Systems and methods for soft tissue reconstruction

Abstract

Suture-based fasteners and fastening methods for soft tissue reconstruction are described that can include a needle tip swaged onto two sutures and loaded onto the end of a curved needle shaft. The needle shaft and tip can be driven through the tissues to be sutured and back out to where the needle tip can make a permanent connection with a locking bead. The needle shaft can be retracted, leaving two sutures extending from the side of the bead. One suture can be of nonabsorbable material and can be brought through the end of the locking bead opposite the tip and pulled to tighten the suture loop. The other suture can be of an absorbable material and can be used to rotate the locking bead under one of the layers of tissue being sutured after the suture loop is tightened. Following rotation, the second suture can be trimmed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 740,132, filed Dec. 18, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,338,502, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 434,740, filed on Dec. 18, 2002. The aforementioned patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The invention relates generally to the use of soft tissue fixation devices and application instruments and accessories used in reconstructive soft tissue surgery.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Surgical procedures often involve the apposition of tissues with the use of sutures or other devices, such as metallic clips or staples. Reconstructive surgical procedures depend on the permanent approximation of tissues, usually with the use of nonabsorbable suture material. In pelvic reconstructive surgery, for example, several approaches are commonly used to treat various types of pelvic support defects, including cystocele...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a new type of fastener that can be used in surgery to connect tissues together without leaving any knots. This design is comfortable for surgeons who are used to standard suturing techniques. The fasteners are designed to promote faster healing and prevent complications like infection. The method involves using a loop in the suture to form a closed ring, which is then tightened and rotated to place the engaging mechanism within the tissue. This results in a knot-free, tight suture loop that can help promote reepithelialization and healing of the tissue. Overall, this new technology can improve the outcomes of surgery and make it safer for patients."

Problems solved by technology

Although vaginal surgery is associated with decreased morbidity, length of stay and recovery compared with abdominal surgery, there is evidence that it may lead to greater denervation and increased rates of recurrent prolapse and need for reoperation.

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