US20140025110A1 - Apparatus and method for securing a suture - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for securing a suture Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140025110A1 US20140025110A1 US14/030,941 US201314030941A US2014025110A1 US 20140025110 A1 US20140025110 A1 US 20140025110A1 US 201314030941 A US201314030941 A US 201314030941A US 2014025110 A1 US2014025110 A1 US 2014025110A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- suture
- tubular member
- retainer
- suture retainer
- force
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- Abandoned
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0487—Suture clamps, clips or locks, e.g. for replacing suture knots; Instruments for applying or removing suture clamps, clips or locks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/0445—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors cannulated, e.g. with a longitudinal through-hole for passage of an instrument
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/0446—Means for attaching and blocking the suture in the suture anchor
- A61B2017/0448—Additional elements on or within the anchor
- A61B2017/045—Additional elements on or within the anchor snug fit within the anchor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/0446—Means for attaching and blocking the suture in the suture anchor
- A61B2017/0448—Additional elements on or within the anchor
- A61B2017/0453—Additional elements on or within the anchor threaded elements, e.g. set screws
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/0446—Means for attaching and blocking the suture in the suture anchor
- A61B2017/0454—Means for attaching and blocking the suture in the suture anchor the anchor being crimped or clamped on the suture
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/0446—Means for attaching and blocking the suture in the suture anchor
- A61B2017/0456—Surface features on the anchor, e.g. ribs increasing friction between the suture and the anchor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/0446—Means for attaching and blocking the suture in the suture anchor
- A61B2017/0458—Longitudinal through hole, e.g. suture blocked by a distal suture knot
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/0464—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors for soft tissue
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0487—Suture clamps, clips or locks, e.g. for replacing suture knots; Instruments for applying or removing suture clamps, clips or locks
- A61B2017/0488—Instruments for applying suture clamps, clips or locks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B2017/0496—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials for tensioning sutures
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/06—Needles ; Sutures; Needle-suture combinations; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/06166—Sutures
- A61B2017/0619—Sutures thermoplastic, e.g. for bonding, welding, fusing or cutting the suture by melting it
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/39—Cord and rope holders
- Y10T24/3907—Sheathed strand
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/39—Cord and rope holders
- Y10T24/3969—Sliding part or wedge
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/39—Cord and rope holders
- Y10T24/3969—Sliding part or wedge
- Y10T24/3973—Rope clamped between cone and socket
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Rheumatology (AREA)
- Materials For Medical Uses (AREA)
- Surgical Instruments (AREA)
Abstract
An improved method and apparatus to secure a suture relative to body tissue. The apparatus includes an at least in part tubular member that has a longitudinal passage that is configured to permit at least a portion of the suture to be received within and extend through the tubular member. The tubular member is formed of a deformable material to permit deformation from a first configuration to second configuration. The second configuration is effective to secure the suture relative to the body tissue.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/932,907 filed Oct. 31, 2007; which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/438,537 filed May 22, 2006; which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/266,231 filed Oct. 8, 2002 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,048,755); which is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/523,442 filed Mar. 10, 2000 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,475,230).
- The present invention relates to a new and improved method and apparatus for securing a suture against movement relative to body tissue by using a retainer to grip the suture.
- Difficulty has been encountered in securing sutures against movement relative to body tissue. A knot may be tied in a suture to prevent loosening of the suture. However, the knot weakens a portion of the suture and reduces the overall force transmitting capability of the suture. In addition, a suture which is held by a knot applies force to a relatively small area of the body tissue and tends to cut or separate the body tissue. Many operations are conducted in very restricted space where the tying of a knot is difficult.
- Various methods of securing a suture against movement relative to body tissue are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,513,848; 4,662,068; 4,935,028; 5,306,280; and 5,593,425. Although these and other known methods of securing a suture have, to a greater or lesser extent, been successful, it is desirable to simplify the securing of a suture against movement relative to body tissue. It is also desirable to be certain that the suture applies a desired amount of force to the body tissue when the suture is secured. The overall force transmitting capability of the suture should be maximized without concentrating the force at a small area on the body tissue.
- The present invention provides a new improved method and apparatus for use of securing a suture relative to body tissue. A portion of the suture is enclosed with a first member. Although the first member may have many different configurations, in one embodiment of the invention, the first member has a tubular configuration. The first member is moved along the suture toward the body tissue with the suture extending through a passage in the first member. The first member is then deformed to change the configuration of the first member. The first member may be deformed by bending the first member to grip the suture which extends through the passage in the first member. The first member is retained in the bent configuration by a holder.
- The holder may have many different constructions that may include either one part or a plurality of parts. In specific embodiments of the holder, the holder forms a recess. The first member is at least partially located in the recess in the holder. The holder applies force against the first member to maintain the first member in its second or bent configuration.
- In one specific embodiment of the invention, the holder is formed as one piece. In another embodiment of the invention, the holder is formed by a plurality of pieces which are interconnected. The holder may be formed with a generally C-shaped configuration to form a recess in which the first member is inserted. Alternatively, the holder may be formed of a plurality of parts which are interconnected with the first member between the parts of the holder.
- It is contemplated that, if desired, the suture retainer could include a first member which is deflected and subsequently released to grip a portion of the suture between the first member and a second member. The suture may be wound for one or more turns around the first member before the first member is released. The first member may be released in a recess formed in the second member to press the suture against the second member with the first member. Alternatively, the second member could be received in a recess in the first member and the suture pressed against the second member by the first member.
- In still other embodiments of the invention, the retainer includes the first and second members which are movable relative to each other to grip the suture between the members. The members may have a tapered configuration and/or a thread convolution which grips the suture. Alternatively, the retainer could be formed with a plurality of fingers which extend into a plurality of recesses to grip the suture. A pair of cam members may be utilized to apply force against the suture to hold the suture.
- A tissue fixation system constructed in accordance with one of the features of the present invention is used to connect thick and thin layers of tissue. The tissue fixation system is located equal distances from the ends of the thick and thin layers of tissue.
- In should be understood that a suture retainer constructed in accordance with the present invention may have many different configurations. It should also be understood that a suture retainer constructed in accordance with the present invention could hold a suture in many ways. The invention should not, except as required by the claims, be limited to any specific construction of the retainer and/or manner of holding the suture.
- The foregoing and other features of the invention will become more apparent upon a consideration of the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration depicting the relationship of a suture retainer to a suture and body tissue prior to tightening of the suture; -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the manner in which the suture is wrapped around the suture retainer ofFIG. 1 to form bends in the suture; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration depicting the manner in which the suture retainer ofFIG. 2 is pressed against body tissue with a predetermined force and the manner in which a predetermined force is applied to an outer side surface of the suture retainer to plastically deform the suture retainer; -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary schematic illustration of a portion ofFIG. 3 and depicting the manner in which the material of the suture retainer grips the suture; -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion ofFIG. 4 further illustrating the manner in which the material of the suture retainer grips the suture; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic pictorial illustration depicting the manner in which a suture is positioned relative to a base of a second embodiment of the suture retainer; -
FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration, taken along the line 7-7 ofFIG. 6 , depicting the manner in which a movable arm presses a portion of the suture into a groove formed in the base of the suture retainer to form bends in the suture; -
FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration depicting the manner in which force is applied against the suture retainer ofFIGS. 6 and 7 to plastically deform the suture retainer; -
FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration depicting the manner in which a suture is wrapped around another embodiment of the suture retainer to form bends in the suture; -
FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, taken generally along the line 10-10 ofFIG. 9 , illustrating the manner in which the suture is disposed in a groove in the suture retainer; -
FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view, generally similar toFIG. 10 , illustrating an alternative configuration for the groove in the suture retainer ofFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration depicting the manner in which force is applied against the suture retainer ofFIG. 9 to plastically deform the suture retainer and grip the suture; -
FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration depicting another embodiment of the suture retainer and the manner in which sections of a suture are wrapped in opposite directions to form bends in the suture; -
FIG. 14 is a sectional view, taken generally along the line 14-14 ofFIG. 13 , illustrating the manner in which the suture is disposed in a groove in the suture retainer; -
FIG. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary schematic illustration of a portion ofFIG. 13 , further illustrating the manner in which the suture is disposed in grooves formed in the suture retainer; -
FIG. 16 is a fragmentary schematic sectional illustration of the manner in which the grooves and sections of the suture ofFIG. 15 cross; -
FIG. 17 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the manner in which a suture is wrapped around a roller in another embodiment of the suture retainer; -
FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration depicting the manner in which the suture retainer ofFIG. 17 is urged toward body tissue and the manner in which force is applied against the suture retainer to plastically deform the suture retainer; -
FIG. 19 is a fragmentary schematic illustration, generally similar toFIG. 17 , depicting an alternative manner of wrapping the suture around the roller; -
FIG. 20 is a fragmentary schematic illustration of another embodiment of the suture retainer in which a housing encloses a plurality of cylinders around which the suture is wrapped; -
FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration depicting the manner in which the suture zigzags through passages in another embodiment of the suture retainer; -
FIG. 22 is a schematic sectional view, taken generally along the line 22-22 ofFIG. 21 , further illustrating the manner in which the suture extends through the suture retainer; -
FIG. 23 is a schematic sectional view depicting the manner in which the suture zigzags through passages in another embodiment of the suture retainer; -
FIG. 24 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the manner in which turns of a suture are wrapped in looped around another embodiment of the suture retainer; -
FIG. 25 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the manner in which turns of a suture are wrapped in looped around another embodiment of the suture retainer; -
FIG. 26 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the manner in which a two-section embodiment of the suture retainer is positioned relative to body tissue prior to engagement of the two sections of the suture retainer; -
FIG. 27 is a pictorial illustration of an inner or lower section of the suture retainer ofFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 28 is a pictorial illustration of an outer or upper section of the suture retainer ofFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 29 is a schematic sectional view of another two-section embodiment of the suture retainer prior to engagement of the two sections of the suture retainer; -
FIG. 30 is a schematic illustration of another two-section embodiment of the suture retainer; -
FIG. 31 is a pictorial illustration of an inner member used in the suture retainer ofFIG. 30 ; -
FIG. 32 is a schematic sectional illustration depicting the manner in which another embodiment of the suture retainer is pressed against a large area on body tissue with a predetermined force; -
FIG. 33 is a schematic view of the suture retainer ofFIG. 32 after the suture retainer has been plastically deformed to grip the suture; -
FIG. 34 is a schematic illustration depicting the manner in which another embodiment of the suture retainer is pressed against body tissue and the manner in which force is applied against the suture retainer to effect plastic deformation of the suture retainer; -
FIG. 35 is a schematic illustration of a tool which may be used to press the suture retainer ofFIG. 13 against body tissue and to plastically deform the material of the suture retainer; -
FIG. 36 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a tool which may be used to press a suture retainer against body tissue and to plastically deform the material of the suture retainer; -
FIG. 37 is an illustration of a chart of available suture sizes and known strengths for each suture size; -
FIG. 38 is a schematic illustration depicting the manner in which a suture is tensioned, a suture retainer is pressed against body tissue, and force is applied against the suture retainer to plastically deform the suture retainer; -
FIG. 39 is a schematic illustration, generally similar toFIG. 38 , illustrating another embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 40 is a schematic pictorial illustration of a holder which may be used with another embodiment of the suture retainer; -
FIG. 41 is a schematic illustration depicting the relationship of a tubular member to a suture; -
FIG. 42 is a schematic illustration depicting the manner which the holder ofFIG. 40 engages the tubular member ofFIG. 41 to retain the tubular member in a bent configuration; -
FIG. 43 is a schematic illustration, generally similar toFIG. 41 , of a second embodiment of the tubular member which may be used with a holder which has a construction similar to the construction of the holder ofFIGS. 40 and 42 ; -
FIG. 44 is a schematic illustration, generally similar toFIG. 42 , illustrating the manner in which a holder is used to maintain a plurality of bends in a tubular member through which a suture extends; -
FIG. 45 is a schematic pictorial illustration depicting the manner in which a suture retainer constructed in accordance with the present invention is pressed against body tissue and is utilized to maintain tension in a suture; -
FIG. 46 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken generally along the line 46-46 ofFIG. 45 , and illustrating the manner in which a tubular member is held between upper and lower portions of a holder as the tubular member is bent by the application of axial force to the tubular member; -
FIG. 47 is a schematic sectional view, generally similar toFIG. 46 , illustrating the manner in which one section of the holder is held against movement relative to another section of the holder to retain the tubular member in a bent configuration with the suture extending through the tubular member and holder; -
FIG. 48 is a plan view of a holder which is used in another embodiment of the suture retainer; -
FIG. 49 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 49-49 ofFIG. 48 , further illustrating the construction of the holder; -
FIG. 50 is a plan view of a resiliently deflectable member, illustrating the manner in which a suture is wound in a plurality of turns around the member; -
FIG. 51 is a view taken generally along the line of 51-51 ofFIG. 50 , further illustrating the relationship between the resilient member and the suture; -
FIG. 52 is a schematic illustration depicting the manner in which the resilient member ofFIGS. 50 and 51 is held in a deflected condition by the holder ofFIG. 48 to grip the suture between the holder and the resilient member; -
FIG. 53 is a sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the retainer in which an axially tapered member cooperates with an axially tapered recess in a holder to grip a suture; -
FIG. 54 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the retainer in which internally and externally threaded members cooperate to grip a suture; -
FIG. 55 is a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the retainer in which fingers and recesses on a pair of members cooperate to grip a suture; -
FIG. 56 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 56-56 ofFIG. 55 , illustrating the manner in which a finger of one of the members cooperates to the recess on the other member to grip a suture; -
FIG. 57 is a plan view illustrating the manner in which a suture extends through another embodiment of the retainer; -
FIG. 58 is a schematic sectional view of the retainer ofFIG. 57 , illustrating the manner in which a pair of cam members cooperate to grip a suture; and -
FIG. 59 (on sheet 16 of drawings) illustrates a tissue fixation system used to interconnect thick and thin layers of tissue. - A suture retainer 50 (
FIG. 1 ) is utilized to secure a knownsuture 52 against movement relative tobody tissue 54. Thesuture 52 extends through anouter layer 56 and aninner layer 58 of the body tissue. Thesuture 52 has been illustrated schematically inFIG. 1 as extending throughpassages inner layers body tissue 54. However, thesuture 52 could be sewn through the body tissue without forming thepassages - Although the
suture 52 has been shown inFIG. 1 in association with soft body tissue, it is contemplated that thesuture 52 could be associated with hard body tissue. It is also contemplated that thesuture 52 could extend through a suture anchor in a manner similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,584,862; 5,549,631; and/or 5,527,343. - The
suture 52 has aleft section 66 and aright section 68. The left andright sections suture 62 extend through the suture retainer 50 (FIG. 2 ). If desired, thesuture 52 could be integrally formed as one piece with thesuture retainer 50. If this was done, an end of one of thesections suture 52 would be connected with thesuture retainer 50. - Although the
sections suture 52 could extend straight through thesuture retainer 50, it is preferred to form a plurality of bends in thesuture 52. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, twobends 72 and 74 (FIG. 2 ) are formed in theleft section 66 of thesuture 52. Similarly, twobends right section 66 of thesuture 52. If desired, a greater or lesser number of bends could be formed in each of thesections suture 52. - The
bends 72 and 74 (FIG. 2 ) are formed in theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 by wrapping aturn 82 in the left section of the suture around a portion of thesuture retainer 50. Similarly, thebends right section 68 of thesuture 52 by wrapping aturn 84 in the right section of the suture around a portion of thesuture retainer 50. Asingle loop 86 is formed in theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 around a portion of the suture retainer. Similarly, asingle loop 88 is formed in theright section 68 of thesuture 52 around a portion of thesuture retainer 50. A greater or lesser number of loops could be provided in the left andright sections suture 52 if desired. - The
suture retainer 50 has a spherical configuration. Acylindrical passage 92 extends through the center of thespherical suture retainer 50. If desired, thesuture retainer 50 could have a different configuration. For example, thesuture retainer 50 could have an oval or elliptical configuration. Although thepassage 92 has a linear central axis, the passage could have a nonlinear central axis. If desired, a plurality of passages, having the same or different configurations, could be provided in thesuture retainer 50. - The left and
right sections suture 52 extend through thepassage 92. In addition, the left andright sections suture 52 extend around a sphericalouter side surface 94 of thesuture retainer 50. Thus, theloop 86 in theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 extends around a left (as viewed inFIG. 2 ) hemispherical portion of thesuture retainer 50. Similarly, theloop 88 extends around a right hemispherical portion of thesuture retainer 50. - In the illustrated embodiment of the
suture retainer 50, the left andright sections suture 52 engage the smooth sphericalouter side surface 94 of thesuture retainer 50. However, it is contemplated that grooves could be provided in the outside of thesuture retainer 50 to receive theturns right sections suture 52. Alternatively, projections could extend from the sphericalouter side surface 94 of thesuture retainer 50 to engage thesuture 52. - After the
suture 52 has been inserted through thesuture retainer 50, in the manner illustrated schematically inFIG. 2 , thesuture retainer 50 is moved along the left andright sections FIG. 1 ). To move thesuture retainer 50 along the left andright sections suture 52, the left andright sections FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to tension the sections of the suture. A downward (as viewed inFIG. 1 ) force is then applied against thesuture retainer 50. This downward force causes thesuture retainer 50 to slide in a downward direction along thesuture 52 toward anupper side surface 98 of the body tissue 54 (FIG. 1 ). - As the
suture retainer 50 slides downward along the left andright sections suture 52, force is applied against theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 at thebend 74. This force causesloop 86 in theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 to move downward (as viewed inFIG. 2 ) along the left section of the suture. At the same time, force is applied against theright section 68 of thesuture 52 at thebend 78. This force causes theloop 88 in theright section 68 of thesuture 52 to move downward along the right section of the suture. - The
suture retainer 50 is formed as one piece of a polymeric material having a relatively low coefficient of friction. Therefore, the twosections suture 52 can readily slide along theouter side surface 94 and through thepassage 92 in thesuture retainer 50 as the suture retainer is moved downward toward the upper side surface 98 (FIG. 1 ) of thebody tissue 54. - While a predetermined tension is maintained in the left and
right sections suture 52, thesuture retainer 50 is pressed against theupper side surface 98 of the body tissue 54 (FIG. 3 ). This results in a connector section 102 (FIG. 1 ) of thesuture 52 being pulled tightly against theinner layer 58 of body tissue. In order to obtain a desired tension in the left andright sections connector section 102 of thesuture 52, thesuture retainer 50 is pressed against theupper side surface 98 of the body tissue with a predetermined force, indicated schematically by anarrow 104 in theFIG. 3 . Thesuture retainer 50 increases the surface area on thebody tissue 54 against which force is applied. - Thus, while pulling on upper end portions of the left and
right sections suture 52 with a predetermined force, thesuture retainer 50 is slid downward (as viewed inFIG. 1 ) along the left and right sections of the suture. Thesuture retainer 50 is pressed against thebody tissue 54 with a predetermined force 104 (FIG. 3 ) which is sufficient to obtain a desired tension in the left andright sections connector section 102 of thesuture 52. In this manner, a desired force, which has been preselected, is applied against thebody tissue 54 by thesuture 52 andsuture retainer 50. - Although the
suture retainer 50 applies force against a is far greater surface area on thebody tissue 54 than would be engaged by a know in thesuture 52, a force distribution member or button may be placed between the suture retainer and theupper surface 98 of the body tissue. A second force distribution member or button may be placed between theconnector section 102 of the suture and a lower side surface 108 (FIG. 1 ) of thebody tissue 54. If this is done, the main area of engagement of thesuture 52 with thebody tissue 54 would be at thepassages - In accordance with a feature of the present invention, once the
suture retainer 50 has been moved along thesuture 52 and is being pressed against thebody tissue 54 with a predetermined force 104 (FIG. 3 ), the suture retainer is plastically deformed to grip the left andright sections suture retainer 50 is being pressed against thebody tissue 54 with thepredetermined force 104 and the left andright sections force application members suture retainer 50. The force applied against thesuture retainer 50 by theforce application members - The plastic deformation of the
suture retainer 50 is effective to cause cold flowing of material of the suture retainer. Force indicated byarrows FIG. 3 , is applied against thesuture retainer 50 by theforce application members suture retainer 50 at a temperature below a transition temperature range for the material of the suture retainer. Although the illustratedforce application members - The cold flowing of the material of the
suture retainer 50 results in a collapsing of the passage 92 (FIG. 2 ) and in flowing of the material of thesuture retainer 50 around thesections suture 52. This enables the material of thesuture retainer 50 to bond to and obtain a firm grip on thesuture 52. The cold flowing of the material of thesuture retainer 50 occurs at a temperature which is below the transition temperature of the material forming the suture retainer. - In the illustrated embodiment of the
suture retainer 50, the material of the suture retainer flows around and grips the portion of the suture which was disposed in thepassage 92. In addition, the force applied against theturns force application members turns suture 52 in the material of thesuture retainer 50 to further grip the suture. If the turns 82 and 84 are disposed in grooves in the outside of the suture retainer, the material of the suture retainer would more firmly grip the portion of thesuture 52 forming theturns passage 92 to receive thesections suture 52. - A transducer or load cell 114 (
FIG. 3 ) is connected with theforce application member 112 to measure the amount of force, indicated by thearrows suture retainer 50. Adisplay unit 126 is connected with theload cell 124 and provides an output indicative of the force being applied against opposite sides of thesuture retainer 50 by theforce application members suture retainer 50 for a predetermined minimum time by theforce application members display unit 126 activates anindicator 130 to indicate to a surgeon that the desired plastic deformation of thesuture retainer 50 has occurred. Theforce application members suture retainer 50. - During the time in which the
force application members forces suture retainer 50, the suture retainer is pressed against theupper side surface 98 of thebody tissue 54 with a predetermined force, indicated at 104 inFIG. 3 . In addition, a predetermined tension is maintained insections suture 52 extending upward from thesuture retainer 50. Upon disengagement of theforce application members suture retainer 50, the application of the downward (as viewed inFIG. 3 )force 104 against thesuture retainer 50 is interrupted. The upward tensioning of thesections suture 52 is also interrupted. - The application of the clamping
forces suture retainer 50 causes cold flowing of the material of the suture retainer. As this occurs, the material of thesuture retainer 50 moves between and extends around the portions of the left andright sections suture 52 disposed in the passage 92 (FIG. 2 ). Thus, a portion 134 (FIGS. 2 and 4 ) and aportion 136 of theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 are fully enclosed by the material of thesuture retainer 50. A cold bonding of the material of thesuture retainer 50 with the exterior surfaces of theportions 134 136 of theleft section 66 of the suture retainer securely interconnects the material of the suture retainer and thesuture 52. - Similarly, the
portions right section 68 of thesuture 52 disposed in the passage 92 (FIG. 2 ) are surrounded by and bonded with the material of the suture retainer 50 (FIG. 4 ). The manner in which the material of thesuture retainer 50 extends completely around and is connected with the length orportion 138 of theright section 68 of thesuture 52 is illustrated schematically inFIG. 5 . It should be understood that the permanent deformation of the material of thesuture retainer 50 occurs as a result of compression of the material of the suture retainer while the material is at a temperature close to the temperature of thebody tissue 54. This temperature is below the transition temperature for the material of thesuture retainer 50. - Once the
suture retainer 50 has been plastically deformed to securely grip thesuture 52, the suture may be knotted if desired. Thus, a knot may be formed between the portions of thesections suture 52 which extend upward (as viewed inFIGS. 1-3 ) from theretainer 50. Such a knot would provide additional protection against the suture working loose under the influence of varying loads over an extended period of time. Since thesuture retainer 50 is disposed between the knot and thebody tissue 54, the knot will not reduce the overall force transmitting capability of thesuture 52. However, it is believed that forming a knot in thesections suture 52 adjacent to the upper end of thesuture retainer 50 will not be necessary. - The
suture retainer 50 may be formed of many different materials. However, it is believed that it will be preferred to form thesuture retainer 50 of a biodegradable polymer. One biodegradable polymer which may be utilized is polycaperlactone. Alternatively, thesuture retainer 50 could be formed of polyethylene oxide terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate. It is also contemplated that other biodegradable or bioerodible copolymers could be utilized if desired. - Although it is preferred to form the
suture retainer 50 of a biodegradable material, the suture retainer could be formed of a material which is not biodegradable. For example, the suture retainer could be formed of an acetyl resin, such as “Delrin” (trademark). Alternatively, thesuture retainer 50 could be formed of a para-dimethylamino-benzenediazo sodium sulfonate, such as “Dexon” (trademark). - It is preferred to effect the cold flowing of the material of the
suture retainer 50 without the addition of heat. However, it is contemplated that thesuture retainer 50 could be heated to a temperature which is somewhat above the temperature of thebody tissue 54. If desired, heat could be transmitted to thesuture retainer 50 through theforce application members 112 and 114 (FIG. 3 ). Although thesuture retainer 50 may be heated, the suture retainer would be maintained at a temperature below the transition temperature for the material of the suture retainer. - In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the
suture 52 is separate from thesuture retainer 50. However, one of thesections suture 52 could be fixedly connected with thesuture retainer 50. This could be accomplished with a suitable fastener or by forming thesuture 52 integrally as one piece with the suture retainer. This would result in thesuture retainer 50 sliding along only one of thesections suture 52. - The
suture 52 may be formed of natural or synthetic materials. Thesuture 52 may be a monofilament or may be formed of a plurality of interconnected filaments. Thesuture 52 may be biodegradable or nonbiodegradable. It may be preferred to form thesuture 52 of the same material as thesuture retainer 50. However, thesuture 52 could be formed of a material which is different than the material of the suture retainer. - The use of the
suture retainer 50 eliminates the necessity of forming a knot in thesuture 52. By eliminating the formation of a knot in thesuture 52, the overall force transmitting capability of the suture is increased. In addition to increasing the overall force transmitting capability of thesuture 52, thesuture retainer 50 increases the surface area on the body tissue 54 (FIG. 1 ) against which force is applied by the suture. This tends to minimize any tendency for thesuture 52 to cut or separate the body tissue. - It is believed that it may be preferred to position the left and
right sections suture 52 relative to the body tissue 54 (FIG. 1 ) before winding the two sections of the suture around thesuture retainer 50. However, one of thesections suture 52 may be wound around thesuture retainer 50 before the suture is positioned in thepassages body tissue 54. For example, theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 may e wound around thesuture retainer 52 to form thebends FIG. 2 ) while the suture is spaced from thebody tissue 54. Theright section 68 of the suture is then inserted through thepassages 60 and 62 (FIG. 1 ) in thebody tissue 54. Theright section 68 of thesuture 52 is then wound around thesuture retainer 50 to form thebends FIG. 2 ). - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 1-5 ,complete loops sections suture 52. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 6-8 , partial loops are formed in each of the sections of the suture. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 6-8 is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-5 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. It should be understood that one or more features of the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-5 may be used with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 6-8 . - A
suture retainer 150 is utilized to secure asuture 52 against movement relative to body tissue. Thesuture 52 hassections FIGS. 1-5 . Although thesuture 52 is illustrated inFIG. 1 in association with soft body tissue, it is contemplated that thesuture 52 could be utilized in association with hard body tissue and/or one or more suture anchors. - The
suture retainer 150 includes a rectangular base orbody section 152 and a movable post or lockingsection 154. The post or lockingsection 154 is integrally formed as one piece with thebase 152. The post or locking section is hingedly connected with the base 152 at aconnection 156. Thepost 154 is pivotal relative to the base at theconnection 156 in the manner indicated schematically by thearrow 158 inFIG. 6 . - The
base 152 has acentral groove 162 which is aligned with thepost 154. Thegroove 162 has a rectangular cross sectional configuration. Thegroove 162 has a cross sectional area which is greater than the cross sectional area of thepost 154. In the illustrated embodiment of thesuture retainer 150, thepost 154 and groove 162 both have a rectangular cross sectional configuration. However, the post and groove could have a different cross sectional configuration if desired. For example, thepost 154 and groove 162 could have a semi-circular cross sectional configuration. - The
base 152 has a pair of flat rectangular upper (as viewed inFIGS. 6 and 7 ) side surfaces 166 and 168. The flat side surfaces 166 and 168 extend in opposite directions from thegroove 162 and extend parallel to a flat rectangularbottom surface 170. Thesuture retainer 150 is formed from a single piece of a biodegradable polymer, such as polycaperlactone. Of course, other biodegradable or bioerodible copolymers could be utilized to form thesuture retainer 150. It is contemplated that thesuture retainer 150 may be formed of materials which are not biodegradable. - When the
suture retainer 150 is to be utilized to hold thesections suture 52 against movement relative to body tissue, thepost 154 is pivoted from its initial or extended position, shown inFIG. 6 , to its engaged or locking position, shown inFIG. 7 . As thepost 154 is pivoted to the engaged position ofFIG. 7 , aflat side surface 174 of the post is pressed against thesections groove 162. The post is effective to clamp or hold thesections suture 52 against movement relative to the base 152 upon movement of the post to the engaged position shown inFIG. 7 . - Once the
post 154 has been moved to the engaged position shown inFIG. 7 , thebase 152 is bent from the flat orientation ofFIGS. 6 and 7 to the folded orientation ofFIG. 8 . Once thebase 152 has been folded, a pair offorce application members outer surface 170 of the base. Theforce application members arrows FIG. 8 , to apply pressure against thesuture retainer 150. - At this time, the
suture retainer 150 is at a temperature below the transition temperature of the material forming the suture retainer. Thus, thesuture retainer 150 is at a temperature which is approximately the same as the temperature of the body tissue relative to which thesuture retainer 150 is being utilized to secure thesuture 52. The force applied against thesuture retainer 150 by theforce application members suture retainer 150 under the influence of the force applied against the suture retainer by theforce application members - A transducer or
load cell 124 measures theforce base 152 of thesuture retainer 150. Theload cell 124 provides an output signal to adisplay unit 126. The output signal provided by thetransducer 124 corresponds to the magnitude of the force applied against opposite sides of thesuture retainer 150 by themembers - After a predetermined minimum force has been applied against opposite sides of the
suture retainer 150 for a sufficient period of time to effect a cold flowing of the material of the suture retainer, an output signal from thedisplay unit 126 activates anindicator 130. The output from theindicator 130 indicates to a surgeon and/or other medical personnel that the force has been applied against opposite sides of thesuture retainer 150 by theforce application members suture retainer 150 results in a secure interconnection between the material of thesuture retainer 150 and thesections suture 52. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 6-8 , thesuture 52 is separate from thesuture retainer 150. However, thesuture 52 could be fixedly connected to or integrally formed as one piece with thesuture retainer 150. For example, thebase 152 could be integrally formed with thesection 66 of thesuture 52 if desired. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 1-5 , thesections suture 52 extend through a passage formed in aspherical suture retainer 50. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 9-12 , the sections of the suture extend along a groove formed in the outside of a suture retainer. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 9-12 is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-5 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. It should be understood that one or more features of the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-8 may be used with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 9-12 . - A suture retainer 180 (
FIG. 9 ) is utilized to secure asuture 52 against movement relative tobody tissue 54. Although thebody tissue 54 is soft body tissue, it is contemplated that the suture retainer 180 could be utilized to secure thesuture 52 against movement relative to hard body tissue, such as bone. The suture retainer 180 may be used either with or without a suture anchor. - The suture retainer 180 has a cylindrical main section or body 184. The body 184 has a cylindrical outer side surface 186. Flat circular end surfaces 188 and 190 extend perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of the cylindrical side surface 186. In the illustrated embodiment of the suture retainer 180, the body 184 is cylindrical and has a linear longitudinal central axis. If desired, the body 184 could be rectangular and/or have a nonlinear longitudinal central axis.
