been ejected from the needle with the pusher;
[0056] FIG. 37 is a top view of the needle of FIG. 35 after is has
been pulled back through the meniscus and implant;
[0057] FIG. 38 is a top view of the needle of FIG. 37 with the
pusher extended out of the needle;
[0058] FIG. 39 is a top view of e needle of FIG. 38 with the pusher
pushing the knot against the implant;
[0059] FIG. 40 is a top view of the needle of FIG. 39 after it has
been pulled back following knot pushing and suture tensioning;
[0060] FIG. 41 is a side view of the needle of FIG. 40 with the
suture exposed to the needle cutting surface;
[0061] FIG. 42 is a side view of another embodiment of the needle
of FIG. 40 with the suture exposed to a cutting surface on a
cutting sheath;
[0062] FIG. 43 is a top view of the repaired meniscus with the
suture tightly in place;
[0063] FIG. 44 is a side view of another embodiment of a system for
all-inside suture fixation for implant attachment and soft tissue
repair of the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 45 is a proximal end view of a body portion of the
system of FIG. 44;
[0065] FIG. 46 is a side view of an embodiment of a pusher of the
system of FIG. 44;
[0066] FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the pusher taken along
line 47-47 in FIG. 46;
[0067] FIG. 48A is a side view of a proximal end of the pusher of
FIG. 46 in a first position relative to the body portion;
[0068] FIG. 48B is the proximal end view of the body portion with a
portion of the pusher in the first position of FIG. 48A;
[0069] FIG. 48C is a side view of a needle of the system of FIG. 44
and a distal end of the pusher, with the pusher in the first
position of FIG. 48A;
[0070] FIG. 49A is a side view of the proximal end of the pusher of
FIG. 46 in a second position relative to the body portion;
[0071] FIG. 49B is the proximal end view of the body portion with a
portion of the pusher in the second position of FIG. 49A;
[0072] FIG. 49C is a side view of the needle and the distal end of
the pusher, with the pusher in the second position of FIG. 49A;
[0073] FIG. 50A is a side view of the proximal end of the pusher of
FIG. 46 in a third position relative to the body portion;
[0074] FIG. 50B is the proximal end view of the body portion with a
portion of the pusher in the third position of FIG. 50A;
[0075] FIG. 50C is a side view of the needle and the distal end of
the pusher, with the pusher in the third position of FIG. 50A;
[0076] FIG. 51A is a side view of the proximal end of the pusher of
FIG. 46 in a fourth position relative to the body portion;
[0077] FIG. 51B is the proximal end view of the body portion with a
portion of the pusher in the fourth position of FIG. 51A;
[0078] FIG. 51C is a side view of the needle and the distal end of
the pusher, with the pusher in the fourth position of FIG. 51A;
[0079] FIG. 52A is a side view of the proximal end of the pusher of
FIG. 46 in a fifth position relative to the body portion;
[0080] FIG. 52B is the proximal end view of the body portion with a
portion of the pusher in the fifth position of FIG. 52A;
[0081] FIG. 52C is a side view of the needle and the distal end of
the pusher, with the pusher in the fifth position of FIG. 52A;
[0082] FIG. 53A is a side view of the proximal end of the pusher of
FIG. 46 in a sixth position relative to the body portion;
[0083] FIG. 53B is the proximal end view of the body portion with a
portion of the pusher in the sixth position of FIG. 53A; and
[0084] FIG. 53C is a side view of the needle and the distal end of
the pusher, with the pusher in the sixth position of FIG. 53A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0085] A system 1 for repairing a meniscus according to embodiments
of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The system I
includes an applicator 10 that is constructed and arranged to
deploy a suture 12 to the meniscus. The suture 12 generally
includes a flexible portion 58 and a pair of anchors 60, 70. The
suture 12 will be discussed in greater detail below.
[0086] The applicator 10 includes a body portion 14 that defines a
handle 16 that is configured to be grasped by the user. The body
portion 14 of the applicator 10 receives a cannula 18 that extends
from the body portion 14 in a direction that is away from the
handle 16. The body portion 14 and cannula 18 may be constructed
and arranged like those described and shown in U.S. Pat. No.
5,928,252, entitled Device and Method for Driving a Needle and
Meniscal Repair, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. Because the inner workings of the body portion 14 are not
related to the present invention, they are not described in detail
herein.
