System and method for attaching soft tissue to bone

A suture anchor, comprising:

• a distal portion configured to engage bone, the distal portion comprising a proximally facing surface;
• a proximal portion comprising a distally facing surface;
• and
• a medial portion comprising a proximally facing surface and a distally facing surface, wherein the anchor is configured to secure at least one suture by clamping between the proximally facing surface of the distal portion and the distally facing surface of the medial portion and adapted to secure at least one other suture by clamping between the distally facing surface of the proximal portion and the proximally facing surface of the medial portion.

A method of attaching two or more sutures to a suture anchor, the method comprising:

• moving a first suture laterally into a first suture capture mechanism on the suture anchor;
• moving a second suture laterally into a second suture capture mechanism on the suture anchor;
• actuating the first suture capture mechanism to secure the first suture to the suture anchor;
• and
• actuating the second suture capture mechanism to secure the second suture to the suture anchor.

A method of attaching soft tissue to bone, comprising:

• inserting a first, second, and third anchor into the bone;
• securing a first suture between the first and second anchors over the soft tissue, wherein securing the first suture to the first anchor comprises laterally moving the first suture into a first suture capture mechanism;
• and
• securing a second suture between the first and third anchors over the soft tissue, wherein securing the second suture to the first anchor comprises laterally moving the second suture into a second suture capture mechanism.

A suture anchor inserter, comprising:

• a handle;
• a tube coupled to the handle configured to engage an actuatable suture anchor;
• a shape memory alloy wire coupled to the handle and coupled to the actuatable suture anchor;
• and
• a heating element configured to heat the shape memory alloy wire, thereby causing the wire to contract relative to the tube and actuate the suture anchor.

A suture anchor inserter, comprising:

• a handle;
• a tube coupled to the handle configured to engage an actuatable suture anchor;
• a wire coupled to the handle and coupled to the actuatable suture anchor;
• and
• a motor configured to move the wire axially relative to the tube, thereby actuating the suture anchor.