- A helical groove 194 is formed in the body 184. The helical groove 194 has a constant pitch. Therefore, turns of the groove 194 are equally spaced. However, if desired, the pitch of the turns of the groove 194 could vary along the length of the body 184.
- The helical groove 194 has a central axis which is coincident with the central axis of the body 184 and cylindrical outer side surface 186 of the suture retainer 180. A radially inner portion of the helical groove 194 defines a right circular cylinder which is coaxial with the outer side surface 186 of the body 184. However, the radially inner portion of the helical groove 194 could define a right circular cone or other configuration if desired.
- The left and
right sections suture 52 extend through the groove 194 and aroundbody tissue 54. It is believed that it will be advantageous to provide the helical groove 194 with retainers or bridge sections 198 and 200 which extend across the open ends of the helical groove. The bridge sections 198 and 200 are integrally formed as one piece with the body 184. The bridge sections 198 and 200 prevent thesections suture 52 from pulling out of the helical groove 194 during positioning of the suture retainer 180 in a human patient's body. However, the bridge sections 198 and 200 may be omitted if desired. - The helical groove 194 has a generally U-shaped cross sectional configuration (
FIG. 10 ). Thus, the helical groove 194 has an open mouth or entrance 204. A pair of side surfaces 206 and 208 slope radially inward and axially upward (as viewed inFIGS. 9 and 10 ) from the entrance 204. An arcuate bottom surface 210 of the groove 194 extends between the side surfaces 206 and 208. - The
section 66 of thesuture 52 is disposed in engagement with the bottom surface 210 of the helical groove 194. Thesection 68 of thesuture 52 is disposed in engagement with thesection 66 of the suture (FIG. 10 ). If desired, the size of the arcuate bottom surface 210 of the groove 194 could be increased to enable bothsections suture 52 to engage the bottom surface. - The groove 194 may be provided with a configuration similar to the configuration shown in
FIG. 11 . Thus, inFIG. 11 , the side surfaces 206 and 208 of the helical groove 194 extend inward from the open entrance 204 to an arcuate bottom surface 210 which forms a major portion of a circle. The bottom surface 210 ofFIG. 11 defines a recess 214 in which the twosections FIG. 11 . - The cylindrical body 184 of the suture retainer 180 is molded from a single piece of a biodegradable polymer. For example, the body 184 of the suture retainer 180 may be molded from polycaperlactone. Alternatively, the body 184 of the suture retainer 180 could be molded of polyethylene oxide terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate. Of course, the body 184 of the suture retainer 180 could be molded as one piece of other biodegradable or bioerodible copolymers if desired. Although it is preferred to form the body 184 of biodegradable materials, the body could be formed of materials which are not biodegradable. For example, the body 184 could be formed of “Delrin” (trademark).
- The left and
right sections 66 and 68 (FIG. 9 ) of thesuture 52 are inserted into the helical groove 194 in the body 184 of the suture retainer 180. At this time, the body 184 of the suture retainer 180 is spaced from thebody tissue 54. It is believed that insertion of the left andright sections suture 52 into the helical groove 194 will be facilitated if the bridge sections 198 and 200 are omitted. However, if the bridge sections 198 and 200 are omitted, difficulty may be encountered in maintaining thesections suture 52 in the helical groove 194. - As the left and
right sections suture 52 are inserted into the helical groove 194 (FIG. 9 ), the sections of the suture are wrapped around the body 184 of the suture retainer 180. As this occurs, a plurality of helical loops are formed in the left andright sections suture 52. Once thesuture 52 has been inserted into the helical groove 194, a plurality of circular turns are maintained in the left andright sections suture 52 by the helical groove 194. Therefore, a continuous series of smooth arcuate bends, which are free of stress inducing discontinuities, is maintained in thesuture 52 by the helical groove 194. - After the
suture 52 has been inserted into the helical groove 194, the suture retainer 180 is moved along the suture toward the body tissue 54 (FIG. 9 ). During this movement of the suture retainer 180 along thesuture 52, the left andright sections FIGS. 10 and 11 ) results in the left andright sections right sections suture 52 as the suture retainer 180 moves toward thebody tissue 54. - As the suture retainer 180 moves toward the body tissue 54 (
FIG. 9 ), the left and/orright sections suture 52 slide along the arcuate bottom surface 210 (FIG. 10 ) of the groove 194. The groove 194 imparts a helical configuration to the portion of thesuture 52 disposed in the groove. As the body 184 of the suture retainer 180 moves downward toward thebody tissue 54, the portion of thesuture 52 having a helical configuration moves downward toward the body tissue. - As the suture retainer 180 is slid along the tensioned
sections suture 52, the tensioning force in the suture pulls the suture toward the bottom surface 210 of the helical groove 194. The biodegradable copolymer forming the body 184 of the suture retainer 180 has a low coefficient of friction. This minimizes the force 220 required to move the suture retainer along the left andright sections suture 52 toward thebody tissue 54. - The suture retainer 180 is moved along the taut left and
right sections suture 52 until the leading end surface 190 of the body 184 of the suture retainer 180 engages the body tissue 54 (FIG. 9 ). The force 220 is then increased to a predetermined magnitude while maintaining a predetermined tension in the left andright sections suture 52. This results in thesuture 52 being pulled tightly around the body tissue and exerting a predetermined force against the body tissue. - It is contemplated that the magnitude of the force 220 (
FIG. 9 ) with which the suture retainer 190 is pressed against thebody tissue 54 will be measured to be certain that the force has a desired magnitude. The force 220 may be measured with a suitable transducer, such as a load cell or a force measuring device having a spring which is compressed to a predetermined extent by the application of the desired force against thebody tissue 54. Rather than engaging thebody tissue 54 directly with the leading end surface 190 of the suture retainer 180, a suitable force transmitting member, such a button, could be provided between the suture retainer and the body tissue. - While the suture retainer 180 is being pressed against the
body tissue 54 with the predetermined force 220 and thesections suture 52 are being tensioned with a predetermined force, the left andright sections suture 52 are gripped by plastically deforming the material of the suture retainer. To plastically deform the material of the suture retainer, a plurality of force application members 224, 226 and 228 (FIG. 12 ) are pressed against the cylindrical outer side surface 186 of the suture retainer 180. Since the outer side surface 186 of the suture retainer 180 has a cylindrical configuration, the force application members 224, 226 and 228 have an arcuate configuration and are formed as portions of a circle. However, the force application members 224, 226 and 228 could have the flat configuration of theforce application members FIG. 3 . - The force application members 224, 226 and 228 are pressed against the outer side surface 186 of the suture retainer 180 with a predetermined force, indicated by the arrows 232 in
FIG. 12 . This force has a magnitude and is applied for a length of time sufficient to cause cold flowing of the material of the body 184 of the suture retainer 180. The plastic deformation of the material of the body 194 of the suture retainer 180 results in the helical groove 194 being collapsed and the material of the suture retainer being pressed against the left andright sections suture 52. The resulting cold bonding of the material of the suture retainer 180 with the left andright sections suture 52 secures in the suture retainer against movement relative to the suture. - The cold flowing of the material of the body 184 of the suture retainer 180 occurs with the body of the suture retainer at substantially the same temperature as the temperature of the body tissue 54 (
FIG. 9 ). Thus, the cold flowing of the material of the body 184 of the suture retainer 180 occurs at a temperature below the transition temperature of the material forming the body 184 of the suture retainer 180. However, if desired, some heat may be added to the body 184 to facilitate plastic deformation of the body of the suture retainer 180. - The suture retainer 180 eliminates the necessity of forming a knot in the
suture 52. The formation of a knot in thesuture 52 would cause a stress concentration in the suture and would decrease the overall force transmitting capability of the suture. By eliminating the knot, the overall force transmitting capability of thesuture 52 is increased. However, if desired, a knot could be formed in thesections suture 52 at a location above (as viewed inFIG. 1 ) the suture retainer 180. Since the suture retainer 180 would be disposed between this knot and thebody tissue 54, the knot would not decrease the overall force transmitting capability of thesuture 52. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 9-12 , a single helical groove 194 is formed in the body 184 of the suture retainer 180. It is contemplated that a pair of spaced apart helical grooves could be formed in the body 184 of the suture retainer 180. If this was done, the two helical grooves would be wrapped in the same direction around the body 184 of the suture retainer 180 and would be offset from each other by 180N about the circumference of the cylindrical body of the suture retainer. Theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 would be disposed in one of the helical grooves and theright section 68 of the suture would be disposed in the other helical groove. - By having a pair of spaced apart helical grooves in the body 184 of the suture retainer 180, in the manner set forth in the preceding paragraph, the left and
right sections suture 52 would exit from the lower (as viewed inFIG. 9 end of the suture retainer at diametrically opposite locations on the circular end surface 190. This embodiment of the suture retainer 180 would have the advantage of having a relatively large area of engagement with thebody tissue 54. Thus, the tension in the suture would press the flat circular end surface 190 on the suture retainer against the body tissue. - In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the
suture 52 is separate from the suture retainer 180. However, if desired, thesuture 52 could be fixedly connected with or integrally formed as one piece with the suture retainer. For example, theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 could be fixedly connected with the body 184 of the suture retainer 180 by a suitable fastener. If this was done, only theright section 68 of thesuture 52 would be received in the groove 194. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 9-12 , the left andright sections suture 52 are wrapped in the same direction around the cylindrical body 184 of the suture retainer 180. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 13-16 , the sections of the suture are wrapped in opposite directions around a conical body of a suture retainer. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 13-16 is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 9-12 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. It should be understood that one or more features of the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-12 may be used with the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 13-16 . - A suture 52 (
FIG. 13 ) has left andright sections conical body 242 of asuture retainer 244. Thus, as viewed from above, theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 is wrapped in a counterclockwise direction around thebody 242 of thesuture retainer 244. Theright section 68 of thesuture 52 is wrapped in a clockwise direction around thebody 242 of thesuture retainer 244. - The left and
right sections suture 52 are wrapped for approximately 1½ turns around thebody 242 of thesuture retainer 244. Therefore, theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 moves from the left side of the upper end (as viewed inFIG. 13 ) of thebody 242 of thesuture retainer 244 to the right side of the lower end of the body of the suture retainer. Similarly, theright section 68 of thesuture 52 moves from the upper right side of thebody 242 of thesuture retainer 244 to the lower left side of the body of the suture retainer. - If the two
sections suture 52 were wrapped around thebody 242 of thesuture retainer 244 for complete turns, the sections of the suture would be on the same side of thebody 242 at the top and bottom of the suture retainer. For example, if thesuture 52 was wrapped two complete turns around thebody 242, theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 would be disposed at the left side of both the upper and lower ends of thebody 242. Similarly, theright section 68 of thesuture 52 could be disposed at the right side of both the upper and lower ends of thebody 242 of the suture retainer. - The
body 242 of thesuture retainer 244 is formed as a portion of a right circular cone. Thebody 242 of thesuture retainer 244 has anouter side surface 248 with an axially downward (as viewed inFIG. 13 ) and radially inward tapering configuration. Theconical body 242 of thesuture retainer 244 has parallel circular end surfaces 252 and 254 which extend perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of the conical body. The circular end surfaces 252 and 254 are disposed in a coaxial relationship. Theupper end surface 252 has a larger diameter than thelower end surface 254. - A pair of
helical grooves 258 and 260 (FIGS. 13-16 ) are formed in theconical body 242. Thehelical grooves conical body 242. Thus, the diameter of the turns of thegrooves FIG. 13 ) from theupper end surface 252 to thelower end surface 254. Thehelical grooves - The
helical grooves conical body 242 of thesuture retainer 244. Thus, as viewed from above, thehelical groove 258 is wrapped in a counterclockwise direction around thebody 242 of thesuture retainer 244. Thehelical groove 260 is wrapped in a clockwise direction around thebody 242 of thesuture retainer 244. - The
helical grooves helical groove 258 beings at the upper left (as viewed inFIG. 13 ) side of thebody 242 and thehelical groove 260 begins at the upper right side of thebody 242. The entrances to thehelical grooves upper end surface 252 of thebody 242. Thehelical groove 258 ends at the lower right (as viewed inFIG. 13 ) side of thebody 242. Thehelical groove 260 ends at the lower left side of thebody 242. The exits from thehelical grooves lower end surface 254 of thebody 242. This results in the relatively largelower end surface 254 of thebody 242 being disposed between the left andright sections suture 52 and exposed to body tissue. - The
groove 258 has an axially upward and radially inward sloping configuration (FIG. 14 ). Thegroove 258 has a helical open mouth orentrance 264. Thegroove 258 has a pair of axially upward and radially inward sloping side surfaces 266 and 268. The side surfaces 266 and 268 are interconnected by anarcuate bottom surface 270. Thegroove 258 has the same depth and cross sectional configuration throughout the extent of the groove. - Although only the
groove 258 is illustrated inFIG. 14 , it should be understood that thegroove 260 has the same cross sectional configuration as thegroove 258. The twogrooves conical body 242. It is contemplated that thegrooves grooves FIG. 11 if desired. - The
grooves conical body 242 in the manner illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16 . At the intersections between thegrooves right sections suture 52 overlap (FIG. 16 ). The number of intersections ofgrooves grooves body 242. -
Bridge sections 274 and 276 (FIG. 13 ) are provided across opposite ends of thegroove 258 to facilitate in retaining thesuture section 66 in the groove. Similarly,bridge sections 278 and 280 are provided across opposite ends of thegroove 260 to facilitate in retaining thesuture section 68 in thegroove 260. If desired, thebridge sections - In addition to the
conical body 242, thesuture retainer 244 includes a cylindrical sleeve 284 (FIG. 13 ). Thetubular sleeve 284 has a cylindricalouter side surface 286 and a conicalinner side surface 288. The inner and outer side surfaces 286 and 288 are disposed in coaxial relationship. The conicalinner side surface 288 of thesleeve 284 tapers axially inward and downward (as viewed inFIG. 13 ) at the same angle as does the conicalouter side surface 248 of thebody 242. - Although the conical
inner side surface 288 of thesleeve 284 has been schematically illustrated inFIG. 13 as having an inside diameter which is greater than the outside diameter of theconical body 242, it is contemplated that theconical body 242 will have substantially the same diameter as theinner side surface 288 of thesleeve 284. Therefore, when thecircular end surface 252 on theconical body 242 is axially aligned with anannular end surface 292 on the sleeve 284 (as shown inFIG. 13 ), theouter side surface 248 on theconical body 242 will be disposed in abutting engagement with theinner side surface 288 on thesleeve 286. Of course, if the conicalinner side surface 288 of thesleeve 284 has a larger diameter than the conicalouter side surface 248 of thebody 242, axially downward (as viewed inFIG. 13 ) movement of theconical body 242 relative to thesleeve 284 will result in abutting engagement between theinner side surface 288 of the sleeve and theouter side surface 248 of the conical body. - The
conical body 242 and thesleeve 284 are both formed of a biodegradable polymer, such as polycaperlactone. However, theconical body 242 and thesleeve 284 could be formed of polyethylene oxide terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate if desired. Other biodegradable or bioerodible copolymers could be utilized if desired. It is contemplated that it may be desired to form theconical body 242 andsleeve 284 of a polymer which is not biodegradable. Theconical body 242 andsleeve 284 could be formed of two different materials if desired. - When the
suture retainer 244 is to be positioned in a human patient's body, the left andright sections sleeve 284. Thesections suture 52 are then wrapped around theconical body 242 in thegrooves sleeve 284 may then be moved along thesuture 252 to the desired position in a patient's body. - It is believed that it will be preferred to position the left and
right sections suture 52 relative to the body tissue before winding the two sections of the suture around thebody 242. However, one of thesections suture 52 may be wound around thebody 242 and inserted through thesleeve 284 before the suture is positioned relative to the body tissue. After thesuture 52 has been positioned relative to the body tissue, the other section of the suture would be inserted through thesleeve 284 and wound around thebody 242. - When the
suture 52 has been positioned relative to the body tissue andsuture retainer 244, thesections suture 52 are tensioned as a force 296 (FIG. 13 ) is applied to theconical body 242. Theforce 296 is sufficient to cause theconical body 242 of thesuture retainer 244 to slide axially along thesections sleeve 284. As this occurs, theouter side surface 248 on theconical body 242 moves into engagement with theinner side surface 288 on thesleeve 284. Theforce 296 is then effective to press theouter side surface 248 on theconical body 242 firmly against theinner side surface 288 of the sleeve. - The
force 296 is also effective to press both theend surface 254 of theconical body 242 and anannular end surface 300 of thesleeve 284 against the body tissue. While the let andright sections force 296 is increased. After thesuture retainer 244 has been pressed against the body tissue with apredetermined force 296 sufficient to cause thesuture 52 to grip the body tissue with a desired tension, force applicator members, similar to the force applicator members 224, 226 and 228 ofFIG. 12 , compress thesleeve 284. The manner in which force is applied against thesleeve 284 is indicated schematically byarrows FIG. 13 . If desired, one or more axial slot may be provided through a portion of thesleeve 284 to facilitate compression of the sleeve. - The force applied against the
sleeve 284, indicated schematically at 302 and 304, causes radially inward plastic deformation of the sleeve. This force is transmitted through the sleeve to theconical body 242. The force transmitted to theconical body 242 causes a collapsing of thegrooves grooves conical body 242 is plastically deformed and firmly grips or bonds to the outer side surfaces of the left andright sections suture 52. Thesleeve 284 bonds to the material of theconical body 242. - The
sleeve 284 andconical body 242 of thesuture retainer 244 are at a temperature below the transition temperature of the material forming the sleeve and conical body when they are compressed by the force indicated schematically at 302 and 304 inFIG. 13 . This results in cold flowing of the material of both thesleeve 284 and thesuture retainer 244 under the influence of theforce force sleeve 284 andconical body 242. This plastic deformation or cold flow of the material of thesleeve 284 andconical body 242 occurs at a temperature which is substantially the same as the temperature of the body tissue with which thesuture 52 is connected. - If desired, cold flowing of the material of the
sleeve 284 andconical body 244 could be promoted by the addition of heat. Thus, thesleeve 284 andconical body 244 may be preheated before being moved into engagement with the body tissue. If desired, heat could be transmitted to thesleeve 284 andconical body 242 during application of he force 302 and 304. During the application of theforce sleeve 284, both theconical body 242 andsleeve 284 are at a temperature below the transition temperature of the material of the conical body and sleeve. - Once the
suture retainer 284 has been plastically deformed to securely grip thesuture 52, the suture may be knotted. Thus, a knot may be formed in the upper (as viewed inFIG. 13 )end portions suture 52. The knot would pull thesections upper side surface 252 of theconical body 242. This knot would not decrease the overall force transmitting capability of thesuture 52 since thesuture retainer 244 would be disposed between the knot and the body tissue. Although such a knot would provide additional assurance that the suture will not work loose, it is believed that the knot is not necessary. - The tension in the
suture 52 will press theannular end surface 300 on thesleeve 284 and thecircular end surface 254 on theconical body 242 against the body tissue. Due to the relative large combined area of the end surfaces 254 and 300, the tension forces in thesuture 52 will be applied to a relatively large area on the body tissue by thesuture retainer 244. Since thesuture retainer 244 applies force to a relatively large surface area on the body tissue and since the overall strength of thesuture 52 is not impaired by thesuture retainer 244, relatively large forces can be transmitted through the suture to the body tissue. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 13-16 , thehelical grooves right sections suture 52 being disposed in overlapping engagement at the intersections between thegrooves right sections suture 52 increases the resistance of thesuture retainer 244 to slipping of one section of the suture relative to the other section of the suture. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 13-16 , the central axis of theconical body 242 of thesuture retainer 244 extends along thesections suture 52. In the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 17-19 , a central axis of a circular body of the suture retainer extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the suture during movement of the suture retainer toward the body tissue. Since the suture retainer of the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 17-19 is similar to the suture retainer of the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 13-16 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. It should be understood that one or more features of the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-16 may be used with the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 17-19 . - A suture retainer 312 (
FIGS. 17 and 18 ) includes acylindrical housing 314 and arotatable cylinder 316. Thehousing 314 encloses therotatable cylinder 316. Therotatable cylinder 316 has a central axis which is coincident with the central axis of thecylindrical housing 314. - The
cylinder 316 is supported for rotation relative to thehousing 314 by bearingsections 320 and 322 (FIG. 17 ). The bearingsections housing 314. The bearingsections rotatable cylinder 316. The bearingsections cylinder 316 in a coaxial relationship with thehousing 314. - Left and
right sections suture 52 extend into thehousing 314 throughcylindrical openings sections suture 52 extend from thehousing 314 throughopenings openings cylinder 316. - The
left section 66 of thesuture 52 extends through theopening 326 into thehousing 314. Theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 is wrapped in a clockwise direction (as viewed inFIG. 18 ) around thecylinder 316 and extends from thehousing 314 through theopening 330. Similarly, the right section 68 (FIG. 17 ) of thesuture 52 extends into thehousing 314 through theopening 328. Theright section 68 of thesuture 52 is wrapped in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed inFIG. 18 , around thecylinder 316. The turns in the left andright sections suture 52 are axially spaced apart along the cylindrical outer side surface of thecylinder 316. If desired, helical grooves may be provided in thecylinder 316 to receive the turns of the left andright sections - The
cylindrical housing 314 is formed of a biodegradable polymeric material. Thecylinder 316 is also formed of a biodegradable polymeric material. However, the material of thecylinder 316 is harder than the material of thehousing 314. The material of thecylinder 316 has a lower coefficient of friction than the material of thehousing 314. The material of thehousing 314 is easier to plastically deform than the material of thecylinder 316. Of course, the housing andcylinder - When the
suture retainer 312 is to be positioned relative to body tissue (not shown), the left andright sections housing 312 is then pushed downward (as viewed inFIGS. 17 and 18 ) in the manner indicated schematically by anarrow 336 inFIG. 18 . As this occurs, the turns or wraps of thesections rotatable cylinder 316. The oppositely wound loops in thesections suture 52 move downward along the suture toward the body tissue as theretainer 312 moves downward along the suture toward the body tissue. - Although there will be some rotational movement of the
cylinder 316 relative to thehousing 314, the position of thecylinder 316 relative to thehousing 314 remains substantially constant during a major portion of the movement of thesuture retainer 312 along thesuture 52 toward the body tissue. This is because the left andright sections cylinder 316. This results in the portion of the loop in theleft section 66 of the suture tending to rotate thecylinder 316 in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed inFIG. 18 ). At the same time, the loop formed in theright section 68 of thesuture 52 tends to rotate thecylinder 316 in a clockwise direction (as viewed inFIG. 18 ). - Since the two
sections suture 52 tend to urge thecylinder 316 to rotate in opposite directions, the cylinder tends to remain more or less stationary relative to thehousing 314. The loops in the left andright sections suture 52 slide along the cylindrical outer side surface of thecylinder 316. However, it should be understood that there will be some rotational movement of thecylinder 316 relative to thehousing 314 as thesuture retainer 312 is moved toward the body tissue. - Once the
housing 314 of thesuture retainer 312 is moved into engagement with the body tissue, the tension is maintained in thesections suture 52. The force 336 (FIG. 18 ) pressing thesuture retainer 312 against the body tissue is increased. Thesuture retainer 312 is pressed against the body tissue with a force, indicated schematically by thearrow 336 inFIG. 18 , which is sufficient to provide a desired tension in the portion of thesuture 52 engaging the body tissue. - The material of the
suture retainer 312 is then plastically deformed. The plastic deformation of thesuture retainer 312 is accomplished by applying force against opposite sides of thehousing 314 with a pair offorce application members 340 and 342 (FIG. 18 ). The force applied against thesuture retainer 312 by theforce application members housing 314 against thesections cylinder 316 by cold flowing material of the housing. - A large gap has been shown between the cylindrical outer side surface of the
cylinder 316 and a cylindrical inner side surface of thehousing 314 inFIG. 18 . However, it should be understood that this annular gap will be relatively small so that the material of thehousing 314 can readily cold flow into engagement with the turns of thesections suture 52 andcylinder 316. The force applied against thehousing 314 also plastically deforms and causes cold flowing of the material of thecylinder 316 to provide a secure bond or grip between the material of thecylinder 316 and thesuture 52. - A transducer or
load cell 346 is associated with theforce application member 342 and provides an output to adisplay unit 348. After a predetermined minimum force has been applied to thesuture retainer 312 by theforce application members display unit 348 to anindicator 350 activates the indicator to provide a signal that the desired plastic deformation of thesuture retainer 312 has been obtained. - If desired, a knot may be tied between the left and
right sections suture 52 adjacent to a side of thehousing 314 opposite from a side of the housing which is pressed against the body tissue by the suture. The knot would be pulled tight against the housing at a location between theopenings suture retainer 312 is between the knot and the body tissue, the knot would not impair the force transmitting capability of thesuture 52. - In
FIGS. 17 and 18 , thesections suture 52 are wrapped in opposite directions around thecylinder 316. This results in offsetting forces being applied to thecylinder 316 by the turns in thesections suture 52 during movement of thesuture retainer 312 along the suture toward the body tissue. InFIG. 19 , the left andright sections suture 52 are wrapped in the same direction around thecylinder 316. This results in the turns or loops in thesections suture 52 applying force to thecylinder 316 urging the cylinder to rotate in the same direction during movement of thesuture retainer 312 along thesections sections suture 52 are wrapped in the same direction around thecylinder 316, the cylinder will freely rotate relative to thehousing 314 as thesuture retainer 312 is moved along thesuture 52 toward the body tissue. - The overall force transmitting capability of the
suture 52 is not impaired by thesuture retainer 312. This is because the turns of the loops formed in the left and right sections of thesuture 52 around thecylinder 316 do not form stress concentrations in the suture. If a knot had been used to interconnect the left andright sections suture 52, in the manner taught by the prior art, the resulting stress concentration would reduce the overall force transmitting capability of thesuture 52. - The