[0087] The applicator 10 also includes a needle 20 that is
connected to a distal end of the cannula 18 Of course, the needle
20 may be considered to be a part of the cannula 18 itself The
needle 20 will be described in greater detail below. The applicator
10 also includes a pusher 23 that includes a hollow rod 24 that
extends through the body portion 14, the cannula 18, and is
slidingly received by the needle 20. A knob 26 is attached to one
end of the rod 24 and a spacer 28 with a tab 29 is disposed between
the knob 26 and a proximal end 15 of the body portion 14 so that
the movement of the knob 26 relative to the body portion 14 and,
hence, movement of the rod 24 relative to the needle 20, may be
limited to prevent premature ejection of one of the anchors 60
prior to the placement of the other anchor 70, as described in
further detail below. A trigger 30 is connected to and extends from
the body portion 14, as shown in FIG. 1. The trigger 30 is
configured to manually control the advancement of the rod 24 within
the cannula 18. A side lever 32 is connected to the body portion so
as to be pivotable thereon. Operation of the side lever 32 will be
discussed in greater detail below.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 1, a depth penetration limiter 21 is placed
over the distal end of the cannula 18 so as to partially cover the
needle 20. The limiter 21 provides the user with a visualization of
the depth of the needle 20 in the tissue to avoid neurovascular
injury. An outer sheath 22 is placed over the limiter 21 to aid in
the insertion of the cannula 18 into the incision already created
in the patient. The outer sheath 22 is preferably designed to
partially surround the limiter 21 so that the user may still see at
least a portion of the limiter 21 when the needle 20 is being
inserted into the incision. The outer sheath 22 is removed by the
user once the cannula 18 has been inserted into the incision
site.
[0089] One embodiment of a needle 20a that may be used as the
needle 20 in FIG. 1 is shown in FIGS. 2-4. As shown, the needle 20a
includes a sleeve 34a that is attached to the cannula. 18 at a
proximal end. The needle 20a also includes a distal end 36a that is
connected to the sleeve 34a and is constructed and arranged to be
inserted into a meniscus or a tissue. The distal end 36a is
substantially straight and includes a point 38a for piercing the
meniscus or tissue and a slot 40a, which allows for the flexible
portion 58 of the suture 12 to extend out of the needle 20a. As
shown in the Figures, the distal end 36a of the needle 20a also
includes a cutting surface 37a that is constructed and arranged to
cut excess suture 12, which will be described in greater detail
below.
[0090] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, a cutting sheath 35a that at least
partially surrounds the distal end 36a may also be provided. In the
illustrated embodiment, the cutting sheath 35a completely surrounds
the circumference of the distal end 36a. In other embodiments, the
cutting sheath 35a may only partially surround the distal end 36a.
The cutting sheath 35a is configured to be slidable relative to the
distal end 36a so that it may be moved longitudinally along the
distal end 36a toward the point 38a, and then moved back again
toward the sleeve 34a. The cutting sheath 35a may include a tab
that extends outward from the needle 20a so that the user my
manipulate the cutting sheath 35a via the tab. As shown, the
cutting sheath 35a includes at least one cutting surface 33a that
is constructed and arranged to cut excess suture 12, which will be
described in a detail below.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 4, the distal end 36a is configured to hold
the pair of anchors 60, 70 of the suture 12. The needle 20a may
include a dimple 39a located near the point 38a to assist in
seating the anchors 60, 70 prior to deployment of the anchors 60,
70 from the needle 20a, as will be described in greater detail
below. The needle 20a is preferably manufactured from stainless
steel, and is sized to withstand insertion through the implant and
the meniscus substantially without bending or buckling.
[0092] Another embodiment of a needle 20b that may be used as the
needle 20 in the applicator 10 is shown in FIGS. 5-7. As shown, the
needle 20b includes a sleeve 34b that is attached to the cannula 18
at a proximal end. The needle 20b also includes a distal end 36b
that is connected to the sleeve 34b and is constructed and arranged
to be inserted into a meniscus or a tissue. The distal egad 36b is
curved such that it extends at an angle .alpha. relative to the
sleeve 34b. The angle .alpha. may be about 15-45.degree., and is
preferably about 30.degree.. The distal end 36b also includes a
point 38b for piercing the meniscus or tissue and a slot 40b, which
allows for portions of the suture 12 to extend out of the needle
20b. The distal end 36b of the needle 20b also includes at least
one cutting surface 37b that is constructed and arranged to cut
excess suture 12.
[0093] As shown in FIGS. 5-7, a cutting sheath 35b that at least
partially surrounds the distal end 36b may also be provided. In the
illustrated embodiment, the cutting sheath 35b completely surrounds
the circumference of the distal end 36b. In other embodiments, the
cutting sheath 35b may only partially surrounds the distal end 36b.
