Suture fasteners and methods of use
AssigneeEvalve, Inc.
InventorsBrian B. Martin, Troy L. Thornton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention provides apparatuses, systems, methods and kits for fastening sutures or similar devices used in medical surgical procedures. In particular, the present invention is suitable for use with percutaneous or minimally invasive procedures in which sutures are placed with catheter-based devices wherein the tying of knots is particularly challenging. Suture fasteners of the present invention provide for fastening the sutures together in a fixed position at any location along the suture strands. In addition, the fasteners are adjustable to allow repositioning of the fastener after placement to a new desired location along the suture strands. Similarly, such fasteners may be used to hold a single suture strand for various applications.
Claims64
A suture fastener for adjustably holding one or more suture strands comprising:
- at least one fastening element comprised of a shape-recovery material, wherein the element has a tensioned position for engaging the suture strands while allowing sliding of the element relative to the suture strands and a relaxed shape-recovery position for holding the strands in a fixed position relative to the element or to each other.
A method for securing two or more suture strands together, comprising the steps of:
- providing at least one fastening element comprised of a shape-recovery material, wherein the element is in a tensioned position for engaging the suture strands while allowing sliding of the element relative to the suture strands;
- engaging the suture strands with the element;
- and
- transitioning the element to a relaxed shape-recovery position wherein the strands are in a fixed position relative to the element or to each other.
A system for adjustably holding one or more suture strands comprising:
- at least one fastening element comprised of a shape-recovery material, wherein the element has a tensioned position for engaging the suture strands while allowing sliding of the element relative to the suture strands and a relaxed shape-recovery position for holding the strands in a fixed position relative to the element or to each other;
- and
- a loading tool having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen therethrough, wherein the element is loadable on the loading tool.
A suture fastening system for adjustably holding one or more suture strands comprising:
- a delivery catheter comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therethrough;
- and
- a suture fastener loadable on the distal end of the delivery catheter, said fastener comprising a ratcheting mechanism which is adapted to hold a suture strand at a first location and then release the strand and hold the strand at a second location upon adjustment, wherein the first and second locations are a predetermined distance apart.
A method for adjustably holding a suture strand comprising the steps of:
- providing a delivery catheter comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therethrough;
- loading a suture fastener on the distal end of the delivery catheter, said fastener comprising a ratcheting mechanism which is adapted to hold the suture strand at a first location and then hold the strand at a second location upon adjustment, wherein the first and second locations are a predetermined distance apart;
- and
- engaging the suture fastener with the suture strand at the first location.
A kit for adjustably holding one or more suture strands comprising:
- at least one fastening element comprised of a shape-recovery material, wherein the element has a tensioned position for engaging the suture strands while allowing sliding of the element relative to the suture strands and a relaxed shape-recovery position for holding the strands in a fixed position relative to the element or to each other;
- and
- instructions for use.
A kit for adjustably holding one or more suture strands comprising:
- a suture fastener comprising a ratcheting mechanism which is adapted to hold a suture strand at first location and then release the strand and hold the strand at a second location upon adjustment, wherein the first and second locations are a predetermined distance apart;
- and
- instructions for use.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.