cylindrical housing 314 increases the surface area on body tissue against which force is applied by tension in thesuture 52 after thesuture retainer 312 has been plastically deformed to grip the suture. This increases the amount of force which may be transmitted through thesuture 52 without damaging the body tissue. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 17-19 , thecylinder 316 is rotatable relative to thehousing 314. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 20 , cylinders are fixedly connected with the housing. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 20 is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 17-19 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. It should be understood that one or more features of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in,FIGS. 1-19 may be used with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 20 . - A
suture retainer 356 includes arectangular housing 358 which encloses a plurality ofcylinders lower side walls housing 358. Opposite end portions of the cylinders 360-366 are fixedly connected with rectangular end walls (not shown) of thehousing 358. The central axes of the cylinders 360-366 extend perpendicular to the housing end walls to which the cylinders are fixedly connected. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 20 , the cylinders 360-366 are formed of a biodegradable material which is relatively hard. Thehousing 358 is formed of a biodegradable material which is relatively soft. By forming thehousing 358 of a biodegradable material which is relatively soft, plastic deformation of the housing is facilitated. The relatively hard biodegradable material forming the cylinders 360-366 has a low coefficient of friction. Although it is preferred to form the cylinders 360-66 andhousing 358 of biodegradable materials having different hardnesses, the cylinders and housing could be formed of biodegradable or nonbiodegradable materials having the same hardness if desired. - A
suture 52 has left andright sections left section 66 of thesuture 52 is looped around thecylinders right section 68 of thesuture 52 is looped around thecylinders cylinders left section 66 of thesuture 52. Similarly, thecylinders right section 68 of thesuture 52. The smooth, continuous bends in thesections suture 52 are free of stress inducing discontinuities. If desired, a greater or lesser number of bends could be maintained in thesections suture 52 by a greater or lesser number of cylinders. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 20 , there is a single partial turn of theleft section 66 of the suture around each of thecylinders right section 68 of thesuture 52 around each of thecylinders sections suture 52. For example, theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 could be wrapped for one complete revolution around thecylinder 360 and then wrapped for a partial revolution around thecylinder 360 before extending to thecylinder 362. Similarly, theright section 68 of thesuture 52 could be wrapped for one complete revolution around thecylinder 366 and then wrapped for a partial revolution around thecylinder 364 before exiting from thehousing 358. - After the
suture 52 has been wrapped around the cylinders 360-366 in the manner illustrated schematically inFIG. 20 , thesuture retainer 356 is moved along thesections suture 52 toward body tissue. As thehousing 358 is moved downward (as viewed inFIG. 20 ), toward the body tissue, the left andright sections suture 52 slide along the outer side surfaces of the cylinders 360-366. As this occurs, the cylinders 360-366 cooperate to maintain a plurality of bends in each of thesections suture 52. - Once the
housing 358 has been pressed against the body tissue with apredetermined force 376 while a predetermined tension is maintained in the left andright sections suture 52, thehousing 358 is plastically deformed to grip thesuture 52. Thus, force, indicated byarrows FIG. 20 supplied against a side of thehousing 358 opposite from theforce 376. This force is effective to plastically deform the material of the housing and to press the material of the housing against the cylinders 360-366 and against thesections suture 52. - As the forces indicated by the
arrows housing 358, the material of the housing cold flows under the influence of the force. This cold flow of the material of the housing results in the left andright sections right sections suture 52. Since the material forming the cylinders 360-366 is relatively hard, compared to the material forming thehousing 358, the housing will deform to a greater extent than the cylinders during cold flow of the material of the housing. However, there will be some plastic deformation of the cylinders 360-366. - The force transmitting capability of the
suture 52 is enhanced by minimizing stress concentrations in the suture and by transmitting force from thehousing 358 to a large area on the body tissue. The bends formed in thesuture 52 around the cylinders 360-366 are free of abrupt stress inducing discontinuities. Thehousing 358 transmits force to the body tissue located between the opposite sides of the left andright sections suture 52. Therefore, stress concentrations in both the body tissue and thesuture 52 tend to be minimized. If desired, a knot may be tied between the upper (as viewed inFIG. 20 ) end portions of the left andright sections suture 52. Although such a knot would provide additional assurance that thesuture 52 will not work loose, it is believed that the knot will not be necessary. - One of the ends of the suture could be fixedly connected with the
housing 358. This could be done by forming thesuture 52 as one piece with thehousing 358 or by using a fastener. If one end of the suture is fixedly connected with thehousing 358, one of the sets of cylinders, for example, thecylinders - In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 9-20 , bends are formed in the left andright sections suture 52 by circular surfaces. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 21 and 22 , the bends are formed in the suture by passages through a rectangular member. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 21 and 22 is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 9-20 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. It should be understood that one or more of the features of the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-20 may be used with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 21-22 . - A
suture retainer 390 is formed in a single rectangular piece of biodegradable material. Thesuture retainer 390 includes arectangular body 392 formed of a suitable biodegradable material. However, therectangular body 392 could be formed of a non-biodegradable material if desired. - A plurality of
parallel passages body 392. The left andright sections suture 52 zig-zag through thepassages sections suture 52 zig-zag through thepassages - The
passages body 392 of thesuture retainer 390 cooperate to form smooth,continuous bends FIG. 21 ) in thesections suture 52. Thus, the left andright sections suture 52 extend through thestraight passage 394.Bends sections passage 394 and thepassage 396. Similarly, bends 410 and 412 are formed in thesections suture 52 disposed between thepassages rectangular body 392, additional bends would be formed in thesuture 52. - The bends 406-412 in the
sections suture 52 are smooth and free of stress inducing discontinuities. By keeping thesuture 52 free of stress inducing discontinuities, the force which can be transmitted through the suture tends to be maximized. If a knot was substituted for thesuture retainer 390, stress concentrations would be formed and the force transmitting capability of the suture reduced. - The
passage 394 has amain section 418 and agripping section 420. Thegripping section 420 has a tapered configuration (FIG. 22 ) and extends sideward from themain section 418. The left andright sections suture 52 may be pulled from themain section 418 of thepassage 394 into thegripping section 420 of the passage. As this occurs, the side surfaces of thepassage 394 grip opposite sides of the left andright sections suture 52 to hold the left and right sections of the suture against axial movement relative to therectangular body 392 of thesuture retainer 390. - The
suture retainer 390 is formed of a single piece of biodegradable material, such as polycaperlactone. Of course, other suitable biodegradable or bioerodible materials could be utilized if desired. It is contemplated that thesuture retainer 390 could be formed of materials which do not biodegrade. - After the
suture 52 has been inserted into thesuture retainer 390, in the manner illustrated schematically inFIG. 21 , the suture retainer is moved along the suture toward body tissue (not shown). As thesuture retainer 390 is moved along thesuture 52, the side-by-side sections suture retainer 390. - To effect movement of the
suture retainer 390 along thesuture 52, force is applied against thebody 392, in the manner indicated schematically by anarrow 424 inFIG. 21 . This causes thebody 392 of thesuture retainer 390 to slide along thesections suture 52. At this time, the left andright sections passages rectangular body 392 of thesuture retainer 390 is moved toward the body tissue. As this occurs, the bends 406-412 move along thesections suture 52 toward the body tissue. - When the
leading end surface 402 on therectangular body 392 of thesuture retainer 390 engages the body tissue, the force indicated schematically by thearrow 424 is increased to a predetermined force. As this occurs, a predetermined tensioning force is applied to the left andright sections suture 52. This results in thesuture 52 being pulled tight to grip the body tissue with a desired force. Therectangular end surface 402 on thebody 392 of thesuture retainer 390 distributes the tension force in thesuture 52 over a relatively large area on the body tissue. - While the
retainer body 392 is being pressed against the body tissue with the predetermined force and the left andright sections suture 52 are pulled taut with a predetermined tensioning force, the left andright sections FIGS. 21 and 22 ). As this occurs, the left andright sections suture 52 will move from themain section 418 of thepassage 394 into thegripping section 420 of the passage. This results in a frictional grip between theretainer body 392 and thesuture 52 to hold the suture against movement relative to the retainer body and to maintain the desired tension in the suture. - While the
body 392 of thesuture retainer 390 is being pressed against the body tissue with thepredetermined force 424 and while the predetermined tension is maintained in the left andright sections suture 52, the material of thesuture retainer 390 is plastically deformed. To plastically deform the material of thesuture retainer 390,force applying members 428 and 430 (FIG. 22 ) apply a predetermined force against opposite sides of thebody 392 of the suture retainer. This force causes cold flowing of the material of thebody 392 of the suture retainer. - As the plastic deformation of the
body 392 of thesuture retainer 390 occurs, thepassages body 392 of thesuture retainer 390 cold flows around and grips the left andright sections suture 52. The plastic deformation of thebody 392 of thesuture retainer 390 occurs at a temperature below the transition temperature of the material forming the suture retainer. If desired, thesuture retainer 390 could be heated to promote cold flow of the material of the suture retainer. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 21 and 22 , thegripping section 420 mechanically grips a portion of thesuture 52. If desired, thegripping section 420 could be eliminated and the suture moved into engagement with a projection from thebody 392. The upper (as viewed inFIG. 21 ) portions of thesuture 52 could be wrapped around a projection from thebody 392. Alternatively, the upper (as viewed inFIG. 21 ) portions of the suture could be moved into engagement with one or more hook-shaped locking notches on thebody 392 of thesuture retainer 390. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 21 and 22 , the left andright sections suture 52 extend through thepassages FIGS. 23-25 , loops are formed in the left and right sections of the suture around portions of the suture retainer. Since the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 23-25 is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 21-22 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. It should be understood that one or more features of the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-22 could be used with the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 23-25 . - A suture retainer 440 (
FIG. 23 ) has arectangular body 442. A plurality of straight parallelcylindrical passages rectangular body 442 of thesuture retainer 440. The left andright sections suture 52 extend through thepassages - The
left section 66 of thesuture 52 zigzags through thepassages rectangular body 442 of thesuture retainer 440. When theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 is inserted into thesuture retainer 440, theleft section 66 of the suture is first moved downward (as viewed inFIG. 23 ) throughpassage 448. A smooth, continuousfirst bend 456 is then formed in theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 and the left section is moved upward through thepassage 446. A smooth, continuoussecond bend 458 is then formed in theleft section 66 of thesuture 52. Theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 is then moved downward through thepassage 444. - The
right section 68 of thesuture 52 is also inserted into thesuture retainer 440 in a zig-zag fashion. Thus, theright section 68 of thesuture 52 is moved downward through thepassage 444. A smooth, continuousfirst bend 462 is formed in theright section 68 of thesuture 52. Theright section 68 of thesuture 52 is then moved upward through thepassage 446. A smooth, continuoussecond bend 464 is then formed in theright section 68 of thesuture 52. Theright section 68 of thesuture 52 is then moved downward through thepassage 448. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 23 , the left andright sections suture 52 are not aligned or in a side-by-side relationship with each other. Thus, thebends left section 66 of thesuture 52 are offset from thebends right section 68 of thesuture 52. Thebends suture 52. - After the
suture 52 has been inserted into thesuture retainer 440, in the manner illustrated schematically inFIG. 23 , the left andright sections rectangular body 442 of thesuture retainer 440 to move the suture retainer along thesuture 52 toward the body tissue. As this occurs, the left andright sections suture 52 slide in opposite directions along the surfaces of thepassages suture 52 is moved along the suture toward the body tissue. - When the rectangular
leading end surface 452 of thebody 442 of thesuture retainer 440 moves into engagement with the body tissue, the suture retainer is pressed against the body tissue with a predetermined force while maintaining a predetermined tension in the left andright sections suture retainer 440 is then plastically deformed to grip the left andright sections suture 52. To plastically deform the material of thesuture retainer 440, force is applied against opposite sides of thesuture retainer 440, in the manner indicated byarrows FIG. 23 . - The force indicated by the
arrows suture retainer 440. Thesuture retainer 440 is formed from a single piece of biodegradable polymeric material, such as polycaperlactone. The plastic deformation of thesuture retainer 440 occurs while the material of the suture is a temperature which is below the transition temperature of the material and is at a temperature close to the temperature of the body tissue. If desired, thesuture retainer 440 could be heated to a temperature above the temperature of the body tissue and below the transition temperature of the material of the suture retainer to promote cold flow of the material of the suture retainer. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 24 , the sections of thesuture 52 are wrapped around portions of the suture retainer in smooth, continuous loops. Thus, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 24 , asuture retainer 480 includes arectangular body 482 formed of a biodegradable polymeric material. A plurality of straightcylindrical passages rectangular body 482 of thesuture retainer 480. - The
suture 52 includes left andright sections right sections portions rectangular body 482. This results in the formation of left andright loops right sections suture 52. Theloops - When the
suture retainer 480 is to be positioned relative to the body tissue of a human patient, the left andright sections suture 52 are tensioned with a predetermined force. Force is then applied to therectangular body 482 of the suture retainer to move the suture retainer downward (as viewed inFIG. 24 ) along thesuture 52. As this occurs, the left andright sections passages loops FIG. 4 ) along thesuture 52. - The
leading end surface 494 of therectangular body 482 is pressed against the body tissue with a predetermined force while a predetermined tension is maintained in the left andright sections suture 52. The material of thesuture retainer 480 is then plastically deformed to grip the left andright sections suture 52. When the material of thesuture retainer 480 is plastically deformed, the material of the suture retainer is below its transition temperature and is at a temperature close to the temperature of the body tissue. Therefore, the material of thesuture retainer 480 cold flows under the influence of force applied against the suture retainer to collapse thepassages right sections suture 52. - The flat rectangular end surfaces of the
suture retainer 480 applies force over a relatively large surface area on the body tissue. This reduces any tendency for thesuture 52 to cut or separate the body tissue. The force which can be transmitted through thesuture 52 is maximized by eliminating sharp bends in the suture. If thesuture retainer 480 was eliminated and the suture was secured with a knot, the suture would be weakened by stress concentrations formed at sharp bends in the knot. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 25 , asuture retainer 510 includes arectangular body 512 formed of a biodegradable polymeric material. A plurality of straight parallelcylindrical passages body 512. - The
suture 52 includes left andright sections right loops 530 and 532 (FIG. 25 ) are formed in thesections suture 52. Thus, theleft loop 530 in theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 extends through thepassages rectangular body 512 of thesuture retainer 510. Similarly, theright loop 532 extends through thepassages rectangular body 512 of thesuture retainer 510. - When the
suture retainer 510 is to be positioned relative to body tissue, the left andright sections suture 52 are tensioned. Force is then applied to thesuture retainer 510 to move the suture retainer downward (as viewed inFIG. 25 ) along thesuture 52 into engagement with the body tissue. After thelower end surface 524 of therectangular body 512 of thesuture retainer 510 has been pressed against the body tissue with a predetermined force, the biodegradable polymeric material of thesuture retainer 510 is plastically deformed by applying force against the suture retainer and cold flowing the material of the suture retainer. Cold flow of the material of thebody 512 collapses the passages 514-520. The material of thebody 512 then firmly grips thesuture 52. - After plastic deformation of the material of the
body 512, thesuture retainer 510 at a temperature below the transition temperature of the material, a knot may be tied between the upper portions of the suture. This knot would be pressed tightly against theupper end surface 522 of therectangular body 512 of thesuture retainer 510. This know would be disposed at a location between the locations of thepassages body 512 of thesuture retainer 510. It is believed that such a knot may not be necessary. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 24 and 25 , the passages through the rectangular bodies of the suture retainer are shorter than the passages through the rectangular body of the suture retainer illustrated inFIG. 23 . However, it should be understood that the passages through the rectangular bodies of the suture retainers illustrated inFIGS. 24 and 25 could have a longer length if desired. - In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 23-25 , thesuture 52 is separate from thesuture retainers suture 52 could be connected with any one of he sutureretainers sections - For example, an end of the
left section 66 of thesuture 52 may be fixedly connected with one of thesuture retainers right section 68 of thesuture 52 would have to be inserted through the passages in the onesuture retainer suture 52 could be fixedly connected with asuture retainer - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 21-25 , the suture retainer is formed form a single piece of biodegradable polymeric material. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 26-28 , the suture retainer is formed from a plurality of pieces of biodegradable polymeric material. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 26-28 is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 21-25 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. It should be understood that one or more of the features of the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-25 could be used with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 26-28 . - A suture retainer 540 (
FIG. 26 ) includes a base 542 (FIGS. 26 and 27 ) and a sleeve or cap 544 (FIGS. 26 and 28 ). Thebase 542 has acircular flange 548 which extends radially outward from an upstanding central or post portion 550 (FIGS. 26 and 27 ). Thepost portion 550 has a generally cylindrical configuration and is disposed in a coaxial relationship with thecircular flange 548. Theflange 548 andpost portion 550 are integrally formed from one piece of a biodegradable material, such as polycaperlactone. However, thebase 542 and/or thecap 544 could be formed of a material which is not biodegradable. - A pair of
passages post portion 550. Thepassage 554 includes a radially inward and downward slopingentrance portion 558 and amain portion 560. Themain portion 560 extends parallel to the longitudinal central axis of thepost portion 550. Theentrance portion 558 of thepassage 554 extends inwardly from a cylindricalouter side surface 562 of thepost portion 550. Themain portion 560 of thepassage 554 extends perpendicular to a flat circularbottom side surface 564 of theflange 548. - The
passage 556 has the same configuration as thepassage 554. Thepassage 556 is disposed diametrically opposite to thepassage 554. Thepassages right sections suture 52. Thepassages annular recess 568 which extends around the lower end of thepost portion 550 adjacent to theflange 548. - The upper end of the
post portion 550 has a flat circular side surface 570 (FIG. 27 ). Theflat side surface 570 on thepost portion 550 extends parallel to and is coaxial with the flat bottom side surface 564 (FIG. 26 ) on theflange 548. Theannular recess 568 is coaxial with theflange 548. Thebase portion 542 is formed of a biodegradable material, such as polycaperlactone. Other polymers which are biodegradable or bioerodible may be used. It is also contemplated that thebase portion 542 could be formed of a polymer which does not biodegrade, such as an acetyl resin. - In addition to the
base portion 542, thesuture retainer 540 includes the one piece, cylindrical cap or sleeve 544 (FIG. 28 ). Thecap 544 has a cylindricalouter side surface 574. Acircular end surface 576 extends radially inwardly from the side surface 547. Thecap 544 has a cylindrical cavity 578 (FIG. 26 ) which is disposed in a coaxial relationship with the cylindricalouter side surface 574 andend surface 576. - A pair of
cylindrical passages cavity 578 and thecircular end surface 576 of the cap 544 (FIG. 26 ). Thecavity 578 has acylindrical side surface 588 which is disposed in a coaxial relationship with theouter side surface 574 on thecap 544. In addition, thecavity 578 has acircular end surface 590 which extends parallel to and is coaxial with theouter end surface 576 on the cap 544 (FIG. 26 ). An annular rib 594 (FIG. 26 ) projects radially inward from the cylindricalinner side surface 588 of thecavity 578. Thecap 544 is integrally formed as one piece of a suitable biodegradable polymeric material, such as polycaperlactone. However, thecap 544 may be formed of a material which is not biodegradable. - When the
suture 52 is to be connected with body tissue 54 (FIG. 26 ), one of the sections of the suture, for example, theright section 68, is threaded through thepassage 582 into thecavity 578 in thecap 544. At this time, thesuture 52 extends away from thecap 544 so that theleft section 66 of the suture is disposed at a remote location. Theright section 68 of the suture is then threaded through thepassage 554 in thebase portion 542. Theright section 68 of thesuture 52 is then threaded through apassage 598 in thebody tissue 54. - In addition, the
right section 68 of thesuture 52 is threaded through apassage 600 in a force distribution member orbutton 602 which engages a lower side of thebody tissue 54. Thesuture 52 is then threaded through asecond passage 604 in thebutton 602 and a passage 606 in thebody tissue 54. Thebutton 602 distributes tension forces in thesuture 52 over a relatively large area on the lower (as viewed inFIG. 26 )side 108 of the body tissue. However, thebutton 602 could be omitted if desired. - The
right section 68 of the suture is then threaded upward (as viewed inFIG. 26 ) through thepassage 556 in thebase portion 542 and into thecavity 578 in thecap 544. Theright section 68 of thesuture 52 is threaded out of thecavity 568 through thepassage 584. As this occurs, theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 is pulled into thecap 544 andbase portion 542. - Once the
suture 52 has been threaded through thebase portion 542 andcap 544 in the manner previously explained, thesections base portion 542 is slid along thesuture 52. As this occurs, the bends formed in the left andright sections suture 52 by thepassages base portion 542 are moved along the suture toward thebody tissue 54. Thebottom side surface 564 of thebase portion 542 is then pressed against anupper side surface 98 of thebody tissue 54 in the manner illustrated inFIG. 26 . - The flat circular
bottom side surface 564 of theflange 548 transmits force from thesuture 52 to a relatively large area on thesurface 98 of thebody tissue 54. At this time, the tension in aconnector portion 610 of thesuture 52 will pull the force distribution member orbutton 602 firmly upward against alower side surface 108 of thebody tissue 54. This results in thebody tissue 54 being clamped between the relatively large bottom surface area on theflange 548 and thebutton 602. - While the tension is maintained in the left and
right sections suture 52, thecap 544 is slid downward along thesuture 52 into engagement with thebase portion 542. Further downward movement of the sleeve or cap 544 resiliently deflects therib 594 radially outward. Continued downward movement (as viewed inFIG. 26 ) of the sleeve or cap 544 moves therib 594 along theouter side surface 562 of thepost portion 542 into alignment with therecess 568. As this occurs, therib 594 snaps into therecess 568. - Once the
rib 594 is snapped into therecess 568, the left and right sections of thesuture 52 are firmly gripped between the cylindricalinner side surface 588 of thecavity 578 in thecap 544 and the cylindricalouter side surface 562 of thepost portion 550. In addition, the left andright sections suture 52 are gripped between thecircular end surface 590 of thecavity 578 and thecircular end surface 570 of thepost portion 550. Thecap 544 andpost portion 550 cooperate to form bends in the left andright sections - Under certain circumstances, it is believed that the mechanical gripping action provided between the
cap 544 andbase portion 542 of thesuture retainer 540 may be sufficient to hold thesuture 52 against movement relative to the body tissue. However, it is believed that it will be preferred to enhance the grip of thesuture retainer 540 on thesuture 52 by plastically deforming the material of the suture retainer. The plastic deformation of thesuture retainer 540 occurs with the suture retainer at a temperature which is below the transition temperature of the biodegradable polymeric material forming thebase portion 542 and cap 544 of the suture retainer. - Plastic deformation of the
base portion 542 andcap portion 544 of thesuture retainer 540 is accomplished by applying force against the cylindricalouter side surface 574 of thecap 544 in the same manner as illustrated schematically inFIG. 12 . The force applied against the cylindrical outer side surface 574 (FIG. 26 ) of thecap 544 causes the material of the cap to cold flow and press against the left andright sections suture 52. As this occurs, thepassages base portion 542 collapse. Due to the bends provided in the left andright sections suture 52 in passing through thepassages post portion 550 of thebase portion 542, there is an extremely secure gripping action of thesuture 52 upon plastic deformation of material of thecap 544 andbase portion 542. - The force applied against the
outer side surface 574 of thecap 544 is sufficient to cause cold flow of the material of thecap 544 andpost portion 550. Cold flow of the material of thecap 544 firmly clamps thesections suture 52 between the cap andpost portion 550. Cold flow of the material of thepost portion 550 collapses thepassages post portion 550 with thesuture 52. Thesuture 52 is then securely gripped by thepost portion 554. - It is preferred to form the
base portion 542 and thecap 544 of thesuture retainer 540 of the same biodegradable polymeric material. However, thebase portion 542 could be formed of a biodegradable material which is somewhat harder than the biodegradable material forming thecap 544. This would facilitate plastic deformation of thecap 544 under the influence of force applied against theouter side surface 574 of the cap. If desired, thebase portion 542 and/orcap 544 could be formed of a material which does not biodegrade. - After the
suture retainer 540 has been plastically deformed by cold flowing the material of the suture retainer, thesuture 52 may be knotted. Thus, a knot may be tied to interconnect the left andright sections suture 52 in a known manner. During the tying of this knot, thesuture 52 is pulled taut against the end surfaces 576 on thecap 544. The knot will be disposed between thepassages cap 544. The knot will not reduce the overall force transmitting capability of thesuture 52 since thesuture retainer 540 will be disposed between the knot and thebody tissue 54. Although such a knot may be provided to be certain that thesuture 52 does not work loose under the influence of varying loads, it is believed that thesuture retainer 540 will be very capable of holding thesuture 52 without the additional protection provided by the knot. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 13-16 , thesuture 52 is wrapped around aconical body 242 which is moved into asleeve 284 of asuture retainer 244. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 29 , the suture extends through passages formed in a conical body and a sleeve. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 29 is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 13-16 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. It should be understood that one or more of the features of the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-28 could be used with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 29 . - A