The cutting sheath 35b is configured to be slidable relative to the
distal end 36b so that it may be moved longitudinally along the
distal end 36b toward the point 38b, and back again to the sleeve
34b. The cutting sheath 35b may include a tab that extends outward
from the needle 20b so that the user my manipulate the cutting
sheath 35b via the tab. As shown, the cutting sheath 35b includes a
cutting surface 33b that is constructed and arranged to cut excess
suture 12.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 7, the distal end 36b is also configured to
hold the pair of anchors 60, 70. The needle 20b may also include a
dimple 39b located near the point 38b to assist in seating the
anchors 60, 70 prior to deployment. Like the needle 20a of FIGS.
2-4, the needle 20b is preferably manufactured from stainless
steel, and is sized to withstand insertion through the implant and
the meniscus substantially without bending or buckling.
[0095] An embodiment of the pusher 23 is shown in greater detail in
FIG. 8. The rod 24 is hollow and is configured to receive the
flexible portion 58 of the suture 12 that extends away from the
needle 20. The knob 26 includes a hole for receiving the rod 24, so
that the flexible portion 58 of the suture 12 may extend through
the knob 26 as well. A distal portion of the rod 24 includes a pair
of slots 42 that are configured to allow the flexible portion 58 of
the suture 12 to be threaded out of the rod 24 via one slot 42 (the
distal slot) and back into the rod 24 via the other slot 42 (the
proximal slot), as represented by an exposed portion 44 of the
flexible portion 58 of the suture 12. This threading of the suture
12 properly aligns the exposed portion 44 relative to the rod 24 to
facilitate the cutting of the suture 12, which will be described in
further detail below. As shown in FIG. 7, the rod 24 may be
flexible so that it may be used with the embodiment of the needle
20b described above.
[0096] FIGS. 9-11 illustrated an embodiment of an anchor 46 that
may be used as the anchors 60, 70 of the suture 12. As shown, the
anchor 46 includes a tab 48 that extends upward from a body 50. The
body 50 has opposing ends 51 that are substantially perpendicular
to a longitudinal axis LA of the anchor 46. A hole 52 that is
centered on the longitudinal axis LA extends through the body 50
and the tab 48 where the body 50 and tab 48 are connected.
Otherwise, the body 50 includes a hollowed out half-cylinder 53 at
portions where the tab 48 is not connected. The anchor 46 is
preferably made out of a bioabsorbable polymer, such as
poly(L-lactide).
[0097] Another embodiment of an anchor 54 for use in the suture 12
the system 1 is shown in FIGS. 12-14. As shown, the anchor 54 is a
solid rod with a pair of holes 56 that extend substantially
perpendicularly through the longitudinal axis of the rod. The holes
56 are sized to receive a flexible portion of the suture 12. A
recessed channel 57 is located between the holes 56 to seat the
flexible portion 58 of the suture 12. Like the anchor 46, the
anchor 54 is preferably made out of a bioabsorbable polymer, such
as poly(L-lactide).
[0098] In another embodiment of an anchor that may be used as one
or both of the anchors 60, 70 of the suture 12, the anchor may
include at least one barb that is formed from or connected to a
main body portion of the anchor. The barb may be constructed and
arranged to be biased to an orientation in which a free end of the
barb extends away from the body, yet is oriented such that the free
end is near the body when suitable pressure is applied to the barb.
The use of such an anchor with the system 1 will be described in
greater detail below.
[0099] Unless otherwise indicated herein, further discussions of
the anchors 60, 70 will be for the anchor 46 illustrated in FIGS.
9-11, although it is understood that the anchor 54 of FIGS. 12-14
may be used with slight modifications to the language used to
describe the assembly of the suture 12. Such modifications would be
readily appreciated by one of skill in the art and are therefore
not described herein.
[0100] FIGS. 15-23 show the various stages of an embodiment of
assembling the suture 12 of the system 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 15 shows
the flexible portion 58 of the suture 12 with one anchor 60
threaded thereon. FIG. 16 shows a loop 62 and a knot 64 that closes
the loop 62, with the anchor 60 being located within the loop 62.
The knot 64 is preferably a self-locking slide knot. Methods for
tying a self-locking slide knot are described in, for example, "A
New Clinch Knot," Weston, P. V., Obstetrics & Gynecology, Vol.
