Medical device for repair of tissue and method for implantation and fixation

Abstract

The present invention relates to medical devices for repairing tissue and more specifically to devices which facilitate tissue regeneration and to surgical methods for the implantation and fixation of such devices. In one embodiment, the medical device is an elongate conduit that includes a longitudinal bore extending therethrough to facilitate the transfer of blood from a vascular region of tissue to a tear or damaged area located in an avascular and / or semi-vascular region of tissue. A filament and / or filaments are attached to the conduit and are positioned to secure the conduit and fixate the adjacent tear walls in mutual engagement. In another embodiment, a series of conduits are connected via a filament and / or filaments to facilitate the implantation of multiple conduits.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 462,728, filed on Aug. 7, 2006, and entitled “MEDICAL DEVICE FOR REPAIR OF TISSUE AND METHOD FOR IMPLANTATION AND FIXATION,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to medical devices for repairing tissue and more specifically to devices which facilitate tissue regeneration and to surgical methods for the implantation and fixation thereof.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Various parts of the human body are comprised of fibrocartilage. Fibrocartilage forms the disc, meniscus, and labrums, located in the spine and temporo-mandibular joint, knee, and shoulder and hip, respectively. Additionally, fibrocartilage is present in other parts of the human body, such as fingers, wrists, and ankles. Fibrocartilage is a resilient, compressive tissue capable of acc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a medical device for repairing tissue that allows blood, biological factors, and cells to be transferred from a vascular region to a torn or damaged area in an avascular or semi-vascular region. The device includes an elongate conduit with a longitudinal bore for transferring these factors and cells, and a filament attached to the conduit for fixating the adjacent tear walls. The device can be implanted in tissue with one end adjacent to the tear area, allowing for efficient delivery of blood, biological factors, and cells. The device can also provide biological treatments, drugs, or other substances to the tear area. The method for implanting the device includes positioning the conduit and filament in the desired position and securing them in place. The technical effects of the invention include facilitating tissue regeneration and providing a secure and efficient means for repairing tissue damage.

Problems solved by technology

Tears may occur due to the existence of prior defects in the fibrocartilage, shear loading of the fibrocartilage, and / or compounded loading resulting from repetitive compressive loading occurring over a period of time.

Additionally, fibrocartilage can deteriorate as a result of aging, resulting in hard and / or soft areas which further facilitate the creation of tears therein.

Additionally, these procedures may be performed when there is fibrillation and / or degeneration caused by defects in an avascular or limited vascular area, since these injuries are unlikely to heal.

However, cartilage wear on the condylar or tibial plateau surfaces and the eventual development of osteoarthritis may occur as a result of the meniscectomy.

Additionally, the onset of osteoarthritis may lead to more chronic conditions resulting in the need for a total knee replacement procedure.

While the device disclosed in Schwartz '926 is effective, the walls of the fibrocartilage tear may actually be pushed apart during implantation of the stent and prevent effective healing of the tear.

Additionally, even when the sides of the tear are properly aligned, the tear walls may loosen or migrate over time.

Further, the blood dissemination apertures in the stent may not be as effective in providing maximum blood flow to the area of interest as desired to effect healing.

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