suture retainer 622 includes aconical body 624 and a cylindrical sleeve orbase 626. Theconical body 624 has anouter side surface 628 which is formed as a portion of a right circular cone. Theouter side surface 628 of theconical body 624 extends between flat parallel circular end surfaces 630 and 632. The end surfaces 630 and 632 are disposed in a coaxial relationship with each other and with theouter side surface 628 of theconical body 624. Theend surface 632 of theconical body 624 has a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of theend surface 630 of the conical body. - A pair of
cylindrical passages conical body 624. Thepassages conical body 624. If desired, thepassages suture 52. For example, thepassages conical body 624 is formed from a single piece of a biodegradable polymeric material, such as polycaperlactone. - The
cylindrical sleeve 626 has a cylindricalouter side surface 642. Theside surface 642 extends between a flatannular end surface 644 and acircular end surface 646. The end surfaces 644 and 646 extend parallel to each other and are disposed in a coaxial relationship. - A
recess 650 is formed in thecylindrical sleeve 626. Therecess 650 is of the same size and configuration as theconical body 624. Therecess 650 has aside wall 652 which is formed as a portion of a cone. In addition, therecess 650 has acircular end surface 654 which extends parallel to theouter end surface 646 on thesleeve 626. Theside wall 652 of therecess 650 has the same angle of taper as theouter side surface 628 of theconical body 624. However, if desired, the taper in theside wall 652 of therecess 650 could be slightly less than the taper in theouter side surface 628 of theconical body 624 to promote a wedging action between the conical body and thesleeve 626. - A pair of parallel
cylindrical passages end wall 654 of therecess 650 and theend surface 646 on thesleeve 626. Thepassages passages - When the
suture retainer 622 is to be positioned relative to body tissue, theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 is inserted through thepassage 660 in thesleeve 626. Theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 is then inserted through thepassage 636 in theconical body 624. Similarly, theright section 68 of thesuture 52 is inserted through thepassage 662 in thesleeve 626 and thepassage 638 in theconical body 624. - The left and
right sections suture 52 are then tensioned and thesleeve 626 is moved along thesuture 52 into engagement with the body tissue. When theend surface 646 of the sleeve has engaged the body tissue, the force applied against the sleeve and tension in thesections suture 52 are increased. While a predetermined force is applied against thesleeve 626, theconical body 624 is moved along the left andright sections suture 52 into therecess 650 in the sleeve. As this occurs, the left andright sections outer side surface 628 of theconical body 624 and theconical side wall 652 of therecess 650. - To enhance the gripping action between the
conical body 624 and thesleeve 626, force is applied against the cylindricalouter side surface 642 of the sleeve in the same manner as indicated schematically inFIG. 12 . This force causes plastic deformation of the material of thesleeve 626 to firmly grip theconical body 624 and the left andright sections suture 52. The force applied against theouter side surface 642 of thesleeve 626 causes a cold flowing of the material of thesleeve 626. The cold flowing of the material of thesleeve 626 will collapse thepassages right sections suture 52 extending through the passages. - In addition, the force applied against the
sleeve 626 will be sufficient to cause plastic deformation, that is, cold flowing, of the material of theconical body 624 to collapse thepassages right sections suture 52 disposed in thepassages conical body 624. - It is contemplated that one end of the
suture 52 could be fixedly connected with thesuture retainer 622. Thus, one end of thesuture 52 could be fixedly connected with theconical body 624. Alternatively, one end of thesuture 52 could be fixedly connected with thesleeve 626. - It is also contemplated that a knot could be tied between the left and
right sections suture 52 at a location above (as viewed inFIG. 92 ) the suture retainer. The knot would be tied adjacent to theend surface 650 on theconical body 624. The knot would be tied immediately after plastically deforming the material of the suture retainer. It should be understood that thesuture retainer 622 should be more than adequate to hold thesuture 52 and the knot may be omitted. - The use of the
suture retainer 622, rather than forming a knot to interconnect the twosections suture 52, increases the force transmitting capability of thesuture 52. This is because the stress concentrations induced by the forming of a knot are avoided. - In addition, the use of the
suture retainer 62, rather than forming a knot to interconnect the twosections suture 52, reduces stress concentrations in the body tissue. Theflat end surface 646 distributes tension forces in thesuture 52 over a relatively large surface area on the body tissue. This minimizes stress concentrations in the body tissue and minimizes any tendency for the body tissue to be cut or separated by the force applied against the body tissue. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 29 , the left andright sections suture 52 are inserted into passages formed in theconical body 624. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 30 and 31 , the conical body 34 has a hinge section which is pivotal to open the conical body and facilitate insertion of the left and right sections of the suture. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 30 and 31 is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 29 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. It should be understood that one or more of the features of the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-92 could be used with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 30 and 31 . - A suture retainer 670 (
FIG. 30 ) includes aconical body 672 and asleeve 674. Theconical body 672 is formed as twosections 676 and 678 (FIG. 31 ). Thesections hinge 680. Thehinge 680 is integrally formed as one piece with thesections conical body 672. Thehinge 680 enables the left andright sections 66 and 68 (FIG. 30 ) of thesuture 52 to be inserted through anopening 684. Theopening 684 extends between axially opposite ends of theconical body 672. - The
sleeve 674 includes acircular flange 688 which extends radially outward from a cylindricalouter side surface 690 of thesleeve 674. Aconical recess 692 has a relatively large open end in an upperannular end surface 694 of thesleeve 674 and a relatively small open end in a flatannular end surface 696 disposed on the bottom of theflange 688. The left andright sections conical recess 692 in thesleeve 674. The left andright sections suture 52 are then inserted through the opening 684 (FIG. 31 ) into theconical body 672. - While tension is maintained in the left and
right sections suture 52, thesleeve 674 is moved along the suture until theleading end surface 696 on the bottom of theflange 688 engages the body tissue. Thesleeve 674 is then pressed against the body tissue with a predetermined force while a predetermined tension is maintained in the left andright sections suture 52. Theconical body 672 is then moved along the left andright sections suture 52 into the open endedrecess 692 in thesleeve 674. - Force is then applied against the
outer side surface 690 of thesleeve 674 to plastically deform the sleeve. As this occurs, the material of thesleeve 674 cold flows radially inward and applies force against theconical body 672. This force is sufficient to cause cold flowing of the material of the conical body and gripping of the left andright sections suture 52 with the material of theconical body 672. - The
conical body 672 andsleeve 674 are formed of a biodegradable material. However, theconical body 672 and/orsleeve 674 could be formed of a different material if desired. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 29 , 30 and 31, two-piece suture retainers are utilized to grip the left and right sections of thesuture 52. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 32 and 33 , a one-piece tubular suture retainer is utilized to grip the left and right sections of the suture. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 32 and 33 is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 29-31 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. It should be understood that one or more of the features of the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-31 could be used with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 32 . - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 32 , asuture retainer 700 is formed from a single piece of a biodegradable polymeric material, such as polycaperlactone. Thesuture retainer 700 includes an annular flange orbase 702 and an upright tubular cylindricalmain section 704. The tubular cylindricalmain section 704 is disposed in a coaxial relationship with thebase 702. A straightcylindrical passage 706 extends through the tubularmain section 704 andbase 702 of thesuture retainer 700. If desired, thepassage 706 could have a nonlinear configuration. - Left and
right sections suture 52 are inserted through thepassage 706 in thesuture retainer 700. While a predetermined tension is maintained in the left andright sections suture 52, a predetermined force, indicated schematically by thearrows 708 inFIG. 32 , is applied to themain section 704 of the suture retainer. Theforce 708 is distributed over a relatively large surface area on thebody tissue 54 by thebase 702. - The
suture retainer 700 is then plastically deformed to grip the left andright sections suture 52. To plastically deform thesuture retainer 700,force application members main section 704 of thesuture retainer 700 with a predetermined force, indicated schematically by thearrows 716 inFIG. 32 . When theforce 716 is applied to thesuture retainer 700, the suture retainer is at a temperature below the transition temperature of the material forming the suture retainer. Therefore, theforce 716 is effective to cause cold flow of the material of thesuture retainer 700. - The force applied against the
suture retainer 700 by theforce applying members load cell 720. The magnitude of theforce 716 is transmitted from theload cell 720 to adisplay unit 722. When a predeterminedminimum force 716 has been applied to thesuture retainer 700 for a predetermined minimum period of time by theforce applying members display unit 722 activates anindicator 724. - The
force applying members bends main section 704 of the suture retainer 700 (FIG. 33 ). Thus, theforce applying members main section 704 of thesuture retainer 700 from a straight cylindrical configuration (FIG. 32 ) to a nonlinear configuration (FIG. 33 ). Thebends suture retainer 700, result in thesuture retainer 700 having a firm grip on the left andright sections suture 52. It should be understood that theforce application members main section 704 of the suture retainer. - In the illustrated embodiment of the
suture retainer 700, a single passage 706 (FIG. 32 ) extends through the suture retainer. If desired, a plurality of passages could be provided in thesuture retainer 700. If this was done, theleft section 66 of the suture would be inserted through one of the passages and theright section 68 would be inserted through another passage. - The
bends 728 and 730 (FIG. 33 ) in thesuture retainer 700 form smooth, continuous bends in thesuture 52. This avoids the formation of stress concentrations in thesuture 52. If a knot had been utilized in place of thesuture retainer 700 to interconnect thesections - The
annular base 702 projects radially outward from the cylindrical main section. Since the tension force transmitted to thesuture retainer 700 by thesuture 52 is transmitted to thebody tissue 54 by thebase 702, the suture tension force is transmitted to a relatively large surface area on the body tissue. This minimizes the possibility of thesuture 52 andsuture retainer 700 being pulled downward (as viewed inFIG. 33 ) into thebody tissue 54 by the tension force in the suture. In addition, thelarge base 702 minimizes the possibility of damage to thebody tissue 54. - If desired, a knot could be tied between the upper end portions of the
sections FIG. 33 ) end of the suture retainer. Although stress concentrations would be formed in thesuture 52 at the knot, the knot would not impair the force transmitting capability of the portion of the suture engaging thebody tissue 54. This is because thesuture retainer 700 would be disposed between thebody tissue 54 and the knot. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 34 , the suture retainer has a tubular configuration. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 34 is similar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-33 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. It should be understood that one or more of the features of the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-33 could be used with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 34 . - A suture 52 (
FIG. 34 ) has left andright sections cylindrical suture retainer 740 intobody tissue 54. Anapparatus 741 for pressing thesuture retainer 740 against thebody tissue 54 includes a tubularcylindrical plunger 742 having a cylindricalcentral passage 744 through which the left andright sections suture 54 extends. Theplunger 742 is enclosed in a tubularcylindrical housing 746. - The
plunger 742 is pressed downward, relative to thehousing 746 against thesuture retainer 740 with a predetermined force, indicated byarrows 748 inFIG. 34 . An annular transducer orload cell 750 provides an output indicative of the magnitude of theforce 748 with which thesuture retainer 740 is pressed against thebody tissue 54 by theplunger 742. - While the left and
right sections suture 54 are being tensioned with a predetermined force and while theplunger 742 is being pressed against thesuture retainer 740 with a predetermined force, thesuture retainer 740 is plastically deformed. To plastically deform thesuture retainer 740, a plurality of force applying or clampmembers arrows 760 inFIG. 34 . Theforce application members suture retainer 740 or may have a flat configuration. The force applied against thesuture retainer 740 by theforce 760 applyingmembers - The
force 760 is applied against the suture retainer while the suture retainer is at a temperature which is below the transition temperature of the biodegradable polymer which forms the suture retainer. Thus, the suture retainer is at approximately the same temperature as thebody tissue 54 when theforce 760 is applied against the suture retainer. Theforce 760 causes the material of the suture retainer to cold flow and grip the left andright sections suture 54 in the manner previously explained. - Although the
apparatus 741 has been illustrated inFIG. 34 in association with thesuture retainer 740, it is contemplated that theapparatus 741 could be used with any one of the suture retainers ofFIGS. 1-33 . Although theforce applying members suture retainer 740. It is contemplated that the force applying members could have a different configuration to grip a suture retainer having a noncylindrical configuration. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 35 , an apparatus similar to the apparatus illustrated inFIG. 34 is utilized to install a suture retainer having the same construction as the suture retainer ofFIGS. 13-16 . Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 35 is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 34 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. - An apparatus or tool 770 (
FIG. 35 ) is utilized to position asuture retainer 772 relative tobody tissue 54. Theapparatus 770 includes a tubular housing orbase 774 through which acylindrical plunger 776 extends. Aforce application member 778 extends from theplunger 776 and is engageable with an upper or trailingend surface 780 of thesuture retainer 772. A biasingspring 782 urges theforce application member 778 to the extended position illustrated inFIG. 35 . - Upon application of a predetermined force to the trailing
end surface 780 of thesuture retainer 772 by theforce application member 778, an indicator connected with ashaft 786 indicates to an operator of theapparatus 770 that a desired force has been applied against thesuture retainer 772. The indicator may be either a direct reading of the position of theshaft 786 relative to theplunger 776 or an output from a transducer, such as a load cell. - The
apparatus 770 includes agripper assembly 790 which is operable to grip and to deform thesuture retainer 772. Thegripper assembly 790 includes a leftforce application member 792 and a rightforce application member 794. Theforce application members suture retainer 772. Theforce application members suture retainer 772. - An
actuator member 798 is connected with the leftforce application member 792. Asecond actuator member 800 is connected with the rightforce application member 794. Theactuator members housing 774 at a pivot connection indicated schematically at 802 inFIG. 35 . - Downward force is manually applied to an upper
input end portion 806 of theplunger 776 while a predetermined tension is maintained in the left andright sections suture 52. The downward (as viewed inFIG. 35 ) force applied against theplunger 776 is transmitted through thespring 782 to theforce application member 778. Theforce application member 778 applies force to the trailingend surface 780 of thesuture retainer 772 to press aleading end surface 810 on thesuture retainer 772 against theside surface 98 of thebody tissue 54. - An
adjustable stop member 812 is connected with thehousing 774. Thestop member 812 is adjustable to limit the extent of downward movement of theinput end portion 806 of theplunger 776 relative to thehousing 774. This enables thestop member 812 to limit the amount of force transmitted through thespring 782 to thesuture retainer 772 to a predetermined force. - Manual force is applied against upper (as viewed in
FIG. 35 )end portions actuator members upper end portions actuator members right sections suture 52. In addition, the predetermined downward force is transmitted from theplunger 776 through thespring 782 and forceapplication member 778 to thesuture retainer 772. - The manual force applied to the
end portions actuator members force application members force application members suture retainer 792 with sufficient force too plastically deform the suture retainer by cold flowing the material of the suture retainer. - Although the
suture retainer 772 may have any one of the constructions illustrated inFIGS. 1-34 , thesuture retainer 772 has the same construction as thesuture retainer 244 ofFIG. 13 . Thus, thesuture retainer 772 includes aconical body 822 and acylindrical sleeve 824. Thesuture 52 has aleft section 66 which is wrapped for a plurality of turns around theconical body 822 and is disposed in ahelical groove 830 formed in theconical body 822. Similarly, aright section 68 of thesuture 52 is wrapped for a plurality of turns around theconical body 822 and is disposed in ahelical groove 832 formed in theconical body 822. - When the
suture retainer 772 is to be positioned relative to thebody tissue 54, thesuture 52 is inserted through thesleeve 824. Theleft section 66 of the suture is then positioned in thehelical groove 830 in theconical body 822 of thesuture retainer 772. Theright section 68 of thesuture 52 is positioned in thehelical groove 832 in theconical body 822 of thesuture retainer 772. - The apparatus or
tool 770 is then operated to hold thesuture retainer 772 in the manner illustrated schematically inFIG. 35 . Thus, theforce application member 778 is positioned in abutting engagement with the trailingend surface 780 of thesuture retainer 772. At the same time, the left and rightforce application members sleeve 824 of thesuture retainer 772. This results in theconical body 822 of thesuture retainer 772 being telescopically pressed into thesleeve 824 while the sleeve is held by theforce application members - While the predetermined tension is maintained in the left and
right sections suture 52, thetool 770 and thesuture retainer 772 are moved along thesuture 52 toward thebody tissue 54. Thetool 770 is moved along a path which extends parallel to the taut portions of the left andright sections suture 52 which extend upward (as viewed inFIG. 35 ) from thesuture retainer 772. As thesuture retainer 772 is moved along thesuture 52 toward thebody tissue 54, the left andright sections grooves grooves right sections suture 52 as thesuture retainer 772 moves along thesuture 52 toward thebody tissue 54. - The force required to slide the
suture retainer 772 along thesuture 52 is transmitted from thetool 700 to the suture retainer. Thus, force is transmitted from theforce application member 778 to the trailingend surface 780 of theconical body 822. At the same time, a clamping force is transmitted from theforce application members sleeve 824. Thesleeve 824 is securely held by theforce application members conical body 822 is pressed axially against the sleeve by theforce application member 778. During movement of thesuture retainer 772 along thesuture 52, the force applied against the suture retainer by thetool 700 is ineffective to cause significant deformation of the suture retainer. - At this time, the
tool 770 extends along the portions of the left andright sections suture 52 extending upward (as viewed inFIG. 35 ) from thesuture retainer 772. Since thetool 770 extends from thesuture retainer 772 in the same direction as the left andright sections suture 52, the tool can be used to position the suture retainer relative tobody tissue 54 in very restricted space commonly present in operating environments. - When the
leading end surface 810 on thesuture retainer 772 engages the upper (as viewed inFIG. 35 )side surface 98 of the body tissue 54 (FIG. 35 ), the force applied against theactuator members input end portion 806 of theplunger 776 to move the plunger downward and compress thespring 782. Thestop member 812 is engaged by theinput end portion 806 of theplunger 776 when a predetermined force is being transmitted through thespring 782 and forceapplication member 778 to thesuture retainer 772. - This results in the predetermined downward force being transmitted from the
force application member 778 to thesuture retainer 772 to press the conical body against thesleeve 824. The predetermined downward force is then transmitted from thesleeve 824 andconical body 822 to thebody tissue 54. While thesuture retainer 772 is being pressed against the body tissue with the predetermined downward force, a predetermined tension force is maintained in the left andright sections suture 52. - In the schematic illustration of
FIG. 35 , there is space between theconical body 822 and thesleeve 824. In addition, there is space between thesleeve 824 and theforce application members body 822 is pressed firmly against the correspondingly shaped conical inner side surface of thesleeve 824. It should also be understood hat theforce application members sleeve 824. At this time, the left andright sections - While the predetermined force is being applied against the trailing
end surface 780 of thesuture retainer 772 by theforce application member 778, manual force is applied against theupper end portions actuator members suture retainer 772. Thus, the left and rightforce applying members cylindrical sleeve 824 with sufficient force to plastically deform both the cylindrical sleeve and theconical body 822 of thesuture retainer 772. At this time, thesuture retainer 772 is at approximately the same temperature as thebody tissue 54 and is at a temperature which is below the transition temperature of the biodegradable polymeric material forming the suture retainer. Therefore, cold flowing the material of the suture retainer occurs under the influence of the force applied against thesuture retainer 772 by the left and rightforce applying members - The cold flowing of the material of the
suture retainer 772 under the influence of the force applied to the suture retainer by theforce application members suture 52 being firmly gripped in the manner set forth in association with thesuture retainer 244 of the embodiment ofFIGS. 13-16 . The application of force to theactuator members input end portion 806 of theplunger 776 is also interrupted. Theapparatus 770 is then moved upward (as viewed inFIG. 35 ) away from the suture retainer. - Although the
apparatus 770 has been disclosed herein in association with thesuture retainer 772, it is contemplated that the apparatus could be utilized to install suture retainers having a different construction. If theapparatus 770 is used to install a suture retainer having an outer side surface with a configuration which is different than the configuration of outer side surface of thesuture retainer 772, the configuration of theforce application members force application members FIG. 2 ), theforce application members - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 35 , anapparatus 770 for installing asuture retainer 772 is disclosed. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 36 , a second apparatus for installing a suture retainer is disclosed. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 36 is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 35 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. - An apparatus or
tool 870 for positioning asuture retainer 872 relative tobody tissue 54 includes a base orhousing 874. Acylindrical plunger 876 is slidable in thehousing 874. Theplunger 876 is connected with left and right force application orclamp members FIG. 36 , it should be understood that there is a second linkage having the same construction as the linkage 884 connected with theplunger 876. - A biasing
spring 888 extends around theplunger 876 and urges the plunger upward (as viewed inFIG. 36 ). The force transmitted from the biasingspring 888 through theplunger 876 and linkages 884 urges the left and rightforce application members suture retainer 872. The force provided by thespring 888 is insufficient to cause significant deformation of thesuture retainer 872. However, the force provided by thespring 888 is sufficient to enable theforce application members suture retainer 872 during sliding of the suture retainer along thesuture 52. - A transducer or
load cell 892 is connected with theplunger 876 and provides an output signal, over a lead 894 to adisplay unit 896. This output is indicative of the magnitude of the force transmitted through theplunger 876. When a predetermined force has been applied by theforce application members suture retainer 872 for a predetermined minimum length of time, anindicator 898 is activated by thedisplay unit 896. - The
specific suture retainer 872 illustrated inFIG. 36 has a one-piece tubular cylindrical construction. Thesuture 52 has left andright sections suture retainer 872 in the same manner as in which thesuture 52 is wrapped around thesuture retainer 50 ofFIG. 2 . Thus, aloop 904 is formed in theleft section 66 of thesuture 52 and extends around a portion of the tubularcylindrical suture retainer 872. Similarly, aloop 906 is formed in theright section 68 of thesuture 52 and extends around a portion of the tubularcylindrical suture retainer 872. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 36 , a force distribution member orbutton 910 is provided at theupper side surface 98 of thebody tissue 54. The force transmission member orbutton 910 distributes the force applied by thesuture retainer 872 to thebody tissue 54 over a relatively large area on the body tissue. If desired, a second force distribution member could be provided between the suture and alower side surface 108 of thebody tissue 54. Since thesuture retainer 872 is effective to apply force to a relatively large area, thebutton 910 may be omitted if desired. - When the
suture retainer 872 is to be installed in the body tissue, the twosections body tissue 54 and are then inserted into thesuture retainer 872. During insertion of the left andright sections suture 52 into thesuture retainer 872, theloops sections - The
plunger 876 is then manually moved downward in thehousing 874 against the influence of the biasingspring 888 to move theforce application members force application members suture retainer 872, the downward force applied against theplunger 876 is released. This results in thebiasing spring 888 moving theplunger 876 upward to actuate the linkages 884 to press theforce application members suture retainer 874. - The left and
right sections suture 52 are then tensioned. The apparatus ortool 870 is then moved along the left andright sections suture 52 toward the body tissue. As this occurs, theloops sections suture 52 toward the body tissue. During downward displacement of theloops body tissue 54, the left andright sections suture 52 slide along surfaces on thesuture retainer 872. - After the
suture retainer 872 has been moved into engagement with the button or forcedistribution member 910, the leading end of thesuture retainer 872 is pressed against the button with a predetermined force. This force is transmitted through theplunger 876 and is measured by thetransducer 892. Once thesuture retainer 872 has been pressed against the button or forcedistribution member 910 with a predetermined force, theplunger 876 is manually pulled upward relative to thehousing 874. This results in the transmission of force through the linkage 884 to theforce applying members - The
force applying members suture retainer 872 to effect plastic deformation of the suture retainer. At this time, the suture retainer is at a temperature below the transition temperature of the biodegradable polymeric material of the suture retainer. Thus, the suture retainer is at a temperature which is the same as the temperature of thebody tissue 54. The plastic deformation of thesuture retainer 872 results in cold flowing of the material of the suture retainer and gripping of the left andright sections suture 52 in the manner previously explained in conjunction with the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-35 . - It should be understood that the
tool 870 may be used to install any of the suture retainers illustrated inFIGS. 1-33 . Of course, the force application orclamp members - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 37 and 38 , the suture is tensioned with a force which is a function of a selected suture size and strength. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 37 and 38 is similar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-36 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. - A
chart 918 setting forth various available suture sizes is illustrated schematically inFIG. 37 . Thechart 918 also sets forth the strength of each of the available suture sizes. It is contemplated that the specific strength of a particular suture size may vary depending upon the material from which the suture is constructed and the manufacturer of the suture. By consulting thechart 918, a surgeon can select a suture of a size and strength suitable for a particular use. Thus, a relatively large suture having substantial strength may be selected when body tissue is to be connected with a bone or when portions of a bone are to be interconnected by the suture. On the other hand, the relatively small suture size having a relatively small strength may be selected when delicate body tissue, such as stomach or intestinal tissue, is to be interconnected with the suture. - Once a suture of a size and strength suitable for retaining specific body tissue has been selected, the suture is connected with body tissue and a retainer is moved along the suture toward the body tissue. Force is transmitted from the suture retainer and from the suture to the body tissue. The magnitude of the force which is transmitted from the suture retainer and the suture to the body tissue will be a function of the selected size and strength of the suture.