78, pp. 144-47 (1991); "Physical Properties of Self Locking and
Conventional Surgical Knots," Israelsson, L. A., et al., European
Journal of Surgery, Vol. 160, No. 6-7, pp. 323-27 (1994); "Nicky's
Knot--A New Slip Knot for Arthroscopic Surgery," De Beer, J. F., et
al., Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Relate Surgery,
Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 109-110 (1998); "The Giant Knot: A New One-Way
Self-Locking Secured Arthroscopic Slip Knot," Fleega, B. A., et
al., Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Relate Surgery,
Vol. 15, No. 4, pp. 451-52 (1999); "Arthroscopic Knot Tying
Techniques," Nottage, W. M., et al., Arthroscopy: The Journal of
Arthroscopic and Relate Surgery, Vol. 15, No. 5, pp. 515-521
(1999); "The SMC Knot--A New Slip Knot With Locking Mechanism,"
Kim, S., et al., Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and
Relate Surgery, Vol. 16, No. 5, pp. 563-65 (2000); "Technical Note:
A `New` Arthroscopic Sliding Knot," Field, M. H., et al.,
Orthopedic Clinics of North America, Vol. 32, No. 3, pp. 525-26
(2001); "Arthroscopic Knot Tying," Kim, S., et al., Techniques in
Shoulder & Elbow Surgery, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp, 35-43 (2003); "The
PC Knot: A Secure and Satisfying Arthroscopic Slip Knot," Pallia,
C. S., Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Relate Surgery,
Vol. 19, No. 5, pp. 558-560 (2003); and "The Tuckahoe Knot: A
Secure Locking Slip Knot," Wiley, W. B., et al., Arthroscopy: The
Journal of Arthroscopic and Relate Surgery, Vol. 20, No. 5, pp.
556-59 (2004), all of which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entireties.
[0101] Once the self-locking slide knot 64 has been tied, another
anchor 70 is slid onto the flexible portion 58 until it is located
approximately 7 mm from the knot 64, as shown in FIG. 17 (note that
the Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale). This distance is
only meant to be an example and is not intended to be limiting in
any way. The flexible portion 58 of the suture 12 is tied off with
one hitch knot 74 on the anchor 70, as shown in FIG. 18.
[0102] Next, as shown in FIG. 19, a needle 72 is threaded with the
remainder of the flexible portion 58. The end of the flexible
portion 58 with the needle 72 is passed through the center of the
suture of the hitch knot twice to hold the hitch knot 74 in place,
as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. As shown in FIG. 22, the excess
flexible portion 58 is cut, leaving approximately 2 mm as a tail.
Finally, as shown in FIG. 23, the tip of the flexible portion 58
may be melted to prevent fraying of the suture 12. An assembled
suture 12 before it is loaded into the applicator 10 is shown in
FIG. 26.
[0103] FIG. 24 shows a damaged meniscus 80 having a rim 81, and an
implant 82 positioned adjacent the damaged part of the meniscus 80.
The implant 82 may be any type of implant 82 suitable for such
meniscus repair. Preferably, the implant 82 includes collagen. In
an embodiment, the implant 82 includes the CMI, a collagen-based
meniscus implant. The implant 82 illustrated in the Figures has
already been cut to the appropriate size. Both ends of the implant
82 may be temporarily stapled or sutured using conventional means
to hold the implant 82 in place while it is being secured to the
meniscus 80. FIG. 25 shows a pair of staples 84, or sutures,
holding the implant 82 in place.
[0104] To load the suture 12 into the applicator 10, the cannula
18, with the needle 20a attached, is inserted into the body portion
14 of the applicator 10. In this embodiment, the needle 20a of
FIGS. 24 is shown. However, it is understood that the needle 20b
may also be used in the same way. The illustrated and described
embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any way. While
holding down the side lever 32 with a finger or a thumb, the rod 24
of the pusher 23 is inserted by the user into the proximal end 15
of the body portion 14 until the end of the rod 24 extends past the
point 38a of the needle 20a with the slots 42 facing upward, as
shown in FIG. 27.
[0105] Next, as shown in FIG. 28, an end 59 of the suture 12 that
is opposite the anchor 70 is threaded though the rod 24 of the
pusher 23 at the distal end 36a of the needle 20a. The end 59 of
the suture 12 is laced through the distal end of the rod 24, pulled
out of the rod 24 at the distal slot 42, threaded back into the rod
24 at the proximal slot 42, thereby leaving the exposed portion 44
outside of the rod 24. The end 59 of the suture 12 may extend
several inches outside the pusher 23 beyond the proximal end 15 of
the body portion 14 of the applicator 10 so that the user may grasp
the suture 12 during the implant attachment procedure, which will
be described below. Once the suture 12 has been loaded into the
applicator 10, the user then presses the side lever 32 and retracts
the pusher 23 back into the needle 20a, as shown in. FIG. 29, to
locate the slots 42 and the exposed portion 44 of the suture 12
before the proximal end of the needle slot 40a, as shown in FIG.
30. The anchor 60 is inserted into the distal end 36a of the needle
20a, and is followed by the anchor 70, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31.