- The suture retainer may have any one of the constructions illustrated in
FIGS. 1 through 36 . Alternatively, the suture retainer could have any one of the constructions illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,425. It is contemplated that the suture could be connected with body tissue in any one of the manners illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,593,425; 5,584,862; 5,549,631; 5,527,343; and/or 5,464,426. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 38 , asuture 922 extends throughbody tissue 924. Thebody tissue 924 includes aninner layer 926 of body tissue and anouter layer 928 of body tissue. A first orinner end portion 932 of thesuture 922 is connected with asuture anchor 934. - The
suture anchor 934 could have any desired construction. For example, thesuture anchor 934 could have a construction similar to any one of the constructions disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,584,862; 5,549,631; and/or 5,527,343. However, the illustrated embodiment of thesuture anchor 934 is a circular disk or button having a pair of central openings around which theend portion 932 of thesuture 922 is tied. - The
suture 922 extends straight through theinner layer 926 andouter layer 928 ofbody tissue 924. Anouter side surface 938 of the inner layer ofbody tissue 926 is engaged by aninner side surface 940 of theouter layer 928 of body tissue. The side surfaces 938 and 940 of the two segments orlayers outer side surface 938 of theinner layer 926 is disposed in flat abutting engagement with theinner side surface 940 of theouter layer 928 where thesuture 922 extends through the inner and outer layers. - A
suture retainer 944 cooperates with thesuture anchor 934 to hold thesuture 922 against movement relative to thebody tissue 924. Thesuture retainer 944 has a spherical configuration. Acylindrical passage 946 extends axially through thesuture retainer 944. - Although the suture 922 (
FIG. 38 ) extends straight through thepassage 946 in thesuture retainer 944, bends and/or loops could be formed in thesuture 922 around thesuture retainer 944 in the manner illustrated inFIG. 2 . Thus, two bends, corresponding to thebends FIG. 2 , could be formed in thesuture 922 by wrapping a turn of the suture around a portion of thesuture retainer 944. This will result in the formation of a single loop, corresponding to theloop 86 ofFIG. 2 , around thesuture retainer 944. - The
suture retainer 944 is formed of one piece of spherical polymeric material having a relatively low coefficient of friction. Thesuture retainer 944 may be formed of many different materials. However, it is believed that it will be preferred to form thesuture retainer 944 of a biodegradable polymer. One biodegradable polymer which may be utilized is polycaperlactone. Alternatively, thesuture retainer 944 could be formed of polyethylene oxide terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate. It is also contemplated that other biodegradable or bioerodible copolymers could be utilized if desired. - Although it is preferred to form the
suture retainer 944 of a biodegradable material, the suture retainer could be formed of a material which is not biodegradable. For example, the suture retainer could be formed of acetyl resin, such as “Delrin” (trademark). Alternatively, thesuture retainer 944 could be formed of para-dimethylamino-benzenediazo sodium sulfonate, such as “Dexon” (trademark). - The
suture 922 may be formed of natural or synthetic materials. Thesuture 922 may be a monofilament or may be formed of a plurality of interconnected filaments. Thesuture 922 may be biodegradable or non-biodegradable. It may be preferred to form thesuture 922 of the same material as thesuture retainer 944. However, thesuture 922 could be formed of a material which is different than the material of the suture retainer. - In accordance with a feature of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 37 and 38 , thesuture 922 is tensioned with a force which is a function of the size and strength of the suture, as indicated by thechart 918. In addition, thesuture retainer 944 is pressed against thebody tissue 924 with a force which is also a function of the size and strength of thesuture 922, as indicated by thechart 918 ofFIG. 37 . Although thesuture 944 is disposed in direct engagement with and is pressed against anouter side surface 950 of the outer layer orsegment 928 ofbody tissue 924, a force distribution member or button could be positioned between thesuture retainer 944 and theouter side surface 950 of theouter layer 928 of body tissue. - The
suture 922 is tensioned by aforce application assembly 954 which is connected with the second orouter end portion 956 of thesuture 922. Theforce application assembly 954 includes a transducer orload cell 958 which provides an output signal indicative of a force, indicated schematically at 960 inFIG. 38 which is applied to the second orouter end portion 956 of thesuture 922. Theforce 960 has a magnitude which is a function of the size and strength of thesuture 922, as indicated by thechart 918. Thus, theforce 960 may be equal to 0.80 times the strength of thesuture 922 as indicated by thechart 918. Of course, the strength of thesuture 922 will vary with variations in the size of thesuture 922. - The
suture retainer 944 is pressed against theouter side surface 960 of the outer layer orsegment 928 ofbody tissue 924 with a force which is also a function of the strength and size of thesuture 922, as indicated by thechart 918 ofFIG. 37 . Aforce application member 964 is used to apply force against thesuture retainer 922. Theforce application member 964 has acylindrical opening 966 which extends through the force application member. Thesuture 922 extends through theopening 966. A slot may be formed in theforce application member 964 to enable thesuture 922 to be moved into theopening 966. Alternatively, thesuture 922 could be inserted through theopening 966 before theend portion 956 of the suture is connected with theforce application assembly 954. - Forces, indicated schematically at 968 and 970 in
FIG. 38 , are applied againstopposite end portions force application member 964 to press thesuture retainer 944 directly against theouter layer 928 of body tissue or against a force transmitting member disposed between thesuture retainer 944 and theouter layer 928 of body tissue. The combined force, indicated schematically thearrows FIG. 38 , is a function of the size and strength of thesuture 922, as indicated by thechart 918. It is contemplated that the combinedforces force 960. In the specific example previously mentioned, this would result in theforces suture 922 as indicated by thechart 918. Alternatively, the summation of theforces force 960 or be less than theforce 960. - The
suture retainer 944 slides downward (as viewed inFIG. 38 ) along thesuture 922 under the influence of theforce application member 964. At this time, thesuture 922 is tensioned by theforce application assembly 954 so that the portion of the suture extending between thesuture anchor 934 and theforce application assembly 954 is straight, as illustrated inFIG. 38 . However, at this time, the force which is applied to theouter end portion 956 of thesuture 922 by theforce transmitting assembly 954 may be substantially less than the force which is indicated schematically by thearrow 960 inFIG. 38 . - After the
suture retainer 944 has been moved along thesuture 922 to the position illustrated inFIG. 38 , the force applied against the suture retainer by theforce application member 964 is increased. At the same time, the force applied to theouter end portion 956 of thesuture 922 by theforce application assembly 954 is increased. The force applied against thesuture retainer 944 by theforce application member 964 is increased until the force, indicated schematically by thearrows FIG. 38 , is equal to a predetermined function of the strength of thesuture 922, as indicated by thechart 918 for the particular size of the suture. At the same time, the force applied to theouter end portion 956 of thesuture 922 by theforce application assembly 954 is increased to the force indicated schematically by thearrow 960 inFIG. 38 . As was previously mentioned, the force indicated by thearrow 960 is a predetermined function of the strength of thesuture 922 as indicated by thechart 918. - While the
suture 922 is being pulled straight under the influence of tension in the suture due to theforce 960 and while thesuture retainer 944 is being pressed againstouter layer 928 of body tissue or against a suitable force distribution member, thesuture retainer 944 is plastically deformed to firmly grip thesuture 922. Thus, while thesuture retainer 944 is being pressed against theouter layer 928 ofbody tissue 924 under the combinedforces suture 922 is being tensioned by theforce 960, a pair offorce application members suture retainer 944. The force applied against thesuture retainer 944 by theforce application members - In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the plastic deformation of the
suture retainer 944 is effective to cause cold flowing of the material of the suture retainer. Force indicated byarrows FIG. 38 , is applied against thesuture retainer 944 by theforce application members suture retainer 944 at a temperature below the transition temperature range of the material of the suture retainer. Although the illustratedforce application members - The cold flowing of the material of the
suture retainer 944 results in collapsing of thepassage 946 and in flowing of the material of thesuture retainer 944 around the portion of thesuture 922 extending through thepassage 946. This enables the material of thesuture retainer 944 to bond to and obtain a firm grip on thesuture 922. The cold flowing of the material of thesuture retainer 944 occurs at a temperature which is below the transition temperature of the material forming the suture retainer. - It is believed that it may be preferred to plastically deform the material of the suture retainer 944 (
FIG. 38 ) by applying force against areas on the suture retainer and cold flowing material of the suture retainer in the manner previously explained. However, if desired, thesuture retainer 944 may be heated before theforce application members suture 922 extending through thepassage 946. - The temperature to which the material of the suture retainer is heated would be low enough so that the heated material would not cause significant deformation of the material of the
suture 922. Thus, the material of thesuture retainer 944 may be heated to a temperature within its transition temperature range but less than a temperature which would result in a complete melting of the material of the suture retainer. As the material of thesuture retainer 944 is pressed against thesuture 922 by theforce application members suture retainer 944 bonds to a portion of thesuture 922 without significant deformation of the suture. - The interconnection between the material of the
suture retainer 944 and the portion of thesuture 922 extending through the suture retainer is the result of both molecular attraction (adhesion) of the material of the retainer to the material of the suture and due to a mechanical interconnection between the material of the suture retainer and the material of the, suture. Thus, as the material of thesuture retainer 944 cools, it mechanically grips thesuture 922 so that the suture is held against movement relative to the suture retainer by interfacial forces between the material of the suture retainer and the material of the suture. There is a fusing of the material of thesuture retainer 944 to the material of thesuture 922 along the portion of the suture which extends through the suture retainer. - Whether the
suture retainer 944 is plastically deformed by cold flowing the material of the suture retainer or by a flowing of heated material of the suture retainer, the suture retainer grips thesuture 922 without significant deformation of the suture. Therefore, the strength of thesuture 922 is not impaired and corresponds to the strength indicated by thechart 918 for the particular size of the suture. - When the layers or
segments body tissue 924 are to be interconnected with thesuture 922, theend portion 932 of the suture is connected with ananchor member 934. Thesuture 922 is then threaded with a needle or similar device, through thelayers - It should be understood that in certain situations, a surgeon will not have access to both the inner and outer sides of the body tissue. In situations where the surgeon does not have access to both sides of the body tissue, the
anchor 934 is formed with a configuration which enables it to be inserted through the layers orsegments suture 922. Thus, theend portion 932 of thesuture 922 is connected with theanchor 934 while the anchor and suture are both disposed outside of the patient's body. - The suture anchor, with the
suture 922 connected thereto, is then inserted through bothlayers body tissue 924. This may be accomplished in the manner disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,426. However, it should be understood that the suture anchor could have a configuration other than the specific configuration disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,426. For example, thesuture anchor 934 could have a configuration similar to any one of the configurations disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,343. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 38 , thesuture anchor 934 is positioned in engagement with aninner side surface 988 on theinner layer 926 of body tissue. It is contemplated that thesuture anchor 934 could be disposed within theinner layer 926 of body tissue. Thus, the suture anchor could be disposed at a location midway between theinner side surface 988 and theouter side surface 938 of thelayer 926 of body tissue. Mounting of the suture anchor in the body tissue in this manner would be particularly advantageous if the suture anchor is mounted in bone in the manner illustrated in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,343. - Although the
suture retainer 944 has been illustrated inFIG. 38 as having a spherical construction, generally similar to the suture retainer ofFIGS. 1 and 2 , it is contemplated that thesuture retainer 944 could have a configuration corresponding to the configuration of any one of the suture retainers illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 36 herein. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 37 and 38 , thesuture 922 has a single section which extends invention illustrated inFIG. 39 , the suture has a plurality of sections which extend through the suture retainer. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 39 is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-38 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. It should be understood that one or more features of the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-38 may be used with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 39 . - A suture retainer 1000 (
FIG. 39 ) is utilized to secure a knownsuture 1002 against movement relative tobody tissue 1004. Thesuture 1002 extends through anouter layer 1006 and aninner layer 1008 of the body tissue. Thesuture 1002 has been illustrated schematically inFIG. 39 as extending throughpassages inner layers body tissue 1004. However, thesuture 1002 could be sewn through thebody tissue 1004 without forming thepassages - Although the
suture 1002 has been shown inFIG. 39 in association with soft body tissue, it is contemplated that thesuture 1002 could be associated with hard body tissue. It is also contemplated that thesuture 1002 could extend through a suture anchor in a manner similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,584,862; 5,549,631; and/or 5,527,343. - The
suture 1002 has aleft section 1016 and aright section 1018. The left andright sections suture 1002 extend through thesuture retainer 1000. If desired, thesuture 1002 could be integrally formed as one piece with thesuture retainer 1000. If this was done, the end of thesection suture 1002 would be connected with thesuture retainer 1000. Alternatively, a single section of thesuture 1002 could extend through the suture retainer, in the manner illustrated for the embodiment ofFIG. 38 . - Although the
sections suture 52 could extend straight through thesuture retainer 1000, as shown inFIG. 38 for thesuture 922, it is preferred to form a plurality of bends in thesuture 1002. In the illustrated embodiment, bends are formed in the left andright sections suture 1002 by wrapping a turn of theleft section 1016 around a portion of thesuture retainer 1000. Similarly, bends are formed in theright section 1018 of thesuture 1002 by wrapping a turn in the right section of the suture around a portion of thesuture retainer 1000. A single loop is formed in theleft section 1016 of thesuture 1002 around a portion of thesuture retainer 1000. Similarly, a single loop is formed in theright section 1018 around a portion of thesuture retainer 1000. A greater or lesser number of loops could be provided in the left andright sections suture 1002 cooperates with thesuture retainer 1000 in the same manner as is illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 herein. - The
suture retainer 1000 has a spherical configuration. Acylindrical passage 1022 extends diametrically through thespherical suture retainer 1000. If desired, thesuture retainer 1000 could have a different configuration. For example, thesuture retainer 1000 could have any one of the configurations illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 36 . If desired, a plurality of passages having the same or different configurations, could be provided in thesuture retainer 1000. - A surgeon selects the
suture 1002 to have a particular size and strength in accordance with a chart, corresponding to thechart 918 ofFIG. 37 . Aforce application assembly 1030 is connected with end portions of the left andright sections suture 1002. Theforce application assembly 1030 tensions thesuture 1002 with a force, indicated schematically by anarrow 1034 inFIG. 39 . - In addition, a
force application member 1038 applies force against thesuture retainer 1000 urging the suture retainer towards thebody tissue 1004. The force applied by theforce application member 1038 to thesuture retainer 1000 moves or slides the suture retainer along thesuture 1002 toward thebody tissue 1004. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 39 , thesuture retainer 1000 is pressed against theouter layer 1006 of body tissue under the influence of force applied against thesuture retainer 1000 by theforce application member 1038. However, if desired, a force distribution member, such as a button, could be provided between thesuture retainer 1000 and thebody tissue 1004. In addition, a force distribution member or button could be provided between aconnector section 1042 of thesuture 1002 and theinner layer 1008 of body tissue. - In accordance with a feature of this embodiment of the invention, the
suture 1002 is tensioned by theforce application assembly 1030, with aforce 1034 which is a function of the strength of thesuture 1002. In accordance with another feature of this embodiment of the invention, theforce application member 1038 is effective to apply forces indicated schematically byarrows suture 1002, to thesuture retainer 1000. - The combined effects of the
force application assembly 1030 and theforce application member 1038 result in the left andright sections suture 1002 being tensioned with a force which is a function of the strength of thesuture 1002 and in the transmission of a force from thesuture retainer 1000 to thebody tissue 1004 which is a function of the strength of thesuture 1002. Thus, theforce 1034 is a function of the strength of thesuture 1002. For example, theforce 1034, with which thesuture 1002 is tensioned, may be equal to 0.80 times the strength of the suture. Similarly, the combinedforces suture retainer 1000 to thebody tissue 1004 may be 0.80 times the strength of the suture. - While the
suture 1002 is being tensioned with theforce 1034 and while theforces suture retainer 1000 to press the suture retainer against the body tissue,force application members arrows suture retainer 1000. The force applied by theforce application members suture retainer 1000. - The plastic deformation of the
suture retainer 1000 is effective to cause cold flowing of material of the suture retainer. The force indicated by thearrows suture retainer 1000 by theforce application members suture retainer 1000 at a temperature below the transition temperature range for the material of the suture retainer. Although the illustratedforce application members force application members - The cold flowing of the material of the
suture retainer 1000 results in a collapsing of thepassage 1022 and the flowing of the material of the suture retainer around thesections suture 1002. This enables the material of thesuture retainer 1000 to bond to and obtain a firm grip on thesuture 1002. The cold flowing of the material of thesuture retainer 1000 occurs at a temperature which is below the transition temperature of the material forming the suture retainer. - During the time in which the
force application members suture retainer 1000, the suture retainer is pressed against theouter layer 1006 of thebody tissue 1004 under the combined influence of theforces suture 1002. In addition, a predetermined tension is maintained in thesections suture 1002 by theforce application assembly 1030. Thus, thesections suture 1002 tension with aforce 1034 which is a function of the strength of thesuture 1002 while theforce application members suture retainer 1000. - Once the
suture retainer 1000 has been plastically deformed to grip thesuture 1002, theforce transmitting members suture retainer 1000. At the same time, theforce application member 1038 is moved away from thesuture retainer 1000 and theforce application assembly 1030 interrupts the application of tensioning force tosuture 1002. Thesuture retainer 1000 grips thesuture 1002 and maintains the tension in the portions of thesections passages force application assembly 1030 is no longer effective to tension the suture. - The
suture retainer 1000 may be formed of many different materials. However, it is believed that it will be preferred to form the suture retainer of a biodegradable polymer. Although it is preferred to form thesuture retainer 1000 of a biodegradable material, the suture retainer could be formed of a material which is not biodegradable. - In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the
suture 1002 is formed of the same material as thesuture retainer 1000. Thesuture 1002 may be formed of a natural or synthetic material and may be a monofilament or formed by a plurality of interconnected filaments. Thesuture 1002 may be biodegradable or non-biodegradable. - In the foregoing description, the material of the
suture retainer 1000 has been plastically deformed by cold flowing of the material of the suture retainer. It is contemplated that thesuture retainer 1000 could be heated to a temperature in the transition temperature range for the material of the suture retainer. Theforce application members suture retainer 1000 to cause a flowing of the heated material of the suture retainer. - A suture retainer 1070 (
FIG. 42 ) includes a holder or retainer member 1072 (FIG. 40 ) and a tubular member 1074 (FIG. 41 ). Thesuture retainer 1070 is utilized to secure a knownsuture 1076 against movement relative to by tissue 1078 (FIG. 42 ). In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 42 , thesuture 1076 is connected with asuture anchor 1082. However, thesuture 1076 could be connected with body tissue in many different ways, including those illustrated inFIGS. 1 , 9, 26, 36, 38, and 39 herein. Thesuture anchor 1082 could have any one of many different known constructions, including the constructions illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,584,862; 5,549,631; and/or 5,527,343. It should be understood that one or more of the features of the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-39 could be used with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 40-42 . - The tubular member 1074 (
FIG. 41 ) has a cylindricalouter side surface 1086. Theouter side surface 1086 extends betweenannular end surfaces tubular member 1074. Acylindrical passage 1092 extends between the axiallyopposite end surfaces tubular member 1074. Although thetubular member 1074 has been illustrated inFIG. 41 has having a cylindricalouter side surface 1086, it is contemplated that thetubular member 1074 could have an outer side surface with a different configuration, for example, a rectangular configuration. - A notch or
recess 1096 may be formed in thetubular member 1074. Thenotch 1096 is disposed midway between the end surfaces 1088 and 1090. Thenotch 1096 extends through thepassage 1092. Although it is preferred to form thenotch 1096 in thetubular member 1074, it is contemplated that the notch could be omitted if desired. If thenotch 1096 is omitted, the cylindricalouter side surface 1086 would extend between theopposite end surfaces - The holder member 1072 (
FIG. 40 ) has a generally C-shaped configuration. Theholder member 1072 includes amain section 1100 and pair ofleg sections main section 1100 andleg sections main section 1100 andleg sections - The
leg sections main section 1100. However, it should be understood that themain section 1100 andleg sections main section 1100 andleg sections leg sections main section 1100. - A pair of
flanges leg sections 1102 and 1104 (FIG. 40 ). Theflanges opening 1112 to arecess 1114 defined by the holder member 1172. The illustratedrecess 114 has a polygonal configuration. However, therecess 114 could have an arcuate configuration if desired. - The
flanges straight edges leg sections flanges straight edges - The tubular member 1174 (
FIG. 41 ) and theholder member 1072 are formed of a polymeric material having a relatively low coefficient to friction. The polymeric material forming theholder member 1072 andtubular member 1074 is biodegradable. One biodegradable polymer which may be utilized to form theholder member 1072 andtubular member 1074 is polycaperlactone. Alternatively, theholder member 1072 andtubular member 1074 could be formed of polyethylene oxide terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate. It is contemplated that other biodegradable or bioerodible copolymers could be utilized if desired. If desired, theholder member 1072 could be formed of one known biodegradable copolymer and thetubular member 1074 could be formed of a different biodegradable copolymer. - Although it is preferred to form the
holder member 1072 andtubular member 1074 of a biodegradable material, they could be formed of a material which is not biodegradable. For example, theholder member 1072 and/or thetubular member 1074 could be formed of an acetyl resin, such as “Delrin” (Trademark). Alternatively, theholder member 1072 and/ortubular member 1074 could be formed of a para-dimethylamino-benzenediazo sodium sulfonate, such as “Dexon” (Trademark). If desired, either theholder member 1072 or thetubular member 1074 could be formed of a material which is biodegradable and the other member formed of a material which is not biodegradable. - When the suture retainer 1070 (
FIG. 42 ) is to be used to secure thesuture 1076 relative to thebody tissue 1078, the suture is inserted through thepassage 1092 in thetubular member 1074, in the manner illustrated inFIG. 41 . Thetubular member 1074 is then slid along thesuture 1076 toward thebody tissue 1078 with theend surface 1090 of the tubular member leading. Theend surface 1090 of the tubular member is moved through the opening 1112 (FIG. 40 ) in theholder member 1072. - Although only a single section of the
suture 1076 extends through thetubular member 1074, two or more sections of the suture could extend through thetubular member 1074. For example, a pair of sections of thesuture 1076 could extend through thetubular member 1074 in much the same manner as in which a pair ofsections suture 52 extend through themain section 704 of thesuture retainer 700 ofFIG. 32 . - The
suture 1076 is then tensioned with a predetermined force which is a function of the known size and strength of the suture. Theleg section 1104 of theholder member 1072 is pressed against the body tissue 1178 (FIG. 42 ) with a predetermined force. The leading end portion of thetubular member 1074 is then pressed firmly against theleg section 1104 of theholder member 1072 with a predetermined force which corresponds to the force with which the holder member is pressed against thebody tissue 1078. - The
tubular member 1074 is then bent at thenotch 1096. This resiliently deforms thetubular member 1074 from the linear configuration illustrated inFIG. 41 to the bent configuration illustrated inFIG. 42 . As thetubular member 1074 is elastically bent, the predetermined tensioned is maintained in thesuture 1076. - While the
tubular member 1074 is being pressed against theholder member 1072 with a force sufficient to apply a predetermined force against thebody tissue 1078 through the holder member, thetubular member 1074 is resiliently bent from the straight configuration ofFIG. 41 to the bent configuration ofFIG. 42 . As this occurs, the trailing end portion of thetubular member 1074, on which theend surface 1088 is located, is moved into the recess 1114 (FIG. 40 ) in theholder member 1072. Thebent tubular member 1074 has the generally V-shaped configuration illustrated inFIG. 42 . - The
edges 1018 and 1020 (FIG. 40 ) on theflanges FIG. 41 ) of thetubular member 1074 to hold the tubular member against resiliently springing outward from the generally V-shaped configuration to which the tubular member has been resiliently deflected (FIG. 42 ). At this time, anarcuate bend portion 1124 of thetubular member 1074 extends out of therecess 1114 in theholder member 1072 through theopening 1112. Thelinear edges flanges tubular member 1074 to hold the tubular member in the generally V-shaped configuration illustrated inFIG. 42 . - The
suture 1076 is firmly gripped by the portion of thepassage 1092 extending through thebend portion 1124 of thetubular member 1074. Gripping of thesuture 1076 is promoted by the notch 1096 (FIG. 41 ). Thenotch 1096 results in surfaces on thetubular member 1074 which form the portion of thepassage 1092 intersecting thenotch 1096 engaging thesuture 1076 to hold the suture. - The generally V-shaped configuration of the resiliently deflected tubular member 1074 (
FIG. 42 ) results in thesuture 1076 being held with sufficient force to maintain the predetermined tension in the portion of the suture extending between thebend portion 1124 of thetubular member 1074 and thesuture anchor 1082. This tension results in thetubular member 1074 being pressed against theholder member 1072 with sufficient force to press theleg section 1104 of theholder member 1072 against thebody tissue 1078 with a predetermined force. - Once the
tubular member 1074 has been bent and positioned in therecess 1114 in theholder member 1072, in the manner illustrated schematically inFIG. 42 , thesuture retainer 1070 may be plastically deformed to increase the grip of thetubular member 1074 on thesuture 1076. Thus, if desired, while the predetermined tension is present in thesuture 1076 and while theholder member 1072 is being pressed against thebody tissue 1078 with a predetermined force, force is applied against opposite sides of thesuture retainer 1070. The force is applied to the suture retainer in a direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of themain section 1100 of theholder member 1072 and extending through the center of therecess 1114. The force applied against thesuture retainer 1070 plastically deforms both theholder member 1072 and thetubular member 1074. - The plastic deformation of the
holder member 1072 andtubular member 1074 is effective to cause cold flowing of material of both the holder member and the tubular member. This force is effective to cause flowing of the material of theholder member 1072 and thetubular member 1074 at a temperature below a transition temperature range for the material of theholder member 1072 andtubular member 1074. The cold flowing of the material of theholder member 1072 and thetubular member 1074 results in a reduction in the size of therecess 114 in theholder member 1072 and a closing of thepassage 1092 through thetubular member 1074. - As the material of the
tubular member 1074 is plastically deformed at a temperature below the transition is temperature range of the material, there is a collapsing of thepassage 1092 through the tubular member. This results in the material of thetubular member 1074 bonding to and obtaining a very strong grip on thesuture 1076. The manner in which force is applied against opposite sides of thesuture retainer 1072 may be similar to that illustrated schematically inFIGS. 3 , 8, 18, 22, 32, 34, 35, and 38 herein. - Although it is believed that it may be preferred to apply force against both the
holder member 1072 and tubular member 1074 (FIG. 42 ) to effect cold flowing of the material forming the holder member and tubular member, force may be applied against only thetubular member 1074 if desired. Thus, the force application members could be constructed so as to have a configuration corresponding to the configuration of therecess 114 in theholder member 1072 and to extend a short distance through theopening 1112 into the recess. - The force application members would be positioned in engagement with diametrically opposite sides of the
tubular member 1074 and would be aligned with opposite ends of therecess 114. The force application members would then be moved toward each other along an axis extending through the center of therecess 1114 in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of themain section 1100 of theholder member 1072. A predetermined force sufficient to cause cold flowing of thetubular member 1074 would then be applied against opposite sides of the tubular member. This would result in a cold flowing of the material of thetubular member 1074 and collapsing of thepassage 1092 through the tubular member without significant deformation of theholder member 1072. - Regardless of whether the
holder member 1072 andtubular member 1074 or just thetubular member 1074 are plastically deformed, thepassage 1092 through the tubular member is collapsed and the material of the tubular member pressed firmly against thesuture 1076. The force applied against thetubular member 1074 is sufficient to embed thesuture 1076 in the material of thetubular member 1074 to obtain a cold bonding of the material of thetubular member 1074 with thesuture 1076. A cold bonding of the material forming the inner side surface of thepassage 1092 with thesuture 1076 securely interconnects the suture and thetubular member 1074. The manner in which the material of thetubular member 1074 engages thesuture 1076 is the same as is illustrated schematically inFIG. 4 . - It is preferred to effect cold flowing of the material of the
tubular member 1074 and, if desired, the material of theholder member 1072 without the addition of heat. However, it is contemplated that thetubular member 1074 and, if desired, theholder member 1072 could be heated to a temperature which is somewhat above the temperature of the body tissue 1078 (FIG. 42 ). Although the material of theholder member 1072 andtubular member 1074 could be heated into the transition temperature range for the materials forming the members, it is believed that it will be desired to maintain the temperature of theholder member 1072 andtubular member 1074 at a temperature below the transition temperature of the materials forming these member. However, it should be understood that in certain situations, it may be desired to heat theholder member 1072 and/or thetubular member 1074 to a temperature which is in the transition temperature range for the materials forming these members. If this was done, there would be a hot flowing, rather cold flowing of the material of theholder member 1072 and/ortubular member 1074. - The foregoing description has assumed that force will be applied against the
suture retainer 1070, with or without the application of heat, to effect flowing of the material of the suture retainer. However, it is believed that it may be preferred to omit the application of force to thesuture retainer 1070. Thus, the resilientlybent tubular member 1074 is held against movement from the bent condition ofFIG. 42 under the influence of its own natural resilience, by theholder member 1072 to grip thesuture 1076 without additional deformation of thesuture retainer 1070. By omitting the application of force to thesuture retainer 1070 after thetubular member 1074 has been bent and gripped by theholder member 1072, installation of the suture retainer is simplified. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 42 , theleg section 1104 of theholder member 1072 is pressed firmly against thebody tissue 1078. If desired, a force distribution member could be provided between theholder member 1072 and thebody tissue 1078. For example, a circular force distribution member having a central passage could be provided between theholder member 1072 andbody tissue 1078. Alternatively, theleg section 1104 of theholder member 1072 could be provided with an enlarged base so as to have a larger area of engagement with thebody tissue 1078. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 42 ,opposite end surfaces tubular member 1074 are disposed in therecess 1114. However, it is contemplated thatbent tubular member 1074 could be inserted into therecess 1114 in theholder member 1072 with thebend portion 1124 disposed on one side of theholder member 1072 and the end surfaces 1088 and 1090 disposed on the opposite side of the holder member. This would result in theholder member 1072 functioning as a band which would extend around thetubular member 1074 at a location between thebent portion 1124 and the end surfaces 1088 and 1090. The band formed by theholder member 1072 would hold portions of thetubular member 74 in engagement with each other at a location offset from thebend portion 1124. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 40-42 , thetubular member 1074 is provided with a cylindricalouter side surface 1086 which is engaged by theedges retainer member 1072. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 43 , the tubular member is provided with a pair of notches which are engaged by the holder member. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 43 is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 40-42 , similar terminology will be utilized to designate similar components. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 43 , atubular member 1130 has acylindrical passage 1132 through which asuture 1134 extends. Thetubular member 1130 has a cylindricalouter side surface 1136. Anotch 1138 is formed midway betweenopposite end surfaces tubular member 1130. Thenotch 1138 corresponds to thenotch 1096 in the embodiment of the tubular member illustrated inFIG. 41 . - In accordance with a feature of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 43 , a pair ofnotches outer side surface 1136. Thenotches FIG. 43 ) of thetubular member 1130 while thenotch 1138 is formed in the opposite or left side of the tubular member. Although thenotches notch 1138 than they are to the end surfaces 1140 and 1142 of thetubular member 1130, thenotch 1146 is located approximately halfway between thenotch 1138 and theend surface 1140. Similarly, thenotch 1148 is located approximately halfway between thenotch 1138 and theend surface 1142 of thetubular member 1130. - When the
tubular member 1130 is positioned in engagement with a holder member, in a manner similar to which thetubular member 1074 is positioned in engagement with theholder member 1072 inFIG. 42 , flanges, corresponding to theflanges notches tubular member 1130. The presence of thenotches tubular member 1130 and the holder member as the tubular member is inserted into the holder member, in the manner indicated schematically inFIG. 42 for thetubular member 1074. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 40-42 , thetubular member 1074 is resiliently deflected to form asingle bend portion 1124 in the tubular member. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 44 , a plurality of bend portions are formed in thetubular member 1074. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 44 is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 40-42 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 44 , asuture retainer 1152 is utilized to secure asuture 1154 against movement relative to body tissue. Although thesuture 1154 has been illustrated schematically inFIG. 44 as having slack, it is contemplated that at least a portion of thesuture 1154 disposed between thesuture retainer 1152 and a suture anchor, corresponding to thesuture anchor 1082 in thebody tissue 1078 ofFIG. 42 , will be tensioned with a predetermined force. Therefore, a predetermined tension is maintained in thesuture 1154 and thesuture retainer 1152 is pressed against the body tissue with a predetermined force. - The
suture retainer 1152 includes a holder orretainer member 1158 which at least partially encloses atubular member 1160. Theholder member 1158 has a generally C-shaped configuration with arecess 1162 in which thetubular member 1160 is disposed. Therecess 1162 has anopening 1164 through which thesuture 1154 extends. - In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the
tubular member 1160 is disposed almost entirely within therecess 1162. Only a relatively insignificant portion of thetubular member 1158 extends through theopening 1164. If desired, thetubular member 1160 could have a length such that theentire tubular member 1160 is disposed in therecess 1162. Alternatively, the length of thetubular member 1160 could be such that opposite end portions of thetubular member 1160 project a substantial distance through the opening to therecess 1162. - In accordance with a feature of this embodiment of the invention, a pair of
bend portions tubular member 1160. By resiliently deflecting thetubular member 1160 to form thebend portions passage 1174 through thetubular member 1160 are bent to grip thesuture 1154. A pair ofnotches tubular member 1160. Thenotches notch 1096 and perform the same function as thenotch 1096 ofFIG. 41 . - When the
suture retainer 1152 is to be utilized to secure thesuture 1134 relative to body tissue, thetubular member 1160 is slid along thesuture 1154 into engagement with theholder member 1158. At this time, thetubular member 1160 has a straight or linear configuration corresponding to the configuration of thetubular member 1074 ofFIG. 41 . The tubular member is then bent at thenotches tubular member 1160 are disposed in abutting engagement with each other. - The
tubular member 1160 is moved into therecess 1162 in the C-shapedholder member 1158. This prevents thetubular member 1160 from springing back from the bent or resiliently deflected condition ofFIG. 44 toward its original linear or straight configuration. As thetubular member 1160 is resiliently deflected to form thebend portions passage 1174 is collapsed and thesuture 1154 is firmly gripped at both of the bend portions. This results in the desired tension being maintained in thesuture 1154 and in theholder member 1158 being pressed against body tissue with a desired force. - Once the
tubular member 1160 has been positioned in theholder member 1158, in the manner illustrated schematically inFIG. 44 , both the holder member and tubular member may be plastically deformed by cold flowing the material of the holder member and the tubular member. Alternatively, just the material of thetubular member 1160 may be plastically deformed. The material of thetubular member 1160 andholder member 1158 or just the material of thetubular member 1160 may be deformed by force application members which apply force against opposite sides of thesuture retainer 1152 in the manner previously explained in conjunction with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 40-42 . - The
holder member 1158 is formed of a single piece of biodegradable polymer, such as polycaperlactone. Similarly, thetubular member 1160 is formed of a single piece of a biodegradable polymer. Of course other biodegradable polymers could be utilized if desired. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 40-44 , a holder member having an open-ended recess is used to retain a resiliently deflected tubular member, through which the suture extends, in a bent configuration. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 45-47 , the holder member has a closed recess in which the resiliently deflected tubular member is received. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 45-47 is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 40-44 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. It should be understood that one or more of the features of the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-44 could be used with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 45-47 . - A suture retainer 1190 (
FIG. 45 ) is utilized to position asuture 1192 relative tobody tissue 1194. In the illustrated embodiment of thesuture retainer 1190, thesuture 1192 is connected with asuture anchor 1198 which engages thebody tissue 1194. Thesuture anchor 1198 may be embedded in body tissue, in the manner illustrated inFIG. 42 or may be disposed adjacent to a side of the body tissue opposite from thesuture retainer 1190, in the manner illustrated schematically inFIG. 38 . Thesuture anchor 1198 may have any desired construction. Alternatively, thesuture anchor 1198 may be omitted and thesuture 1192 connected with body tissue in any desired manner. For example, thesuture 1192 may be connected with the body tissue in the manner illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 26 if desired. If desired, a suture retainer, having the construction of any one of the suture retainers disclosed herein, could be utilized in place of thesuture anchor 1198. - The
suture retainer 1190 includes a holder orretainer 1202 and a tubular member 1204 (FIG. 46 ). Theholder 1202 includes a generally cylindrical main orcontainer section 1208 and acircular cover section 1210. It should be understood that themain section 1208 andcover section 1210 could have a different configuration if desired. For example, themain section 1208 andcover section 1210 could have rectangular configurations. Alternatively, either themain section 1208 or thecover section 1210 could have a circular configuration and the other section could have a rectangular configuration. - It is believed that it may be preferred to construct the
retainer 1190 with a spherical configuration. If this was done, thecover section 1210 would have an outer side surface which would form a portion of a sphere. Themain section 1208 would have an outer side surface which would form the remainder of the sphere, that is the portion of the sphere not defined by thecover section 1210. - The
main section 1208 of theholder 1202 includes acircular base 1214 which engages the body tissue 1194 (FIG. 45 ). Acylindrical wall 1216 extends upward (as viewed inFIGS. 45-47 ) from thebase 1214 and is coaxial with the base. Thewall 1216 is formed in a plurality ofsections FIG. 45 ). The sections 1218-1224 of thewall 1216 are resiliently deflectable relative to thebase 1214. - The arcuate sections 1218-1224 (
FIG. 45 ) of thewall 1216 cooperate with thebase 1214 to form a cylindrical recess or chamber 1230 (FIGS. 46 and 47 ) in which thecylindrical tubular member 1204 is disposed. Thetubular member 1204 has anupper end portion 1232 which is received in acylindrical socket 1234 formed in thecover section 1210. A cylindricallower end portion 1236 of thetubular member 1204 is received in acylindrical socket 1238 formed in thebase 1214 of themain section 1208 of theholder 1202. The upper andlower end portions tubular member 1204 could be connected with thecover section 1210 and base 1214 in a different manner if desired. - The
tubular member 1204 has a construction which is generally similar to the construction of thetubular member 1074 ofFIG. 41 . However, thetubular member 1204 is provided with a plurality of notches to promote the formation of a plurality of bends in the tubular member. Thus, thetubular member 1204 has acentral notch 1242 which facilitates a formation of a bend 1244 (FIG. 46 ) in a central portion of the initially straight tubular member. - In addition, the
tubular member 1204 has an upper (as viewed inFIG. 46 )notch 1246 which promotes the formation of abend 1248 adjacent to thecover section 1210. Similarly, alower notch 1250 promotes the formation of abend 1252 adjacent to thebase 1214 of themain section 1208 of theholder 1202. Thesuture 1192 extends through acylindrical passage 1256 formed in thetubular member 1204. - Although the
tubular member 1204 has been illustrated inFIG. 46 in a partially bent configuration, it should be understood that thetubular member 1204 initially has a linear configuration, similar to the linear configuration of thetubular member 1074 ofFIG. 41 . When force is applied against thecover section 1210, urging the cover section toward thebase 1214 of themain section 1208, thebends FIG. 46 ). Thenotches bends tubular member 1204 to impart a zig-zag configuration to the tubular member. - Although it is preferred to utilize
notches bends tubular member 1204, the tubular member could be weakened at preselected locations in other ways if desired. For example, the thickness of the side wall of thetubular member 1204 could be reduced in areas where it is desired to have thebends - When the
suture retainer 1190 is to be utilized to secure thesuture 1192 relative to thebody tissue 1194, thesuture 1192 is moved into a slot 1260 (FIG. 45 ) in themain section 1208 of thesuture retainer 1190. Theslot 1260 extends from a cylindricalouter side surface 1262 into a the center of thesocket 1238 in the central portion of abase 1214. - The
slot 1260 enables theholder 1202 to be moved from a location spaced from thesuture 1192 to a location in engagement with the suture and thebody tissue 1194 without sliding theholder 1202 along the suture. Thus, theholder 1202 can be moved in a direction transverse to a longitudinal central axis of thesuture 1192 into engagement with the suture at a location along the length of the suture immediately adjacent to thebody tissue 1194. This facilitates positioning of theholder 1202 relative to thebody tissue 1194 without sliding the holder along thesuture 1192. - The
holder 1202 is pressed against the body tissue with a predetermined force while thesuture 1192 is tensioned with a predetermined force. If desired, theslot 1260 could be omitted. If this was done, the suture would extend through a hole in thebase 1214. - The
tubular member 1204 is then slid along thesuture 1192 into engagement with theholder 1202. As this occurs, thetubular member 1204 has a straight or linear configuration, corresponding to the straight configuration of thetubular member 1074 ofFIG. 41 . Thelower end portion 1236 of thetubular member 1204 is moved along thesuture 1192 toward theholder 1202 with the suture extending through thepassage 1256 in thetubular member 1204. The lower orleading end portion 1236 of thetubular member 1204 is moved through therecess 1230 in theholder 1202 into thesocket 1238 in thebase 1214 of theholder 1202. - The
cover section 1210 is then positioned relative to thesuture 1192. Aslot 1266 extends from a frustroconical peripheral surface 1268 (FIG. 46 ) on thecover section 1210 to the center of thesocket 1234 in the central portion of the cover section (FIG. 45 ). Theslot 1266 enables thecover section 1210 to be positioned adjacent to the upper or trailingend portion 1232 of thetubular member 1204 without being slid along thesuture 1192. Thus, thecover section 1210 can be moved in a direction transverse to the longitudinal central axis of thesuture 1192 into engagement with the suture at a location disposed immediately adjacent to and above (as viewed inFIG. 46 ) theupper end portion 1232 of thetubular member 1204. Thecover section 1210 is then moved downward to position theupper end portion 1232 of thetubular member 1204 in thesocket 1234. - When the
lower end portion 1236 of thetubular member 1204 is initially positioned in thesocket 1238 in theholder 1202 and theupper end portion 1232 of the tubular member is initially positioned in thesocket 1234 in thecover section 1210, thetubular member 1204 has a straight or linear configuration. This results in thecover section 1210 being disposed above (as viewed inFIG. 46 ) theholder 1202. - To resiliently deflect the
tubular member 1204 from its initial straight configuration and to form thebends cover section 1210 is pushed axially downward toward theholder 1202 while a predetermined tension is maintained in thesuture 1192. Columnar loading of thetubular member 1204 increases as the axially downward force applied against thecover section 1210 increases. When a predetermined force has been transmitted from the cover section to thetubular member 1204 and from the tubular member to theholder 1202 andbody tissue 1194, the tubular member begins to buckle adjacent to thenotch 1242 to initiate formation of thebend 1244. - The continued application of an increasing axial force to the
cover section 1210 results in buckling of thetubular member 1204 adjacent to thenotches bends bend 1244 and, subsequently, thebends tubular member 1204 andpassage 1256 are deflected to a zig-zag configuration. Thecover section 1210 is then moved downward (as viewed inFIG. 46 ) toward themain section 1208 of theholder 1202. While this is occurring, theholder 1202 is being pressed against thebody tissue 1194 with a predetermined force and a predetermined tension is maintained in thesuture 1192. - As the
tubular member 1204 continues to buckle under columnar loading, the frustroconical peripheral surface 1268 (FIG. 46 ) on thecover section 1210 moves into engagement with radially inward and downward slopingcam surfaces sections FIG. 45 ). The force applied against the sections 1218-1224 of thewall 1216 by thesurface 1268 of thecover section 1210 resiliently deflects the wall sections 1218-1224 radially outward to increase the size of anopening 1284 to therecess 1230. - As the
cover section 1210 continues to move downward, as viewed inFIG. 46 , the cover section moves into therecess 1230. As this occurs, the sections 1218-1224 of thewall 1216 resiliently snap back to their initial positions. When the sections 1218-1224 of thewall 1216 have moved back to their initial positions,retainer surfaces 1288 on upper end portions of the sections 1218-1224 of thewall 1216 move into engagement with an upper (as viewed inFIG. 47 )side surface 1292 of thecover section 1210 to latch thecover section 1210 in place. This results in thecover section 1210 being held against upward (as viewed inFIG. 47 ) movement relative to themain section 1208 of theholder 1202. Therefore, thecover section 1210 cooperates with thebase 1214 of themain section 1208 of theholder 1202 to retain thetubular member 1204 in the fully bent, zig-zag configuration illustrated inFIG. 47 . - As the
tubular member 1204 is resiliently deflected from its initial straight configuration through the partially bent configuration ofFIG. 46 to the fully bent zig-zag configuration ofFIG. 47 , thepassage 1256 through thetubular member 1204 collapses and grips thesuture 1192. The relatively sharp bend 1244 (FIG. 47 ) in thetubular member 1204 results from pressing the outer side surface on the portion of the tubular member disposed above (as viewed inFIG. 46 ) thenotch 1242 against a portion of the outer side surface of the tubular member disposed below thenotch 1242. The relativelysharp bend 1244 results in thesuture 1192 being securely gripped by the collapsed portion of thepassage 1256 extending through thebend 1244. In addition, the collapsed portions of thepassage 1256 through thebends suture 1192. - Once the
tubular member 1204 has been resiliently deflected to the bent configuration ofFIG. 47 and thecover section 1210 firmly latched in place by the sections 1218-1224 of thewall 1216, thesuture 1192 is securely gripped to maintain a predetermined tension in the portion of the suture extending between thesuture retainer 1190 and the anchor 1198 (FIG. 45 ). At this time, a predetermined force is transmitted from theholder 1202 to thebody tissue 1194. If desired, a force distribution member, similar to thebutton 602 ofFIG. 26 , could be positioned between themain section 1208 of theholder 1202 and thebody tissue 1194 to distribute the force transmitted from the holder to the body tissue over a relatively large area. Alternatively, themain section 1208 of theholder 1202 could be formed with a circular flange which extends radially outward from thebase 1214 to increase the surface area on thebody tissue 1194 engaged by thesuture retainer 1190. - Although only a single section of the
suture 1192 has been illustrated inFIGS. 45-47 as extending through themain section 1208,tubular member 1204, andcover section 1210, two or more sections of the suture could extend through thesuture retainer 1190 if desired. For example, two sections of thesuture 1192 could extend through themain section 1208,tubular member 1204, andcover section 1210 of thesuture retainer 1190 if desired. The two sections of thesuture 1192 would extend through thesuture retainer 1190 in much the same manner as in which twosections suture 52 extend through themain section 704 of thesuture retainer 700 ofFIG. 32 . - After the
tubular member 1204 has been resiliently deflected to the fully bent condition ofFIG. 47 and thecover section 1210 latched in place by the sections 1218-1224 of thewall 1216, thesuture retainer 1190 may be plastically deformed to further ensure a secure grip on thesuture 1192. While thesuture retainer 1190 is being pressed against thebody tissue 1194 with a predetermined force and while the portion of thesuture 1192 disposed between the anchor 1198 (FIG. 45 ) and thesuture retainer 1190 is tensioned with a predetermined force, a pair of force application members, corresponding to theforce application members FIG. 18 , may be pressed against opposite sides of thesuture retainer 1190. The force applied against thesuture retainer 1190 by the force application members plastically deforms the material of the suture retainer. - The plastic deformation of the
suture retainer 1190 is effective to cause cold flowing of material of the suture retainer. Thus, the force application members are effective to apply a predetermined force against theouter side surface 1262 of thesuture retainer 1190 to cause flowing of the material of the suture retainer at a temperature below a transition temperature range for the material of the suture retainer. The force applied against thesuture retainer 1190 by the force application members is effective to cause cold flowing of the material of both theholder 1202 and thetubular member 1204. - The
suture retainer 1190 is plastically deformed by the application of a predetermined force of a predetermined period of time against a suture retainer. As this occurs, the material of thetubular member 1204 cold flows around thesuture 1192 and is bonded with the material of the suture. The manner in which the material of thetubular member 1204 bonds with thesuture 1192 is the same as is illustrated schematically inFIGS. 4 and 5 . The temperature at which the material of thetubular member 1204 is plastically deformed and cold flows under the influence of force applied against thesuture retainer 1190 by force application members, is close to the temperature of thebody tissue 1194. This temperature is below the transition temperature for the material of thesuture retainer 1190. - The
suture retainer 1190 may be formed of many different materials. However, it is believed that it will be preferred to form thesuture retainer 1190 of a biodegradable polymer. One biodegradable polymer which may be utilized is polycaperlactone. Alternatively, thesuture retainer 1190 could be formed of polyethylene oxide terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate. It is also contemplated that thesuture retainer 1190 could be formed of other biodegradable or bioerodible copolymers if desired. - Although it is preferred to form the
suture retainer 1190 of a biodegradable material, the suture retainer could be formed of a material which is not biodegradable. For example, thesuture retainer 1190 could be formed of an acetyl resin, such as “Delrin” (trademark). Alternatively, thesuture retainer 1190 could be formed of a para-dimethylamino-benzenediazo sodium sulfonate, such as “Dexon” (trademark). - It is preferred to effect cold flowing of the material of the
suture retainer 1190 without the addition of heat. However, it is contemplated that thesuture retainer 1190 could be heated to a temperature which is somewhat above the temperature of thebody tissue 1194. If desired, heat could be transmitted to the suture retainer through the force application members utilized to effect cold flowing of the material of thesuture retainer 1190. Although thesuture retainer 1190 may be heated, the suture retainer would be maintained at a temperature below the transition temperature for the material of the suture retainer. Alternatively, the suture retainer could be heated to a temperature in the transition temperature range for the suture retainer. - The
suture 1192, like thesutures FIGS. 40-44 , may be of natural or synthetic materials. The sutures ofFIGS. 41-47 may be monofilament or may be formed of a plurality of interconnected filaments. The sutures ofFIGS. 41-47 may be biodegradable or non-biodegradable. It may be preferred to form the sutures ofFIGS. 41-45 of the same material as the associated suture retainers. However, the sutures could be formed of a material which is different than the materials of the associated suture retainers. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 45 , 46 and 47, theholder 1202 is formed separately from thetubular member 1204. Thus, themain section 1208 andcover section 1210 of theholder 1202 are formed separately from thetubular member 1204. However, it is contemplated that thetubular member 1204 and thecover section 1210 andmain section 1208 of theholder 1202 could be formed as one piece. Alternatively, thetubular member 1204 could be formed as one piece with just thecover section 1210 or just themain section 1208 of theholder 1202. If thecover section 1210 andmain section 1208 of theholder 1202 are integrally formed as one piece with thetubular member 1204, thepassage 1256 through thetubular member 1204 would extend through thecover section 1210 andmain section 1208 of theholder 1202. This would result in theholder 1202 andtubular member 1204 being moved together along thesuture 1192 toward thebody tissue 1194. - When the