The end 59 of the flexible portion 58 that extends out of the
pusher 23 at the proximal end 15 of the body portion 14 of the
applicator 10 may be pulled so that the knot 64 is generally
located on a side of the anchor 60 that is opposite the other
anchor 70, as shown in FIG. 31 After the anchors 60, 70 are loaded
into the cannula 18, a portion of the flexible portion 58 may
extend outside of the cannula 18 via the slot 40a of the needle
20a, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31. In this arrangement, the pulling
of the trigger 30 causes the anchor 70, the anchor 60, and the knot
64 to be deployed in that order.
[0106] Once the system 1 is assembled, the user places the spacer
28 between the knob 26 and the proximal end 15 of the body portion
14 so that the advancement of the anchor 60 will be limited until
the placement of the anchor 70 is complete. The user then inserts
the depth penetration limiter 21 and the outer sheath 22 over the
distal end of the cannula 18 so as to cover the needle 20 during
insertion of the needle 20 into the incision site. Once the needle
20 has been inserted into the incision site, the outer sheath 22
may be removed from the cannula 18. Of course, the use of the
spacer 28, the outer sheath 22, and the depth penetration limiter
21 should be considered optional. The illustrated embodiment is not
intended to be limiting in any way.
[0107] The user may then advance the anchors 60, 70 until the
anchor 70 is located near the point 38a of the needle 20a, without
extending out of the needle 20a. The dimple 39a may be used to
assist with the placement of the anchor 70. In embodiments where
the dimple 39a is used, the user should feel a slight resistance to
the advancement of the anchor 70, which signals the user to stop
advancing the pusher 23. Of course, the use of the dimple 39a
should be considered to be optional. The illustrated embodiment is
not intended to be limiting in any way.
[0108] While griping the handle 16 and the trigger 30 on the
applicator 10, the user inserts the needle 20a into a patient at an
incision site so that the needle 20a may then he inserted through
the implant 82 and through the meniscus 80 at a first location 86,
preferably near the center of the implant 82, to a side opposite
the insertion site, as shown in FIG. 32. The user should be sure
that the hitch knot 74 on the anchor 70 has passed through the
meniscus 80, as shown in FIG. 32. In an embodiment, the user then
advances the pusher 23 via the trigger 30 until the anchor 70 is
pushed outside the needle 20a, as shown in FIG. 33. The user should
be careful to not advance the pusher 23 further to avoid the
premature deployment of the anchor 60. The use of the spacer 28
assists in preventing the premature deployment of the anchor 60. In
addition to, or in lieu of the spacer 23, the dimple 39a that is
located near the point 38a of the needle 20a may also be used to
provide the user with tactile feedback that the anchor 60 has been
advanced to its proper pre-deployment position.
[0109] As shown in FIG. 34, the user then retracts the needle 20a
slowly from the meniscus 80 and the implant 82, leaving the anchor
70 behind on the opposite side of the meniscus 80. The anchor 60
will remain inside the needle 20a. If the user hasn't already done
so, the user next advances the anchor 60 until the anchor 60 is
located near the point 38a of the needle 20a. Again for embodiments
that include the dimple 39a, the dimple 39a may be used to guide
the user to correctly position the anchor 60.
[0110] While gripping the handle 16 and the trigger 30 on the
applicator 10, the user inserts the needle 20a though the implant
82 and through the meniscus 80 at a second location 88, which is
preferably near the first location 86, until the center of the
anchor 60 is outside the opposite side of the meniscus 80, as shown
in FIG. 35. If the user hasn't already done so, the user next
removes the spacer 28 from the rod 24 by grasping the tab 29 and
pulling the spacer 28 away from the rod 24. The user then advances
the pusher 3 until the anchor 60 is pushed outside the needle 20a,
as shown in FIG. 36. The user then retracts the needle 20a, thereby
leaving the anchor 60 on the opposite side of the meniscus 80, as
shown in FIG. 37.
[0111] Having deployed both anchors 60, 70, the user may then
advance the pusher 23 via the trigger 30 so that the rod 24 extends
approximately 1 cm beyond the point 38a of the needle 20a, as shown
in FIG. 38. While gripping the handle 16 and the trigger 30 of the
applicator 10, the user then holds the tip of the rod 24 against
the knot 64 and pushes the knot 64 to the surface of the implant
82, being careful not to push the knot 64 through the implant 82.
The user continues to grip the handle 16 and the trigger 30 while
gently pulling on the end 59 of the flexible portion 58 of the
suture 12 at the proximal end 15 of the body portion 14 of the
applicator 10 until slack in the suture 12 is taken up, and the
anchors 60, 70 sit flat against the meniscus 80, as shown in FIGS.