cover section 1210 andmain section 1208 of theholder 1202 are integrally formed as one piece with thetubular member 1204, it may be desired to form a slot which extends through theholder 1202 andtubular member 1204 to a central axis of the tubular member. This would enable the suture retainer to be moved into engagement with thesuture 1192 without first threading or inserting the suture through a passage extending through both theholder 1202 andtubular member 1204. The slot in the integrally formedtubular member 1204 andholder 1202 would enable thesuture retainer 1190 to be positioned in engagement with thesuture 1192 by moving the suture retainer transverse to a longitudinal central axis of thesuture 1192. As this occurs, the suture would move through the aligned slots in theholder 1202 andtubular member 1204 to a position in which the longitudinal central axis of thesuture 1192 is coincident with the longitudinal central axis of thetubular member 1204. When such a slot is utilized, it is believed that the cold flowing of the material of thesuture retainer 1190 by the application of force to the suture retainer while pressing theholder 1202 against thebody tissue 1194 with a predetermined force and maintaining a predetermined tension in the portion of thesuture 1192 disposed between the suture retainer and theanchor 1198 may be particularly advantageous. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 45-47 , thewall 1216 is formed by a circular array of wall sections 1218-1224. It is contemplated that a number of wall sections greater than the illustrated number or less than the illustrated number could be utilized if desired. It is also contemplated that the size of the slots between the wall sections 1218-1224 could be increased. If desired, one or more of the wall sections 1218-1224 could be omitted. For example, the diametricallyopposite wall sections recess 1230 and facilitate movement of body tissue into the recess. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 40-47 , thesuture retainers FIGS. 48-52 , one portion of a suture retainer is resiliently deflected and presses the suture against another portion of the suture retainer. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 48-52 is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 40-47 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. It should be understood that one or more of the features of any one of the embodiments of invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-47 may be used with any of the other embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 48-52 . - A suture retainer 1300 (
FIG. 52 ) is utilized to secure asuture 1302 against movement relative to body tissue. It should be understood that although body tissue has not been illustrated schematically inFIG. 52 , a predetermined force is transmitted from thesuture retainer 1300 to the body tissue. In addition, a predetermined tension is maintained in a portion of thesuture 1302 extending between thesuture retainer 1300 and an anchor corresponding to theanchor 1082 ofFIG. 42 . However, it should be understood that thesuture 1302 could be connected with body tissue in a manner other than the use of a suture anchor. For example, thesuture 1302 could be connected with body tissue in the manner illustrated schematically inFIGS. 1 , 9, 26, 36, 38, and/or 39 herein. - The
suture retainer 1300 includes a holder member 1306 (FIGS. 48 and 49 ) and a resilient member 1308 (FIGS. 50 and 51 ). Thesuture 1302 is wrapped around the resilient member 1308 (FIGS. 50 and 51 ). As thesuture 1302 is wrapped around theresilient member 1308, a plurality of bends are formed in the suture. As turns of the suture are wrapped around theresilient member 1308, loops are formed in thesuture 1302 around theresilient member 1308 in the manner illustrated inFIG. 50 . A greater or lesser number of loops could be provided in thesuture 1302 if desired. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 48-52 , only a single section of thesuture 1302 is wrapped around the resilient member 1308 (FIGS. 50 and 51 ). However, a plurality of sections of thesuture 1302 could be wrapped around theresilient member 1308 if desired. For example, two sections of thesuture 1302 could be wrapped around theresilient member 1308 in much the same manner as in which twosections suture 52 are wrapped around thesuture retainer 50 inFIG. 1 . - The
resilient member 1308 has a generally C-shaped configuration. The resilient member has anopening 1310 to a generallycircular recess 1312. A pair ofactuator members 1316 and 1318 (FIGS. 50 and 51 ) are disposed adjacent to opposite sides of theopening 1310. By manually applying force against theactuator members resilient member 1308 can be deflected to decrease the size of the opening and the diameter of the generally circularresilient member 1308. - The
resilient member 1308 includes a generallyrectangular body section 1322 and anarcuate rim section 1324 which projects radially outward from thebody section 1322. Theactuator members body section 1322 andrim section 1324 of theresilient member 1308 are integrally molded as one piece. - The holder member 1306 (
FIGS. 48 and 49 ) has anannular body section 1328 which defines a circularcentral opening 1330. Theannular body section 1328 has an arcuate radially inner side surface 1334 (FIG. 49 ) which faces inwardly toward the center of theholder member 1308 and defines anannular groove 1336. The illustratedbody section 1328 has a generally rectangular cross sectional configuration, as viewed inFIG. 49 . However, it is contemplated that the body section could be formed with a generally parabolic cross sectional configuration, as viewed inFIG. 49 , in order to minimize interference with adjacent body tissues. In fact, thebody section 1328 could be formed with a circular cross sectional configuration, as viewed inFIG. 49 . - When the
resilient member 1308 is in its initial or undeflected condition, thebody section 1322 of the resilient member has an outside diameter which is greater than the diameter of thecircular opening 1330 formed in theholder member 1306. In addition, therim section 1324 has a maximum outside diameter which is greater than the diameter of thegroove 1336 in the holder member. - Once the
suture 1302 has been wrapped around theresilient member 1308, in the manner illustrated schematically inFIGS. 50 and 51 , theactuator members opening 1310. As theactuator members resilient member 1308 is resiliently deflected. - The resilient deflection of the
member 1308 decreases the outside diameter of therim section 1324 to a diameter which is slightly less than the diameter of the opening 1330 (FIG. 48 ) in thebody section 1328 of theholder member 1306. Theresilient member 1308 is then moved into axial alignment with theholder member 1306. When theresilient member 1308 andholder member 1306 are in a coaxial relationship, theresilient member 1308 is moved into theopening 1330 in theholder member 1306. As theresilient member 1308 is moved into theopening 1330 in theholder member 1306, theactuator members FIG. 50 ) and maintain theresilient member 1308 in a resiliently deflected condition in which the member has an outside diameter which is slightly less than the diameter of theopening 1330. - When the
resilient member 1308 has been moved into theopening 1330 in thebody section 1328, therim section 1324 of theresilient member 1308 is aligned with the groove 1336 (FIG. 49 ) in theholder member 1308. Theactuator members resilient member 1308 back toward the free or unrestrained condition ofFIG. 50 . However, thegroove 1336 has a diameter which is less than the diameter of the unrestrained rim section 1324 (FIG. 50 ). Therefore, therim section 1324 presses against theinner side surface 1334 of thegroove 1336 to hold theresilient member 1308 in a deflected condition. - As was previously mentioned, the
suture 1302 is wrapped around the resilient member 1308 (FIG. 50 ). Therefore, when theresilient member 1308 expands into thegroove 1336 in theholder member 1306, therim section 1324 on the resilient member is effective to clamp the turns formed in thesuture 1302 against theinner side surface 1334 of theholder member 1306. This clamping action results in thesuture 1302 being firmly gripped between the outer side surface of therim section 1324 and theinner side surface 1334 of thegroove 1336. The clamping action between theresilient member 1308 and theholder member 1306 secures the suture against movement relative to thesuture retainer 1300, body tissue against which thesuture retainer 1300 is pressed, and an anchor with which thesuture 1302 is connected. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 48-52 , thesuture 1302 is wrapped for a plurality of turns around aresilient member 1308. If desired, thesuture 1302 could be wrapped for a single turn around theresilient member 1308. Of course, a greater number of turns of thesuture 1302 could be provided around theresilient member 1308 if desired. - When the
suture retainer 1300 is to be positioned relative to body tissue, it is contemplated that theholder member 1306 will be moved along thesuture 1302 into engagement with the body tissue. Thesuture 1302 will then be wrapped around theresilient member 1308. Theresilient member 1308 will then be moved along thesuture 1302 toward theholder member 1306. As theresilient member 1308 is slid along thesuture 1302 toward theholder member 1306, the turns of the suture around the resilient member will slide along the surface of the resilient member. This results in movement of the bends formed in thesuture 1302 by wrapping the suture around theresilient member 1308 moving along the suture toward the body tissue andholder member 1306 with theresilient member 1308. - It is contemplated that the
holder member 1306 will be pressed against the body tissue with a predetermined force and that a predetermined tension will be provided in thesuture 1302 as theresilient member 1308 is moved into theopening 1330 in theholder member 1306. The predetermined tension will be maintained in thesuture 1302 and theholder member 1306 will be pressed against the body tissue with the predetermined forces as therim section 1324 on theresilient member 1308 is moved into alignment with thegroove 1336 in theholder member 1306. The predetermined tension in thesuture 1302 and the predetermined force to be transmitted between theholder member 1306 and the body tissue as theactuator members resilient member 1308 to radially expand and clamp thesuture 1302 against theside surface 1334 of thegroove 1336. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 48-52 , theholder member 1306 is formed as a continuous annular ring. Therefore, the ring must be moved along thesuture 1302 to position the ring relative to the body tissue. It is contemplated that a radial slot could be provided through theannular holder member 1306. The radial slot in theholder member 1306 enables the holder member to be positioned adjacent to the body tissue and then moved transversely to thesuture 1302 to position the suture in theopening 1330 in theholder member 1306. Thus, the slot in theholder member 1306 would allow the holder member to be positioned relative to body tissue in much the same manner as in which the slot 1260 (FIGS. 46 and 47 ) enables themain section 1208 of theholder 1202 to be positioned relative to body tissue. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 48-52 , asingle rim section 1324 is provided on thebody section 1322 of the resilient member 1308 (FIGS. 50 and 51 ). However, it is contemplated that a plurality of axially spaced apart circular rim sections having the same configuration as therim section 1324 could be formed on thebody section 1322. Of course, if a plurality ofrim sections 1324 were provided on theresilient member 1308, a plurality ofgrooves 1336 would be formed in thebody section 1328 of the holder member 1306 (FIGS. 48 and 49 ). By providing a plurality of rim sections on theresilient member 1308 and a plurality of grooves in theholder member 1306, undulations would be formed in each of the turns of thesuture 1302 around theresilient member 1308. A clamping action would be provided between each of therim sections 1324 on theresilient member 1308 and each of thegrooves 1336 in theholder member 1306. - After the
resilient member 1308 has been positioned in theopening 1330 in the holder member 1306 (FIG. 52 ) and while a predetermined tension is maintained in the portion of thesuture 1302 between thesuture retainer 1300 and an anchor in the body tissue and while a predetermined force is transmitted between theholder member 1306 and the body tissue, thesuture retainer 1300 is plastically deformed to increase the grip of the suture retainer on thesuture 1302. Thus, while the suture retainer is being pressed against the body tissue with the predetermined force and a predetermined tension is maintained in the portion of the suture between the suture retainer and an anchor in the body tissue, a pair of force application members are pressed against opposite sides of thesuture retainer 1300. The force applied against thesuture retainer 1300 by the force application members is effective to plastically deform the material of the suture retainer. - The plastic deformation of the
suture retainer 1300 is effective to cause cold flowing of material of theholder member 1306 andresilient member 1308. Force is applied against thesuture retainer 1300 by the force application members while the suture retainer is at a temperature below a transition temperature range for the material of the suture retainer. Thus, thesuture retainer 1300 is plastically deformed while the suture retainer is at a temperature close to the temperature of the associated body tissue. This temperature is below the transition temperature for the material of thesuture retainer 1300. - It is contemplated that axially directed forces may be applied against axially opposite ends of the
suture retainer 1300 to effect the plastic deformation and cold flowing of the material of the suture retainer. However, it is also contemplated that radially directed forces could be applied against thesuture retainer 1300 to effect plastic deformation and cold flowing of the material of the suture retainer. - If force is applied against axially opposite end portions of the
suture retainer 1300 to effect the cold flowing of the material of the suture retainer, it is contemplated that force application members similar to those illustrated inFIG. 3 herein could be utilized. Alternatively, if radially directed force is to be applied against thesuture retainer 1300 to effect a cold flowing of the material of the suture retainer, force application members similar to those illustrated inFIG. 18 herein could be utilized. - The
suture retainer 1300 may be formed of a many different materials. However, it is believed that it will be preferred to form thesuture retainer 1300 of a biodegradable polymer. One biodegradable polymer which may be utilized is polycaperlactone. Alternatively, thesuture retainer 1300 could be formed of polyethylene oxide terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate. It is also contemplated that other biodegradable or bioerodible copolymers could be utilized if desired. - Although it is preferred to form the
suture retainer 1300 of a biodegradable material, the suture retainer could be formed of a material which is not biodegradable. For example, the suture retainer could be formed of an acetyl resin, such as “Delrin” (trademark). Alternatively, thesuture retainer 1300 could be formed of a para-dimethylamino-benzenediazo sodium sulfonate, such as “Dexon” (trademark). - It is preferred to effect cold flowing of the material of the
suture retainer 1300 without the addition of heat. However, it is contemplated that thesuture retainer 1300 could be heated to a temperature which is somewhat above the temperature of the body tissue. If desired, heat could be transmitted to the suture retainer through the force application members. Although thesuture retainer 1300 may be heated, the suture retainer would be maintained at a temperature below the transition temperature for the material of the suture retainer. Alternatively, thesuture retainer 1300 could be heated into its transition temperature range and plastically deformed by hot flowing of the material of the suture retainer rather than cold flowing of the material. - In the various embodiments of the invention illustrated herein, the suture, such as the
suture 1302 ofFIG. 52 , is formed of a monofilament which is biodegradable. However, it is contemplated that the sutures of any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated herein, such as thesuture 1302, could be formed of a plurality of interconnected filaments. These interconnected filaments could be either biodegradable or non-biodegradable. It may be preferred to form the suture of any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated herein of the same material as the associated suture retainer. Thus, thesuture 1302 ofFIG. 52 could be formed of the same material as thesuture retainer 1300. However, thesuture 1302 could be formed of a material which is different than the material of which thesuture retainer 1300 is formed. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 48-52 , thesuture 1302 is wrapped around aresilient member 1308. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 53 , the suture is wrapped around an axially tapered member and is-enclosed by a holder member. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 53 is generally similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-52 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. It should be understood that one or more of the features of the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-52 could be used with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 53 . - A suture retainer 1340 (
FIG. 53 ) includes an axially taperedmember 1342 and aholder member 1344 which encloses the axially taperedmember 1342 and a portion of asuture 1346. Thesuture 1346 is connected with a suture anchor (not shown) embedded in body tissue. Thesuture retainer 1340 is effective to transmit a predetermined force to the body tissue. A predetermined tension is maintained in the portion of thesuture 1346 disposed between thesuture retainer 1340 and the suture anchor. - Although the
suture 1346 has been described as being connected with a suture anchor embedded in body tissue, it is contemplated that thesuture 1346 could be connected with body tissue in a different manner if desired. For example, thesuture 1346 could be connected with body tissue in the manner illustrated inFIG. 1 , 9, 26, 36, 38, or 39 herein. Alternatively, thesuture 1346 could be connected with a second suture retainer which may have the same construction as thesuture retainer 1340, the construction of any one of the suture retainers disclosed herein, or the construction of other known suture retainers. - The axially tapered
member 1342 has anouter side surface 1350 which is formed as a portion of a right circular cone. Theouter side surface 1350 of the axially taperedmember 1342 extends between flat parallelcircular end surfaces outer side surface 1350 of the axially taperedmember 1342. Theend surface 1354 of the conical taperedmember 1342 has a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of theend surface 1352 of the taperedmember 1342. - The
holder member 1344 has a cylindricalouter side surface 1358. Theouter side surface 1358 extends between aflat end surface 1360 and acircular end surface 1362. The end surfaces 1360 and 1362 extend parallel to each other and are disposed in a coaxial relationship. Theholder member 1344 may have a configuration other than the cylindrical configuration illustrated inFIG. 53 . For example, theholder member 1344 may have a spherical configuration. - A
recess 1366 is formed in thecylindrical holder member 1344. Therecess 1366 is of the same size and configuration as the axially taperedmember 1342. Therecess 1366 is formed as a portion of a right circular cone. Therecess 1366 has an axially taperedinner side surface 1370 which has the same angle of taper as theouter side surface 1350 of the taperedmember 1342. If desired, the taper of theside surface 1370 of therecess 1366 could be slightly less than the taper in theouter side surface 1350 on the axially taperedmember 1342 to promote a wedging action between the axially tapered member and theholder member 1344. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 53 , the taper on theouter side surface 1350 of the axially taperedmember 1342 and the taper on theinner side surface 1370 of therecess 1366 in theholder member 1344 is the same. The tapers on the axially taperedmember 1342 and therecess 1366 are relatively small and provide a self-holding action. Although many different tapers could be utilized, it is contemplated that it may be preferred to use a taper of the Morse taper series. Of course, other known tapers could be utilized if desired. - The
suture 1346 is wrapped around the axially taperedmember 1342 before the axially tapered member is inserted into theholder member 1344. As thesuture 1346 is wrapped around the axially taperedmember 1342, a plurality of loops are formed in a spiral. This results in a continuous series of smooth arcuate bends, which are free of stress inducing discontinuities, being formed in thesuture 1346 as it is wrapped around the axially taperedmember 1342. After thesuture 1346 has been wrapped around the axially taperedmember 1342, the axially tapered member is inserted into therecess 1366 in theholder member 1344. If desired, a spiral groove may be formed in theouter side surface 1350 of the axially taperedmember 1342 to facilitate wrapping thesuture 1346 around the axially taperedmember 1342. - A predetermined force is transmitted between the
holder member 1344 and the body tissue as the axially taperedmember 1342 is moved into therecess 1346 in the holder member. In addition, a predetermined tension is maintained in the portion of thesuture 1346 extending between thesuture retainer 1340 and a suture anchor embedded in the body tissue. - The axially tapered
member 1342 and theholder member 1344 may be formed of a biodegradable or a bioerodible copolymer. Although it is believed that it will be preferred to use a biodegradable copolymer to form the axially taperedmember 1342 andholder member 1344, the axially tapered member and holder member could be formed of materials which are not biodegradable. Thesuture 1346 is formed as a continuous filament of biodegradable material. However, thesuture 1346 could be formed as a plurality of strands. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 53 , only a single section of thesuture 1346 is wrapped around the axially taperedmember 1342. However, a plurality of sections of thesuture 1346 could be wrapped around the axially taperedmember 1342 if desired. For example, two sections of thesuture 1346 could be wrapped around the axially taperedmember 1342 in the same direction, in much the same manner as in which twosections suture 52 are wrapped in the same direction around the body 184 of the suture retainer 190 ofFIG. 9 . Alternatively, two sections of thesuture 1346 could be wrapped around the axially taperedmember 1342 in opposite directions, in much the same manner as in which twosections suture 52 are wrapped in opposite directions around theconical body 242 of thesuture retainer 244 ofFIG. 13 . If desired, grooves, corresponding to the groove 194 ofFIG. 9 or thegrooves FIG. 13 , could be provided in the axially tapered member 1342 (FIG. 53 ). - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 54 , asuture retainer 1380 is formed by an externally threadedmember 1382 and an internally threadedholder member 1384. The externally threadedmember 1382 and theholder member 1384 cooperate to secure asuture 1386 against movement relative to body tissue. It should be understood that one or more of the features of the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-53 could be used with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 54 . - The externally threaded
member 1382 has a helicalexternal thread convolution 1390 which extends from aleading end portion 1392 of the externally threadedmember 1382 to a trailing or head end portion (not shown) of the externally threadedmember 1382. If desired, a force transmission element, such as a manually engagable handle or a hexagonal head engagable by a suitable tool, may be provided on the trailing end portion of the externally threadedmember 1382. If a manually engagable handle is provided, the handle could project outwardly of theexternal thread convolution 1390 and have suitably knurled surfaces for manual engagement by a surgeon. Alternatively, the externally threadedmember 1382 could have the configuration of any one or many known bolts. - The
holder member 1384 has aninternal thread convolution 1396 which extends between flatannular end surfaces cylindrical body section 1402 of theholder member 1384. Although theexternal thread convolution 1390 andinternal thread convolution 1396 have been schematically illustrated inFIG. 54 as having sharply defined crests and roots, thethread convolutions external thread convolutions - The
suture 1386 may have a distal end portion connected with a suture anchor embedded in body tissue, in the same manner as in which thesuture 1192 ofFIG. 45 is connected with thesuture anchor 1198 embedded in thebody tissue 1194. However, the suture 1386 (FIG. 54 ) could be connected with body tissue in a different manner if desired. For example, thesuture 1386 could be connected with body tissue in any one of the ways illustrated inFIGS. 1 , 9, 26, 36, and 38 herein. Of course, thesuture 1386 could be connected with body tissue in a different manner if desired. - When the
suture retainer 1380 is to be utilized to secure thesuture 1386 relative to body tissue, one or more sections of the suture are inserted through the internally threaded opening in theholder member 1384. Theholder member 1384 is then moved along the suture until theend surface 1400 on the holder member is disposed in abutting engagement with the body tissue. Thesuture 1386 is then tensioned with a predetermined force and theend surface 1400 on theholder member 1384 is pressed against the body tissue with a predetermined force. - The externally threaded
member 1382 is then moved into engagement with theholder member 1384. As theexternal thread convolution 1390 engages theinternal thread convolution 1396, the externally threadedmember 1382 is rotated about its central axis relative to theholder member 1384. The interaction between theexternal thread convolution 1390 andinternal thread convolution 1396 causes the externally threadedmember 1382 to move into theholder member 1384. As this occurs, thesuture 1386 is clamped between theexternal thread convolution 1390 andinternal thread convolution 1396. - The trailing end portion (not shown) of the externally threaded
member 1382 is provided with a head end surface which projects radially outward from theexternal thread convolution 1390. The head end surface moves into engagement with theend surface 1398 on theholder member 1384. When the head end surface on the trailing end portion of the externally threadedmember 1382 has moved into abutting engagement with theend surface 1398 on theholder member 1384, the helical, axially upward (as viewed inFIG. 54 ) facing flank on theexternal thread convolution 1390 is pressed firmly against the axially downward facing flank on theinternal thread convolution 1396. The helical upward facing flank of theexternal thread convolution 1390 and the helical downward facing flank of theinternal thread convolution 1396 securely grip thesuture 1386 with a clamping action at spaced apart locations along the length of thesuture 1386. The head end surface may be disposed on a hexagonal head end portion of the externally threadedmember 1382. - If desired, space can be provided between the helical crest of the
external thread convolution 1390 and the helical root of theinternal thread convolution 1396. Space can also be provided between the root of theexternal thread convolution 1390 and the crest of theinternal thread convolution 1396. This space would minimize any possibility of abrading thesuture 1386. If this is done, thesuture 1386 would be gripped by force transmitted between the helical flanks of theexternal thread convolution 1390 andinternal thread convolution 1396. Of course, rounding the crests and roots of the internal andexternal thread convolutions suture 1386. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 54 , only a single section of thesuture 1386 extends throughholder member 1384. However, a plurality of sections of thesuture 1386 could extend through theholder member 1384 if desired. For example, two sections of thesuture 1386 could extend through theholder member 1384 in much the same manner as in which twosections suture 52 extend through thesuture retainer 740 ofFIG. 34 . If desired, a force distribution member having a plurality of openings, that is, one for each section of the suture, could be provided between theholder member 1384 and body tissue. The force distribution member may have a construction similar to the construction of theforce distribution member 910 ofFIG. 36 . - It is contemplated that the externally threaded member 1382 (
FIG. 54 ) andholder member 1384 will be formed of a biodegradable or bioerodible polymer. However, the externally threadedmember 1382 and internally threadedmember 1384 could be formed of materials which are not biodegradable. - The
suture 1386 is formed of a biodegradable material. Thesuture 1386 may be formed as a monofilament or a plurality of interconnected filaments. Although it is believed that it will be preferred to form thesuture 1386 of a material which is biodegradable, thesuture 1386 could be formed of a material which is not biodegradable. - Once the externally threaded
member 1382 andholder member 1384 have been interconnected in the manner previously described, it is contemplated that the material of thesuture retainer 1380 may be plastically deformed to enhance the grip of the suture retainer on thesuture 1386. Thus, while thesuture retainer 1380 is being pressed against the body tissue with a predetermined force and while a predetermined tension is maintained in the portion of thesuture 1386 disposed between thesuture retainer 1380 and an anchor embedded in body tissue, a pair of force application members are pressed against opposite sides of the suture retainer in the manner indicated schematically inFIG. 34 . The force applied against thesuture retainer 1380 by the force application members plastically deforms the material of the suture retainer. - The plastic deformation of the
suture retainer 1380FIG. 54 ) is effective to cause cold flowing of the material of the suture retainer. The force applied against the suture retainer by the force application members will, in all probability, be effective to cause a greater cold flowing of the material of theholder member 1384 than of the externally threadedmember 1382. The cold flowing of the material of theholder member 1384 will result in a bonding of the material of the holder member and, to some extent at least, of the externally threadedmember 1382 with thesuture 1386 in the manner indicated schematically inFIG. 4 . - It is preferred to effect the cold flowing of the material of the
suture retainer 1380 without the addition of heat. However, it is contemplated that thesuture retainer 1380 could be heated to a temperature which is somewhat above the temperature of the body tissue. If desired, heat could be transmitted to the suture retainer through the force application members. Although thesuture retainer 1380 may be heated, the suture retainer would be maintained at a temperature below the transition temperature of the material of the suture retainer. - Under certain circumstances, it is believed that it may be desired to heat the
suture retainer 1380 into the transition temperature range of the material forming the externally threadedmember 1382 and theholder member 1384. When this is done, the force application members will effect a hot flowing of the material of the suture retainer rather than a cold flowing of the material. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 54 , a single section of thesuture 1386 extends through the internally threaded opening in thebody section 1402 of theholder member 1384. However, it is contemplated that one or more sections of thesuture 1386 could be wrapped around thebody section 1402 of theholder member 1384, in much the same manner as in which thesections suture 52 are wrapped around thesuture retainer 50 inFIG. 2 . This would result in a plurality of sections of thesuture 1386 extending through the internally threaded opening in thebody section 1402 of theholder member 1384. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 40-47 , atubular member FIGS. 55 and 56 , the bends are formed in the suture by interdigitating extensions or fingers. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 55 and 56 is similar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-54 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. It should be understood that one or more features of the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-54 may be used with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 55 and 56. - A