39 and 40.
[0112] With the knot 64 now secured, the user may extend the rod 24
of the pusher 23 out of the needle 20a approximately 1 cm. The user
may then rotate the pusher 23 up to approximately 180.degree., or
until the slots 42 and the exposed portion 44 of the suture 12 are
positioned to come into contact with the cutting surface 37a when
the pusher 23 is pulled back toward the proximal end 15 of the body
portion 14 of the applicator 10, as shown in FIG. 41. Holding the
end 59 of the flexible portion 58 that extends out of the proximal
end 15, the user may shear the exposed portion 44 of the suture 12
against the cutting surface 37a by sliding the pusher 23
longitudinally against the cutting surface 37a, as shown in FIG.
41, thereby leaving a short tail 67 near the knot 64, as shown in
FIG. 43. The pusher 23 may have to be moved back and forth against
the cutting surface 37a before the suture 12 is fully cut.
[0113] In another embodiment, after the knot 64 is secured, while
holding the end 59 of the flexible portion 58 that extends out of
the proximal end 15, the user may shear the exposed portion 44 of
the suture 12 against the cutting si face 33a by sliding the
cutting sheath 35a along the distal end 36a and toward the point
38a of the needle 20a, as shown in FIG. 42, thereby leaving a short
tail 67 near the knot 64, as shown in FIG. 43. The cutting sheath
35a may have to be moved back and forth along the distal end of the
needle 20a before the suture 12 is fully cut.
[0114] The aforementioned system 1 and method provide-an all-inside
suture fixation to the implant and meniscus, because the needle 20a
of the applicator 10 has not been removed from the patient's body
between the deployment of the anchor 70, the pushing of the knot
64, and the cutting of the excess flexible portion 58 of the suture
12. This may be beneficial to the patient because it may reduce the
time the applicator 10 is in the patient's body, and allows for a
single, small entry point of the needle 20a, at the incision, into
the patient's body.
[0115] The user may then repeat the steps shown in FIGS. 32-43 for
any remaining sutures 12 that are needed to complete the fixation
of the implant 82 to the meniscus 80. Generally, it may take three
or more sutures 12 to secure the implant 82.
[0116] Of course, in alternative embodiments, the user may remove
the body portion 14 of the applicator 10 and pusher 23 from the
cannula 18, and trim the excess flexible portion 58 of the suture
12 with scissors, or some other cutting device. The illustrated
embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any way.
[0117] Also, in alternative embodiments, one or both of the anchors
60, 70 may be the anchor described above that includes one or more
barbs. This allows the user to advance the pusher 23 via the
trigger 30 only until a distal end of the anchor is located
adjacent the point of the needle 20 in an orientation in which the
barb is no longer engaged by the wall of the needle 20. When the
anchor is in this position, the wall of the needle 20 is no longer
exerting pressure on the barb, thereby allowing the barb to be
biased outward and away from the body of the anchor. The barb may
then be used to engage the anchor with the meniscus 80 so that when
the user pulls the needle 20 back through the meniscus 80 and the
implant 82, the entirety of the anchor will pull out of the needle
20 without further advancement of the pusher 23.
[0118] It is also contemplated that the needle 20 may be designed
such that the tab 48 on the anchor 46 may be used to engage the
anchor 46 with the meniscus 80 before the anchor 46 exits the
needle 20. This allows the entirety of the anchor 46 to be pulled
out of the needle 20 when the needle 20 is pulled back through the
meniscus 80, rather than pushing the entirety of the anchor 46 out
of the needle 20 with the pusher 23, as described in the
embodiments above.
[0119] Although the above-described procedure was in the context of
attaching an implant to a meniscus with needle penetration of the
implant and the meniscus in a substantially horizontal stitch, a
substantially similar procedure may be used for the placement of
other types of stitches, such as vertical and oblique, as would be
appreciated by one of skill in the art. The illustrated and
described embodiments should not be considered to be limiting in
any way.
[0120] In addition, although the above-described procedure was in
the context of attaching an implant to a meniscus, a substantially
similar procedure may be used to repair soft tissue, as would be
appreciated by one of skill in the art. The illustrated and
described embodiments should not be considered to be limiting y
way. For example, to repair a tear in the meniscus 80 with the
suture 12, the needle 20 may be inserted through the meniscus 80 a
first location near the tear. The first anchor 70 of the suture 12
may then be delivered to an opposite side of the meniscus 80, and
the needle 20 retracted from the meniscus 80, without pulling out
of the body. The needle may then be inserted through the meniscus
80 at a second location on an opposite side of the tear as the
first location. The second anchor 60 of the suture 12 may then be
delivered to the opposite side of the meniscus 80. Once the second
anchor 60 is in the proper position, the user may then push the
knot 64 to a surface of the meniscus 80 to tighten the suture. The
excess of the flexible portion 58 of the suture 12 may then be cut
with any of the cutting methods described above.