suture retainer 1410 includes aholder member 1412. Theholder member 1412 has a spherical configuration. Theholder member 1412 includes left and right (as viewed inFIG. 55 )sections sections sections suture 1418. If desired, thesuture retainer 1410 could have a configuration which is different than the illustrated spherical configuration. For example, thesuture retainer 1410 could be provided with a flat side surface which is pressed against body tissue. - The
suture 1418 is connected with an anchor (not shown) which is embedded in body tissue. Of course, as previously explained herein, thesuture 1418 could be connected with body tissue in a different manner if desired. A predetermined tension is maintained in a portion of thesuture 1418 disposed between thesuture retainer 1410 and the anchor. In addition, a predetermined force is transmitted from the suture retainer to the body tissue. - The
suture 1418 may have a distal end portion connected with a suture anchor embedded in body tissue, in the same manner as in which thesuture 1192 ofFIG. 45 is connected with thesuture anchor 1198 embedded in thebody tissue 1194. However, the suture 1418 (FIG. 55 ) could be connected with body tissue in a different manner if desired. For example, thesuture 1418 could be connected with body tissue in any one of the ways illustrated inFIGS. 1 , 9, 26, 36, and 38 herein. Of course, thesuture 1418 could be connected with body tissue in a different manner if desired. - The
section 1414 of theholder member 1412 is provided with a plurality of generally cylindrical fingers orprojections cylindrical recesses section 1416 of theholder member 1412. Similarly, a plurality of generally cylindrical fingers orprojections section 1416 of theholder member 1412 into generallycylindrical recesses 1438 and 1440 formed in thesection 1414 of theholder member 1412. It is contemplated that the number and configuration of the projections from thesections FIG. 55 . - The
projections section 1416 are interdigitated with or extend between theprojections section 1414. Thesuture 1418 is coextensive with the outer side surfaces of theprojections suture 1418 disposed in thesuture retainer 1410 having a serpentine configuration. The serpentine configuration of thesuture 1418 results in the formation of a plurality of bends where the suture extends across outer end portions of the fingers orprojections - The portion of the
suture 1418 disposed in thesuture retainer 1410 is firmly gripped between the fingers or projections and the side surfaces of the recesses in which the projections are disposed. Thus, a portion of thesuture 1418 is firmly gripped between theprojections section 1414 of theholder member 1412 and the side surfaces of therecesses section 1416 of theholder member 1412. Similarly, a portion of the suture is firmly gripped between theprojections section 1416 and the side surfaces of therecesses 1438 and 1440 formed in thesection 1414 of theholder member 1412. - A pair of
connectors 1450 and 1452 (FIG. 56 ) are provided to interconnect thesections holder member 1412. Theconnector 1450 includes alatch member 1456 which extends from thesection 1416 into arecess 1458 formed in thesection 1414. Thelatch member 1456 has a shoulder which abuts a surface of therecess 1458 to hold thesection 1414 against movement relative to thesection 1416. - Similarly, the
connector 1452 includes alatch member 1462 which extends from thesection 1414 into arecess 1464 formed in thesection 1416. Thelatch member 1542 abuts a surface on therecess 1464 to hold thesection 1414 against movement relative to thesection 1416 of theholder member 1412. - Although one specific type of
connector FIG. 56 to interconnect thesections holder member 1412, it should understood that other known types of connectors could be utilized if desired. For example, a circular band could be provided around the outside of thesuture retainer 1410 to hold the twosections - When the
suture retainer 1410 is to be used to secure thesuture 1418 relative to body tissue, a predetermined force is applied to thesuture 1418 to tension the suture. The twosections holder member 1412 are pressed against body tissue with a predetermined force. The twosections suture 1418 with thefingers section 1414 aligned with therecesses section 1416. In addition, thefingers section 1416 are aligned with therecesses 1438 and 1440 in thesection 1414. The twosections suture 1418 into therecesses sections latch members connectors recesses sections holder member 1412. - The two
sections holder member 1412 may be formed of many different materials. However, it is believed that it will be preferred to form thesections suture retainer 1410 could be formed of polyethylene oxide terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate. It is also contemplated that other biodegradable or bioerodible polymers could be utilized if desired. - Although it is preferred to form the
suture retainer 1410 of a biodegradable material, the suture retainer could be formed of a material which is not biodegradable. For example, the suture retainer could be formed of acetyl resin, such as “Delrin” (trademark). Alternatively, thesuture retainer 1410 could be formed of a para-dimethylamino-benzenediazo sodium sulfonate, such as “Dexon” (trademark). - In order to obtain a firmer grip on the
suture 1418 with thesuture retainer 1410, the suture retainer may be plastically deformed after the twosections suture retainer 1410 have been interconnected by theconnectors 1450 and 1452 (FIG. 56 ). While thesuture retainer 1410 is being pressed against the body tissue with a predetermined force and a predetermined tension is maintained in the portion of thesuture 1418 between the anchor and the suture retainer, a pair of force application members are pressed against opposite sides of the suture retainer. The force applied against thesuture retainer 1410 by the force application members plastically deforms the material of the suture retainer. - The plastic deformation of the
suture retainer 1410 is effective to cause cold flowing of material of the suture retainer. Force is applied against thesuture retainer 1410 at a temperature below a transition temperature range for the material of the suture retainer. The force application members which apply force against thesuture retainer 1410 may have a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the force application members ofFIG. 3 or the force application members ofFIG. 18 . - It is preferred to effect cold flowing of the material of the
suture retainer 1410 without the addition of heat. However, it is contemplated that thesuture retainer 1410 could be heated to a temperature which is somewhat above the temperature of the body tissue with which the suture retainer is associated. If desired, heat could be transmitted to thesuture retainer 1410 through the force application members which effect plastic deformation of thesuture retainer 1410. Although thesuture retainer 1410 may be heated, thesuture retainer 1410 would be maintained at a temperature below the transition temperature for the material of the suture retainer. However, if desired, the suture retainer could be heated to a temperature in the transition temperature range for the material of the suture retainer. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 55 and 56 , a single section of the suture is gripped by thesuture retainer 1410. However, it is contemplated that a plurality of sections of thesuture 1418 could be gripped by thesuture retainer 1410 if desired. For example, two sections of thesuture 1418 could extend through thesuture retainer 1410 in a side-by-side relationship. Alternatively, two separate sets of projections and recesses could be provided. If this was done, one section of thesuture 1418 would extend along one set of projections and recesses and the second section of the suture would extend along the second set of projections and recesses. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 57 and 58 , a pair of cam members are utilized to secure a suture relative to body tissue. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 57 and 58 is similar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-56 , similar terminology will be utilized to identify similar components. It should be understood that one or more of the features of the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-56 may be used with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 57 and 58 . - A
suture retainer 1472 is utilized to secure asuture 1474 against movement relative to body tissue. Thesuture retainer 1472 includes aholder 1476 which encloses a portion of thesuture 1474. A portion of the suture disposed between thesuture retainer 1472 and an anchor embedded in the body tissue is tensioned with a predetermined force. In addition, a predetermined force is transmitted from thesuture retainer 1472 to the body tissue. - The
suture 1474 may have a distal end portion connected with a suture anchor embedded in body tissue, in the same manner as in which thesuture 1192 ofFIG. 45 is connected with thesuture anchor 1198 embedded in thebody tissue 1194. However, the suture 1474 (FIGS. 57 and 58 ) could be connected with body tissue in a different manner if desired. For example, thesuture 1474 could be connected with body tissue in any one of the ways illustrated inFIGS. 1 , 9, 26, 36, and 38 herein. Of course, thesuture 1474 could be connected with body tissue in a different manner if desired. - The
holder 1476 includes a front panel 1478 (FIG. 57 ) and a rear panel 1480 (FIG. 58 ). A pair of mounting pins or bearingsections rear panels suture 1474 extends between the front andrear panels suture 1474 is disposed midway between thepins - A left (as viewed in
FIG. 58 )cam member 1490 is mounted on thepin 1484. A right (as viewed inFIG. 58 )cam member 1492 is mounted on thepin 1486. Thecam members pins cam member 1490 to rotate in a clockwise direction (as viewed inFIG. 58 ). Similarly, a suitable spring (not shown) is provided to urge thecam member 1492 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed inFIG. 58 ). - The
cam member 1490 has anose portion 1496 withteeth 1498. Similarly, thecam member 1492 has anose portion 1502 withteeth 1504. Theteeth 1498 on thecam member 1490 mesh with theteeth 1504 on thecam member 1492. A portion of thesuture 1474 is disposed in engagement with theteeth 1498 and theteeth 1504. Theteeth cam members suture 1474 to impart a serpentine configuration to the suture. - When the
suture retainer 1492 is to be utilized to secure thesuture 1474 against movement relative to body tissue 1510 (FIG. 58 ), thesuture 1474 is positioned between thecam members FIG. 58 . Thesuture retainer 1492 is then moved along thesuture 1474 toward thebody tissue 1510. At this time, thecam members suture 1474 by the biasing springs associated with the cam members. Theholder 1476 is moved into engagement with the body tissue and pressed against the body tissue with a predetermined force. At the same time, thesuture 1474 is tensioned with a predetermined force. - The
suture 1474 is then released. The tension in the portion of the suture between thesuture retainer 1472 and a suture anchor embedded in thebody tissue 1510 causes thecam member 1490 to tend to rotate in a clockwise direction about the mountingpin 1484. Similarly, the force applied by thesuture 1474 against thecam member 1492 tends to rotate the cam member in a counterclockwise direction about the mountingpin 1484. As this occurs, theteeth nose portions suture 1474. - The
suture retainer 1472 may be formed of many different materials. However, it is believed that it will be preferred to form thesuture retainer 1472 of a biodegradable polymer. Thus, theholder 1476,cam members cam members suture retainer 1492 could be formed of polyethylene oxide terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate. It is also contemplated that other biodegradable or bioerodible copolymers could be utilized if desired. - Although it is preferred to form the
suture retainer 1472 of a biodegradable material, the suture retainer could formed of a material which is not biodegradable. For example, the suture retainer could be formed of an acetyl resin, such as “Delrin” (trademark). Alternatively, thesuture retainer 1472 could be formed of a para-dimethylamino-benzenediazo sodium sulfonate, such as “Dexon” (trademark). - The
suture 1474 may be formed of natural or synthetic materials. Thesuture 1474 may be a monofilament or may be formed of a plurality of interconnected filaments. Thesuture 1474 may be biodegradable or non-biodegradable. It may be preferred to form thesuture 1474 of the same material as thesuture retainer 1472. However, thesuture 1474 could be formed of a material which is different than the material of the suture retainer. - Once the
suture retainer 1472 has gripped thesuture 1474 while a predetermined force is being transmitted between theholder 1476 and thebody tissue 1510 and while the portion of the suture disposed between thesuture retainer 1472 and a suture anchor embedded in the body tissue is tensioned with a predetermined force, thesuture retainer 1472 may be plastically deformed to increase the grip of the suture retainer on the suture. A pair of force application members are pressed against opposite sides of thesuture retainer 1472 to plastically deform the material of the suture retainer. The force transmitting members may have the same construction as the force transmitting members illustrated inFIG. 3 herein. - The plastic deformation of the
suture retainer 1472 is effective to cause cold flowing of material of the suture retainer. Thus, the force application members are effective to cause flowing of the material of thesuture retainer 1472 at a temperature below a transition temperature range for the material of the suture retainer. The cold flowing of the material of thesuture retainer 1472 enables the material of the suture retainer to bond to and obtain a firm grip on the suture in the manner illustrated schematically inFIG. 4 . The cold flowing of the material of thesuture retainer 1472 occurs at a temperature which is close to the temperature of thebody tissue 1510 and below the transition temperature range of the material forming the suture retainer. However, if desired, thesuture retainer 1472 could be heated into its transition temperature range before being plastically deformed. - In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 1-58 , various types of suture retainers for use in securing a suture relative to body tissue have been illustrated. The embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 59 is not limited to any particular suture retainer construction. However, similar terminology will be utilized in describing the components of the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 59 as were previously utilized in connection with the embodiments of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-58 . - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 59 , a relatively thick layer of tissue, designated by the numeral 1520 is to be connected with a relatively thin layer of tissue, designated by thenumeral 1522. Atissue fixation system 1524 is utilized to interconnect the thick and thin layers of tissue. Thetissue fixation system 1524 is located a precise distance from anend 1526 of the thick layer oftissue 1520 and anend 1528 of thethin layer 1522 of tissue. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, thetissue fixation system 1524 is located the same distance from theend 1526 of the thick layer of tissue as in which the tissue fixation system is located from theend 1528 of the thin layer of tissue. This results in the two layers of tissue growing together with a minimum of scarring. In addition, thetissue fixation system 1524 holds thethick layer 1520 andthin layer 1522 of tissue against shifting relative to each other. - If a staple or a loop-type suture was used to interconnect the
thick layer 1520 and thethin layer 1522 of tissue, shifting would occur between the two layers of tissue. This shifting would occur inside of the loop formed by the suture or the staple. The shifting can result in excessive scarring and could result in a non-uniform repair of the tissue. The obtaining of a uniform repair of tissue is particularly important when interconnecting a conduit, such as a blood vessel, which has been severed. By using thetissue fixation system 1524, shifting movement can not occur between the two layers of tissue being interconnected. This prevents one of the layers of tissue from being deflected into the path of flow of material, such as blood, through the conduit in a manner which restricts the conduit and subsequently results in a blockage. - The specific
tissue fixation system 1524 illustrated inFIG. 59 includes asuture anchor 1532 which is disposed in engagement with anouter side surface 1534 of thethin layer 1522 of tissue. Asuture 1536 extends through both thethin layer 1522 of tissue and thethick layer 1520 of tissue. Thesuture 1536 is disposed the same distance from theend 1526 of the thick layer of tissue as it is located from theend 1528 of thethin layer 1522 of tissue. A suture retainer 1538 is connected with a portion of thesuture 1536 opposite from thesuture anchor 1532. - When the
tissue fixation system 1524 is to be utilized to repair body tissue, thethick layer 1520 andthin layer 1522 of body tissue are positioned in abutting engagement with each other. At this time, theends thin layers suture anchor 1532, with thesuture 1536 connected thereto, may then be inserted through both thethick layer 1520 of tissue and thethin layer 1522 of tissue. Thesuture anchor 1532 is positioned in engagement with theouter side surface 1534 of the thin layer oftissue 1522. Alternatively, thesuture anchor 1532 could be embedded in the thin layer oftissue 1532. - It is contemplated that a suture anchor inserter having a construction similar to the construction disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,002 will be utilized to move the
suture anchor 1532 through the two layers of body tissue. The suture anchor may have the same construction and be positioned relative to the body tissue in the manner disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,549,631 and/or 5,569,305. Of course other known suture anchor inserters could be used to position suture anchors having different constructions relative to thetissue - Once the
suture 1536 has been inserted through thethick layer 1520 andthin layer 1522 of tissue, asuture retainer 1540 is moved along thesuture 1536 into abutting engagement with anouter side surface 1542 of thethick layer 1520 of body tissue. Thesuture retainer 1540 may have the same construction as thesuture retainer 50 ofFIGS. 1-5 . Alternatively, thesuture retainer 1540 could have any one of the constructions illustrated inFIGS. 6-58 . However, thesuture retainer 1540 could have a different construction if desired. If desired, a force distribution member could be provided between thesuture retainer 1540 and thethick layer 1520 of body tissue. - The
suture 1536 is then tensioned with a predetermined force which is a function of the size of thesuture 1536. Thesuture retainer 1540 is pressed against thethick layer 1520 of body tissue with a predetermined force while the predetermined tension is maintained in the portion of thesuture 1536 disposed between thesuture retainer 1540 and thesuture anchor 1532. While this tension is maintained, thesuture retainer 1540 is secured to thesuture retainer 1536. - Once the
suture retainer 1540 has been secured to thesuture retainer 1536, it is contemplated that it may be desired to plastically deform thesuture retainer 1540 to increase the grip of the suture retainer on thesuture 1536. A pair of force application members may be pressed against opposite sides of thesuture retainer 1540 to effect a cold flowing of material of the suture retainer. The cold flowing of the material of thesuture retainer 1540 enables the material of thesuture retainer 1540 to bond to and obtain a firm grip on thesuture 1536. The cold flowing of the material of thesuture retainer 1540 may occur at a temperature which is below the transition temperature of the material forming the suture retainer. Alternatively, thesuture retainer 1540 may be heated to a temperature which is within its transition temperature range and then plastically deformed. - Since the
suture 1536 extends along a straight line through thethick layer 1520 andthin layer 1522 of tissue, there is no tendency for the one of the layers of tissue to shift relative to the other layer of tissue. The straight line application of force through thesuture 1536 makes certain that the suture remains at a precise distance from theends thick layer 1520 andthin layer 1522 of tissue. - It is contemplated that a plurality of suture fixation systems, having the same construction as the
suture fixation system 1524, will be provided at uniformly spaced apart locations along the ends of the thick and thin layers of tissue. The tissue fixation systems will be positioned predetermined distances apart in an array which extends along theends thin layers ends thick layer 1520 andthin layer 1522 of tissue. - For example, each of the
tissue fixation systems 1524 could be positioned exactly five millimeters from theend 1526 of the thick layer of tissue and exactly five millimeters from theend 1528 of thethin layer 1522 of tissue. All of thetissue fixation systems 1524 in the array of tissue fixation systems would be spaced the same distance from theends thick layer 1520 and thin layer of tissue. Of course, thetissue fixation systems 1524 could all be positioned at a distance other than five millimeters from the ends of the thick andthin layers - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 59 , thetissue fixation system 1524 includes asuture anchor 1532 and asuture retainer 1540. However, it is contemplated that a pair of suture retainers could be connected with opposite end portions of thesuture 1536. Although it is believed that it will probably be preferred to provide suture retainers having the same construction at opposite end portions of thesuture 1536, the suture retainers at opposite end portions of thesuture 1536 could have different constructions. - When the array of
tissue fixation systems 1524 have been positioned along theends thin layers inner side surface 1546 on thethick layer 1520 of tissue will be disposed in abutting engagement with aninner side surface 1548 on thethin layer 1522 of tissue. Theinner side surfaces thick layer 1520 andthin layer 1522 of tissue will be pressed together with the same force at each of thetissue fixation systems 1524 disposed in the linear array of tissue fixation systems. - It is contemplated that the
thick layer 1520 of tissue may have a tubular configuration and that thethin layer 1522 of tissue may also have a tubular configuration. Theend 1526 of thethick layer 1520 of tissue would have a circular configuration. Similarly, theend 1528 of thethin layer 1522 of tissue would have a circular configuration. The thick andthin layers ends tissue fixation systems 1524. It should be understood that the specific and presently preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated herein are only examples of many different embodiments of the invention which are possible. In describing the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, similar terminology has been used to designate components which are similar in structure and function. The specific features of any one embodiment of the invention may be utilized in association with any of the other embodiments of the invention. For example, it is contemplated that any one of the suture retainers ofFIGS. 1-58 could be utilized in the tissue fixation system illustrated inFIG. 59 .
Claims (21)
1. An apparatus adapted to secure a suture relative to body tissue, the apparatus comprising:
an at least in part tubular member having an exterior and a longitudinal passage, the longitudinal passage being configured to permit at least a portion of the suture to be received within and extend through the tubular member, and the tubular member being formed of a deformable material effective to permit a substantial deformation of the tubular member from a first configuration to a second configuration, the second configuration being effective to secure the suture relative to the tissue, the tubular member being configured to deform from the first configuration to the second configuration when tension is applied to the suture with the at least a portion of the suture positioned with the longitudinal passage of the tubular member.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tubular member includes at least one notch in the tubular member to expose a portion of the suture positioned within the longitudinal passage to the exterior of the tubular member.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the tubular member includes two notches in the tubular member, the suture extending through the tubular member and having portions exposed to the exterior of the tubular member in at least two separate locations along the tubular member.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the deformable material includes a polymeric material.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the deformable material is biodegradable.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the biodegradable material is at least one of a biodegradable polymer and a bioerodible copolymer.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the deformable material has a low coefficient of friction.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tubular member is configured to be bendable proximate a mid-point of the tubular member.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tubular member is configured to form a plurality of bendable portions.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tubular member is configured to be foldable to an overall length in the second configuration that is less than an overall length in the first configuration.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tubular member is configured to be bendable into a U-shaped configuration.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tubular member has a length and the suture has a length that is substantially greater than the length of the tubular member.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the suture is slideably received within the longitudinal passage.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tubular member is configured to deform by compression from the first configuration to the second configuration.
15. A method for securing a suture in tissue of a subject, the method comprising:
utilizing an at least in part tubular member having an exterior and a hollow interior including a longitudinal passage, the longitudinal passage having at least a portion of the suture received therein such that the suture extends at least in part through the central longitudinal passage, the longitudinal passage being configured to permit the suture to slide therein relative to the tubular member, the tubular member being formed of a deformable material, the tubular member containing therein a portion of the suture that extends at least partially through the tubular member;
applying tension to the suture; and
deforming the tubular member from a first configuration to a compressed configuration, the tubular member in the compressed configuration being effective to secure the suture relative to the tissue of the subject.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the tubular member has at least one notch in the tubular member such that the portion of the suture is exposed through the at least one notch, the exposed portion of the suture being visible through the exterior of the tubular member.
17. The method of claim 15 , wherein the tubular member has two notches in the tubular member such that the portion of the suture is exposed through the notches in at least two separate locations along the tubular member.
18. The method of claim 15 , wherein the deformable material of the tubular member includes a polymeric material.
19. The method of claim 15 , wherein the deformable material is biodegradable.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the biodegradable material is at least one of a biodegradable polymer and a bioerodible copolymer.
21. The method of claim 15 , further comprising sliding the suture within the longitudinal passage of the tubular member.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US08/905,084 US6010525A (en) | 1997-08-01 | 1997-08-01 | Method and apparatus for securing a suture |
US09/348,940 US6159234A (en) | 1997-08-01 | 1999-07-07 | Method and apparatus for securing a suture |
US09/523,442 US6475230B1 (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2000-03-10 | Method and apparatus for securing a suture |
US10/266,231 US7048755B2 (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2002-10-08 | Method and apparatus for securing a suture |
US11/438,537 US20060212073A1 (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2006-05-22 | Method and apparatus for securing a suture |
US11/932,907 US20080140117A1 (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2007-10-31 | Method and apparatus for securing a suture |
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US11/932,907 Continuation US20080140117A1 (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2007-10-31 | Method and apparatus for securing a suture |
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US20140025110A1 true US20140025110A1 (en) | 2014-01-23 |
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US10/266,231 Expired - Lifetime US7048755B2 (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2002-10-08 | Method and apparatus for securing a suture |
US11/438,537 Abandoned US20060212073A1 (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2006-05-22 | Method and apparatus for securing a suture |
US11/932,907 Abandoned US20080140117A1 (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2007-10-31 | Method and apparatus for securing a suture |
US14/030,941 Abandoned US20140025110A1 (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2013-09-18 | Apparatus and method for securing a suture |
US14/032,087 Abandoned US20140018854A1 (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2013-09-19 | Device and method for securing a suture |
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US10/266,231 Expired - Lifetime US7048755B2 (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2002-10-08 | Method and apparatus for securing a suture |
US11/438,537 Abandoned US20060212073A1 (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2006-05-22 | Method and apparatus for securing a suture |
US11/932,907 Abandoned US20080140117A1 (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2007-10-31 | Method and apparatus for securing a suture |
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US14/032,087 Abandoned US20140018854A1 (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2013-09-19 | Device and method for securing a suture |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20030032983A1 (en) | 2003-02-13 |
US20060212073A1 (en) | 2006-09-21 |
US6475230B1 (en) | 2002-11-05 |
US20080140117A1 (en) | 2008-06-12 |
US20140018854A1 (en) | 2014-01-16 |
US7048755B2 (en) | 2006-05-23 |
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Owner name: BONUTTI SKELETAL INNOVATIONS LLC, TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:P TECH LLC;REEL/FRAME:031944/0092 Effective date: 20121219 |
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