[0121] In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 44-52C, a system
100 for repairing a meniscus is provided. The system 100 includes
an applicator 110 that is constructed and arranged to deploy the
suture 12, which includes the flexible portion 58 and the two
anchors 60, 70, as described above, to the meniscus. In this
embodiment, the applicator 110 includes a body portion 114 that is
configured to be grasped by the user. As shown in FIGS. 44 and 45,
the body portion 114 includes a pair of extensions 116 at a
proximal end 115 of the body portion 114. Each of the extensions
116 is constructed and arranged to engage a finger of the user such
that the body portion 114 is may be held in between the fingers in
a similar way that a syringe is typically held.
[0122] As illustrated in FIG. 44, the body portion 114 of the
applicator 110 receives a cannula 118 that extends from a distal
end 113 of the body portion 114 in a direction that is away from
the proximal end 115. The cannula 118 may be constructed and
arranged like the cannula 18 described and illustrated above, and
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,928,252, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety, and may be connected to the body portion
114 in a similar manner.
[0123] The applicator 110 also includes a needle 120 that has a
cutting surface 121 at a distal end thereof. The needle 120 is
connected to a distal end of the cannula 118 so that it is
operatively connected to the distal end 113 of the body portion
114. Of course, the needle 120 may be considered to be a part of
the cannula 118 itself. The needle 120 may be of the same design as
the needle 20a discussed above. As such, details of the needle 120
will not will be described in further detail. Instead, reference
should be made to the needle previously described and
illustrated.
[0124] The applicator 110 also includes a pusher 123 The pusher 123
includes a rod 124 (shown in FIG. 46) that extends through a
central lumen 112 of the body portion 114, a central bore (not
shown) of the cannula 118, and is slidingly received by the needle
120. A knob 126 is attached to one end of the rod 124 and is
configured to be grasped by the user so that the user may
manipulate the rod 124, as described in further detail below. As
shown in FIG. 46, the rod 124 includes proximal end 125 and a
distal end 127, which has a smaller diameter than the diameter of
proximal end 125, as illustrated. The distal end 127 is configured
to include a pair of slots 142 that are similar to the slots 42
discussed above. A central bore 122 extends through the rod 124 and
the knob 126 so that the flexible portion 58 of the suture 12 may
be threaded through the slots 142, through the rod 124, and through
the knob 126, as shown in FIG. 46.
[0125] As illustrated in FIG. 46, the pusher 123 includes a first
projection 128 that projects from the rod 124 and defines a first
stop surface 129 on one side thereof. The first projection 128 may
be configured as a square or rectangular tab, or may be in the
shape of a cylinder. The illustrated embodiment is not intended to
be limiting in any way. The knob 126 of the pusher 123 includes a
stopper portion 130 that is connected to the rod 124 and defines a
second stop surface 131. The pusher 123 also includes a second
projection 132 that projects from the rod 124 and defines a third
stop surface 133 on one side thereof. The second projection 130 is
axially spaced from the first projection 128 and is axially located
between the first projection 128 and the distal end 127 of the rod
124.
[0126] As shown in FIG. 47, the second projection 130 is also
radially spaced from the first projection 128. The radially spacing
is defined by angle 13, and in the illustrated embodiment, the
angle .beta. is about 90.degree.. It is contemplated that the angle
.beta. may be in the range of about 10.degree. to about
370.degree., as will be appreciated in the discussion below. The
illustrated embodiment is not intended to be limiting in any
way.
[0127] As shown in FIG. 45, the body portion 114 defines an outer
surface 134 at its proximal end that is configured to engage the
stop surfaces 129, 131, 133 described above as the pusher 123 is
moved to different positions relative o the body portion 114 and
needle 120. The body portion 114 also includes an opening 36, shown
in the Figures to be shaped as a keyhole, that is axially connected
to the central lumen 112 and is constructed and arranged to receive
the first projection 128 and the second projection 130 of the
pusher 123, as discussed in further detail below. The arrangement
of the opening 136 in the proximal end 115 of the body portion 114
is such that the pusher 123 should be in the proper orientation
relative to the body portion 114 in order for the pusher 123 to
move toward the needle 120 in an axial direction. Once the first
projection 128 or the second projection 130 has passed through the
opening, the respective projection 128, 130 is then located within
the central lumen 112 of the body portion 114. The central lumen
112 is sized to allow the projections 128, 130 to rotate with the
rod 124 about a central axis. However, when one of the projections
128, 130 is positioned within the opening 136, the rod 124 will be
prevented from rotating.
[0128] FIGS. 48A-53C illustrate portions of the system 100 during
different stages of repairing a meniscus or other soft tissue. As
shown in FIGS. 48A-C, the pusher 123 is disposed in a first
orientation and first axial position relative to the body portion
114 and the needle 120. In this orientation and position, the third
stop surface 133 is engaged with the outer surface 134 of the body
portion 114 such that pressure applied to the knob 126 toward the
body portion 114 will not cause the pusher 123 to move in an axial
direction. This allows the first anchor 70 to stay within the
needle 120, as shown in FIG. 48C, even if pressure is applied to
the pusher 123 via the knob 126. This may allow the user to apply
pressure to the applicator 110 via the knob 126 as the needle 120
is initially inserted through the implant 82 and meniscus 80, as
described above. For example, the user may hold the body portion
114 and engage the extensions 116 with two fingers, while applying
pressure to the knob 126 with a thumb, like a syringe.
[0129] Once the needle 120 is in the proper location for the
discharge of the first anchor 70, the user may rotate the pusher
123, via the knob 126, to a second orientation, which is 90.degree.
from the first orientation, as shown in FIGS. 49A-C. This
orientation aligns the second projection 132 of the pusher 123 with
the opening 136 of the body portion 114, as shown in FIG. 49B.
Because the pusher 123 has not yet been moved axially, the first
anchor 70 is still located in the needle 120, as shown in FIG.
49C.
[0130] The user may then apply pressure to the pusher 123 in an
axial direction via the knob 126 until the first surface 129 of the
first projection 128 engages the outer surface 134 of the body
portion 114, as shown in FIG. 50A. At this position, the second
projection 132 has passed all the way through the opening 136 of
the body portion 114 such that is in the central lumen 112. As
shown in FIG. SOC, the first anchor 70 has been discharged by the
pusher 123 out of the needle 120. Other aspects of the discharge of
the anchor 70 are discussed above and shown in FIG. 33.
[0131] As discussed above and shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 with
reference to the needle 20a, the user may then pull the needle 120
in a similar manner so that it clears the meniscus 80 and the
implant 82, and then insert the needle through the implant 82 and
the meniscus 80 at a second location. Once the distal end of the
needle 120 is in the location where the second anchor 60 should be
discharged, the user may then rotate the pusher 123 to a third
orientation, as shown in FIGS. 51A-C, which is 90.degree. from the
second orientation, and 180.degree. from the first orientation. At
this orientation, the first protrusion 128 is aligned with the
opening 136, and the second anchor 60 is still located within the
needle 120.
[0132] The user may then apply pressure to the pusher 123 via the
knob 123 until the second stop surface 131 of the stopper 130
engages the outer surface 134 of the body portion 114, as shown in
FIGS. 52A-B. As illustrated, in this position, the first projection
128 has passed all of the way through the opening 136 and is in the
central lumen 112 of the body portion 114. As shown in FIG. 52C,
the second anchor 60 has been discharged from the needle 120 by the
pusher 123. Other aspects of the discharge of the second anchor 60
are discussed above and shown in FIG. 36. As discussed above and
shown in FIGS. 37-40, the knot 64 of the suture 12 may then be
pushed against the implant 82, although in this embodiment, the
distal end 127 of the rod 124 of the pusher 123 is used to push the
knot 64 rather than the rod 24 shown in FIGS. 37-40. Once the knot
64 has been tightened and any slack is taken out of the flexible
portion 58 of the suture 12, the pusher 123 may be rotated out of
the third orientation, as shown in FIGS. 52A-C so as to shear the
flexible portion 58 of the suture 12 against the cutting surface
121 of the needle 120. Once the flexible portion 58 has been cut,
the applicator 110 may be pulled out of the body. The applicator
110 may then be disposed of, or, if desired, may be cleaned,
sterilized, and used again.
[0133] The foregoing disclosure of embodiments of the present
invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and
modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent
to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above
disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the
claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.
[0134] Further, in describing representative embodiments of the
present invention, the specification may have presented the method
and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of
steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not
rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method
or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of
steps described. For example, any number of sutures may be prepared
ahead of time. In addition, the advancement of the anchors within
the cannula may occur before or after needle insertion. In
addition, the delivery of the second anchor may not require that
the needle be fully withdrawn; for example when two anchors are to
be delivered through a single insertion site. As one of ordinary
skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be
possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth
herein should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In
addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the
present invention should not be limited to the performance of their
steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily
appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *